Senior Contracts Manager

Leidos Holding • $116K — $210K *
Aerospace & Defense
11 - 15 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • BA degree with 12-15 years or Master's with 10-13 years of relevant experience
  • Deep knowledge of government contracts and FAR/DFAR regulations
  • Experience leading RFP reviews and contract volume preparations
  • Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
  • Active TS/SCI-CI Poly security clearance required

Responsibilities

  • Serve as the lead contracts advisor for Intelligence Community programs
  • Develop acquisition and contracting strategies with program leaders
  • Lead complex negotiations with government and industry partners
  • Identify and mitigate contractual and operational risks
  • Collaborate with internal teams to resolve business challenges
  • Build trusted relationships with government counterparts
  • Mentor contracts professionals and support continuous improvement initiatives

Benefits

  • Opportunity to contribute to national security missions
  • Access to resources and support for career advancement
  • Dynamic work environment focused on innovation
  • Engagement with mission-critical programs
  • Collaborative culture that values strategic thinking
Full Job Description

Senior Contracts Manager – National Solutions

Shape the Future of National Security

Leidos is seeking a highly accomplished Senior Contracts Manager to join the National Solutions Business Area within the Intelligence Sector. This role offers a unique opportunity to support some of the Intelligence Community’s most critical national security missions while partnering with business leaders, program teams, and government customers to deliver innovative solutions that protect our nation.

The ideal candidate is a strategic contracts professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys solving complex business challenges, and is passionate about supporting mission-critical programs. This position will serve as a trusted advisor to business and program leadership, providing expert contractual guidance throughout the entire program lifecycle—from capture and proposal development through contract execution and closeout.

Work location is Chantilly, VA.

Primary Responsibilities

As a Senior Contracts Manager, you will serve as a strategic business partner to program, capture, and business leadership teams across a portfolio of Intelligence Community programs. You will help shape business outcomes by providing expert contractual guidance that helps leaders make informed business decisions, manage risk, strengthen customer relationships, and pursue growth opportunities with confidence.

Success in this role requires balancing mission objectives, customer expectations, regulatory compliance, and business goals. You will be expected to anticipate contractual challenges, identify creative and compliant solutions, and influence outcomes through collaboration with internal stakeholders and government customers. The ideal candidate is someone who can translate complex contractual issues into practical business advice and become a trusted advisor to both leadership and program teams while supporting some of the Intelligence Community's most critical national security programs.

Key Responsibilities include:

  • Serve as the lead contracts advisor for a portfolio of Intelligence Community programs, providing strategic guidance throughout the business and program lifecycle responsible for overall contract compliance of assigned portfolio in accordance with contract requirements, company policy and procedures, and applicable laws.
  • Partner with program, capture, and business leaders to develop acquisition and contracting strategies that support growth, execution, and customer mission objectives.
  • Lead complex negotiations with government and industry partners to achieve favorable business outcomes while maintaining strong customer relationships.
  • Identify, assess, and mitigate contractual, financial, and operational risks while ensuring compliance with applicable regulations and company policies.
  • Collaborate across Contracts, Finance, Legal, Procurement, and Program Management organizations to resolve complex business challenges and drive successful program execution.
  • Build trusted relationships with government contracting and program counterparts, serving as a key interface between Leidos and the customer.
  • Mentor and support the development of contracts professionals while contributing to continuous improvement initiatives across the contracts function, as needed.

What You Bring

  • Educational Foundation: Requires a BA degree and 12 - 15 years of prior relevant experience; or a Masters with 10 - 13 years of prior relevant experience.
  • Contracts Expertise: Deep knowledge of government contracts, subcontracts, and proposal support including experience with a variety of contract types, advanced knowledge of FAR/DFAR and the emerging Federal acquisition environment.
  • Leadership Excellence: Must be able to appropriately prioritize work activities and have experience leading the review and analysis of RFP's, the preparation of compliant and complete Contracts Volumes, and OCI Plans.
  • Agility & Collaboration: Proven ability to work in fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities and demonstrated success in identifying and managing risks in support of achievement of business goals. Candidate will spend time co-located with program teams supported.
  • Negotiation Mastery: Strategic thinker with expert-level skills in complex terms and conditions negotiations.
  • Security Clearance: Strong knowledge of IC Acquisitions and Regulations, experience working with classified contracts and highly sensitive programs, and an active TS/SCI-CI Poly required.

Preferred Qualifications That Set You Apart

Candidates with one or more of the following qualifications are strongly preferred:

  • Intelligence Community acquisitions expertise
  • Formal contracting certifications
  • Large capture team leadership experience
  • AI implementation experience in contract processes
  • Comprehensive Contracts and Subcontracts knowledge
  • Familiarity with Other Transactions (OTs), CRADAs, commercial agreements, or non-traditional acquisition approaches.
  • Demonstrated ability to mentor and develop contracts professionals.

Ready to Lead?

Join a team where your expertise directly contributes to national security while advancing your career in one of the most dynamic sectors in government contracting. At Leidos, you'll have the resources, support, and mission focus to make a lasting impact.

Your next strategic leadership opportunity awaits.

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo — because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 — and moving faster than anyone else dares.



Original Posting:
October 2, 2026

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range:
Pay Range $116,350.00 - $210,325.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline onlyand not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

About Leidos Holding

Leidos Holding Careers

Joining Leidos Holding presents an unparalleled opportunity to advance one's career with a leader in innovation and technology. The company offers a plethora of job opportunities aimed at fostering professional growth and development in a diverse and inclusive environment.

Explore Career Opportunities

Leidos Holding is actively seeking skilled professionals who are passionate about leveraging their expertise to drive innovation and leadership in their fields. With a variety of open positions, Leidos Holding provides a platform for individuals to challenge themselves in a dynamic work environment.

Innovation and Professional Growth

At Leidos Holding, innovation is at the core of everything they do. Employees are encouraged to think creatively and push boundaries. The company supports this drive for innovation through comprehensive professional development and diversity training programs that are designed to enhance skills and foster leadership.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Leidos Holding is committed to creating a workplace where diversity is not only recognized but celebrated. With a culture that values and promotes diversity, Leidos Holding ensures that all team members have the opportunity to contribute, learn, and grow.

Internship Programs

For those starting their career, Leidos Holding offers internship programs that provide a robust foundation in the industry. Internships are a great way to develop essential skills, gain valuable work experience, and build professional networks.

Benefits and Culture

Employees at Leidos Holding enjoy a range of benefits designed to support their professional and personal lives. The company culture is built on a foundation of respect and integrity, providing a supportive and collaborative environment where every team member is valued.

Join the Team

Leidos Holding is hiring! Explore job opportunities that match your skills and interests. Leidos Holding looks for driven, curious, and innovative individuals to join their team. Positions are available across various disciplines and experience levels.

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Prepare for Your Interview

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Networking and Career Advancement

Leidos Holding encourages its employees to engage in networking within the company to discover new opportunities for career advancement. The leadership team at Leidos Holding is dedicated to supporting employees in their career paths with ample opportunities for networking and growth.

Explore Leidos Holding Jobs and Careers

Discover the exciting career opportunities at Leidos Holding today. With a commitment to employee growth, innovation, and diversity, Leidos Holding is the perfect place to advance your career. Check out the latest job listings and find your perfect fit at Leidos Holding.

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