Contracts Manager

Thales

Contracts Manager negotiating and managing complex government contracts with a focus on compliance and profitability. Collaborating with various departments on contract execution and management across different locations.

Posted 4/22/2026full-timeOverland Park • Kansas, Virginia • 🇺🇸 United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $109,546 - $186,625 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead the negotiation, drafting, review, and management of complex contracts, including government contracts, commercial contracts, subcontracts, NDAs, MOUs, and licensing agreements.
Provide advice on contract terms, compliance with AMS, FAR, DFARS, and other relevant federal acquisition regulations and aviation-specific regulations.
Work closely with the bids and proposals cycle, including drafting and negotiation of terms and conditions to ensure protection of company interests and the preservation of project profitability.
Monitor and advise on external customer and internal corporate compliance issues, audits, and investigations.
Collaborate closely with business units, program management, finance, trade compliance, risk management, and external counsel to support contract execution and contract management.
Participate in the preparation of bids and proposals packages following internal processes, from bid-no-bid decision to contract implementation and management.
Manage contract lifecycle processes, including amendments, renewals, claims, dispute resolution, and contract closeout.
Support internal training and development on contract best practices and regulatory updates.
Stay current with legal developments and trends impacting government contracting and aviation industry regulations.
Represent the company in negotiations, meetings, and potential disputes with customers and contractors.
Develop and implement contract management policies and procedures to ensure consistency and compliance.

Requirements

What you’ll need

NCMA Certification or Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school preferred.
Minimum 5-7 years of experience in government contracting, preferably in the aerospace or aviation industry.
Strong knowledge of US Government contracting regulations including AMS, FAR, DFARS, and relevant aviation regulatory frameworks.
Experience working with or on contracts involving the FAA, DoD, or other government aviation agencies.
Demonstrated expertise in drafting and negotiating complex government contracts and managing associated risks.
Excellent analytical, communication, and negotiation skills.
Ability to work collaboratively across various departments and with external stakeholders.
Detail-oriented with strong organizational and problem-solving abilities.
Prior experience supporting audits, compliance reviews, and dispute resolution processes is highly desirable.
Security clearance or eligibility preferred.
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer at the time of hire.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Elective Health, Dental, Vision, FSA/HSA, Voluntary Life and AD&D, Whole Group Life w/LTC, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, Legal Plan, Identity Theft, and Pet Insurance
Retirement Savings Plan after 30 days of employment with a company contribution and a match, and with no vesting period
Company paid holidays and Paid Time Off
Company provided Life Insurance, AD&D, Disability, Employee Assistance Plan, and Well-being Program

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

contract negotiationcontract draftingcontract managementcompliance reviewrisk managementbids and proposals preparationdispute resolutioncontract lifecycle managementgovernment contractingaviation regulations

Soft Skills

analytical skillscommunication skillsnegotiation skillscollaborative workorganizational skillsproblem-solving skillsdetail-orientedadvisory skillstraining and developmentstakeholder engagement

Certifications

NCMA CertificationJuris Doctor