Contract Manager

Korn Ferry; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Korn Ferry represents an aerospace/defense client seeking an experienced Contracts Manager in Austin, Texas to lead the full lifecycle of customer contracts and subcontracts supporting complex aviation programs.

The role requires deep expertise in FAR/DFARS, risk mitigation, and cross-functional collaboration with program management, finance, engineering and operations. On-site Austin presence is required.

Qualifications

• Aviation/aerospace contracting experience is required.
• Strong knowledge of FAR/DFARS and government contracting processes.
• Experience negotiating complex terms and managing full contract lifecycles.

Responsibilities

• Manage full contract lifecycle from RFP to closeout for aviation programs.
• Lead negotiation and administration of customer contracts and subcontracts.
• Provide guidance on terms, risk, obligations and compliance.
• Support proposals and identify contractual/commercial risks.
• Collaborate across program management, finance, engineering and operations.

Skills

Aviation contracting experience

Subcontract management

Risk assessment

Cross-functional collaboration

Negotiation

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

Job description

Our client, a growing aerospace and defense technology company, is seeking an experienced Contracts Manager to join its Austin, Texas operation. This individual will serve as a key business partner to leadership and will be responsible for the effective management of customer contracts and subcontracts supporting complex aviation programs.

This is a hands-on role for a contracts professional who understands the commercial, contractual, and compliance requirements associated with operating in the aviation, aerospace and defense environment. The successful candidate will bring strong business judgment, the ability to identify and mitigate contractual risk, and experience partnering across business development, program management, finance, engineering and operations.

Candidates must live in the Austin, Texas area or be willing to relocate and must be willing to work regularly from the Austin office.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the full contract lifecycle, from RFP and proposal support through contract review, negotiation, administration, modifications and closeout.
• Lead the review, negotiation and administration of customer contracts and subcontracts supporting aviation programs.
• Provide guidance on contractual terms, risk, obligations, deliverables and compliance requirements.
• Support proposal development and negotiations, including evaluation of terms and conditions and identification of contractual and commercial risk.
• Manage and negotiate subcontract agreements, ensuring appropriate flow-down requirements and alignment with customer obligations.
• Maintain strong working knowledge of applicable U.S. Government contracting requirements, including FAR/DFARS.
• Partner closely with program management, business development, finance, engineering, supply chain and leadership to ensure contractual requirements are understood and effectively executed.
• Proactively identify contractual risks and develop practical mitigation strategies that protect the company while supporting business objectives.
• Establish strong contract-management processes, documentation and operating discipline as the organization continues to grow.
• Build productive relationships with customers, subcontractors and internal stakeholders and serve as a trusted advisor on contractual matters.

Required Experience & Qualifications

• Demonstrated aviation/aerospace contracting experience is required.
• Significant experience with subcontract management and administration is required.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. Government contracting and FAR/DFARS requirements.
• Experience managing contracts throughout the full lifecycle, including proposals, negotiations, administration, modifications and closeout.
• Demonstrated ability to evaluate contractual and commercial risk and negotiate complex terms and conditions.
• Experience working cross-functionally with program management, finance, engineering, operations, supply chain and business development.
• Strong business judgment with the ability to balance contractual compliance, risk mitigation and the commercial needs of the organization.
• Highly collaborative, hands-on and comfortable operating in a growing, entrepreneurial environment.
• Excellent written, verbal, negotiation and stakeholder-management skills.

The Opportunity

This is an opportunity to join a growing aerospace and defense organization where the Contracts Manager will have meaningful visibility and influence across the business. The individual will play an important role in strengthening contract-management discipline, improving risk identification and mitigation, and supporting the company’s continued growth across its aviation and government programs.

Location Requirement: Austin, Texas. This is not a fully remote position; regular presence in the Austin office is required.