JOB TITLE/LOCATION:Manager of Contracts ~ Oxford, CT
SUMMARY:The Manager of Contracts is responsible for the administration, negotiation, execution, and compliance management of commercial, aerospace, defense, and industrial customer contracts across multiple business units within RBC Bearings. This role serves as a key liaison between Sales, Business Development, Engineering, Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, Finance, and Legal to ensure contractual obligations are understood, communicated, and executed effectively while minimizing business risk.
The ideal candidate will possess strong expertise in contract negotiation, aerospace and defense customer requirements, commercial terms and conditions, and regulatory compliance within a highly engineered manufacturing environment. The Manager of Contracts will play a critical role in supporting strategic growth initiatives, customer relationships, and operational performance.
CORE RESPONSIBILITIES:- Lead the review, negotiation, drafting, and administration of customer contracts, long-term agreements (LTAs), NDAs, purchase agreements, and amendments.
- Analyze and interpret customer terms and conditions to identify contractual, financial, operational, and legal risks.
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders including Sales, Program Management, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Operations, and Finance to ensure alignment on contractual commitments.
- Support aerospace and defense programs involving OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, military, and government-related customers.
- Manage contract compliance requirements associated with aerospace and defense industry standards and customer-specific requirements.
- Coordinate contract approvals and maintain proper documentation and records management systems.
- Participate in customer negotiations regarding pricing structures, delivery requirements, warranty provisions, liability limitations, and other commercial terms.
- Assist with bid and proposal review activities to ensure contractual requirements are properly addressed prior to quotation submission.
- Monitor contract performance metrics, milestones, renewals, and change orders.
- Identify opportunities to improve contractual processes, risk mitigation procedures, and cross-functional communication.
- Support internal and external audits related to customer contracts and regulatory compliance.
- Work closely with senior leadership on strategic business initiatives and high-value customer agreements.
- Provide guidance and training to internal teams regarding contractual obligations and compliance requirements.
- Maintain awareness of industry trends, government regulations, and aerospace/defense contractual standards.
QUALIFICATIONS & EDUCATION:- Bachelor's Degree in Business, Supply Chain, Engineering, Finance, Legal Studies, or related field required.
- Minimum 5-10 years of experience in contract management, program management, business development, or commercial operations within aerospace, defense, or industrial manufacturing.
- Strong understanding of aerospace manufacturing environments, engineered products, and customer contract requirements.
- Experience negotiating commercial agreements and customer terms & conditions.
- Familiarity with FAR/DFARS, aerospace quality systems, and defense contracting requirements preferred.
- Strong analytical, negotiation, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to interact effectively across all organizational levels.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Office applications including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
- Experience working with OEM and Tier 1 aerospace customers strongly preferred.
PREFERRED SKILLS:- Knowledge of AS9100 and aerospace quality requirements.
- Experience supporting military, defense, and government-related contracts.
- Strong business acumen and financial analysis capabilities.
- Ability to influence and lead cross-functional teams without direct authority.
- Detail-oriented with strong documentation and compliance management skills.
RBC Bearings offers a competitive benefit package. Interested candidates may send resumes to: [redacted]
