Contracts Manager - International

OpenKrill; United States; On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) retirement plan

Comprehensive medical/dental/vision

Professional development funds

Job summary

AEVEX seeks an International Contract Manager to oversee DoD, FMS, and DCS contracts across international programs. You will negotiate, implement, and monitor complex agreements, ensuring regulatory compliance and risk management. Collaboration with Legal, Finance, and Export Compliance is essential.

The role requires deep FAR/DFARS knowledge, and experience with ITAR/EAR considerations. Strong communication and leadership are expected in a hybrid/remote setting.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of contract law, negotiation principles, and risk management.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Proficiency with contract management software and MS Office.
• Professional certification in contract management (e.g., CPCM, CFCM) is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the full contract lifecycle, monitoring performance and obligations.
• Ensure compliance with U.S. and international laws and company policies.
• Coordinate with legal, export compliance, finance, and supply chain teams.
• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of contracts.
• Assess and mitigate risks related to contract terms.
• Serve as primary contract point of contact with government and partners.
• Provide training and mentorship on contract regulations.

Skills

Contract negotiation

Communication skills

Risk management

Cross-cultural negotiation

MS Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or related field

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

Contract management software

MS Office Suite

Job description

Work Arrangement

This is a hybrid / remote position.

Job Overview

The International Contract Manager is responsible for managing and administering U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), Direct Commercial Sales (DCS), and Foreign Military Sales (FMS) contracts, ensuring compliance with U.S. Government acquisition regulations and company policies. This role involves leading the negotiation, execution, and oversight of complex international defense contracts and agreements. The position requires knowledge and expertise in international contracting, export control considerations, and working knowledge of foreign government and commercial contracting practices, and when to engage others such as Legal and Finance to address other risk considerations, including tax, employment, etc. The ideal candidate will possess deep knowledge of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Defense FAR Supplement (DFARS), and DoD 5105.38-M (Security Assistance Management Manual), along with strong communication and cross-cultural negotiation skills.

Essential Functions

• Oversee the full contract lifecycle, monitoring performance, addressing issues or deviations, and ensuring fulfillment of all contractual obligations related to DoD, FMS and DCS programs.
• Ensure compliance with U.S. and non-U.S. laws, regulations (including ITAR/EAR, FAR, DFARS, and DoD 5105.38-M, anti-corruption), and company policies by staying current with applicable standards and guidance.
• Implement contract management policies, procedures, and best practices.
• Coordinate with program, legal, export compliance, finance, and supply chain teams to negotiate favorable contract terms and conditions and contract obligations are met.
• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of contracts, including vendor agreements, service contracts, licensing agreements, and confidentiality agreements.
• Assess and mitigate risks associated with contract terms, conditions, and obligations.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate contractual risks and liabilities through proactive strategies and negotiation.
• Serve as the primary contractual point of contact, fostering positive relationships with government, international, and industry partners.
• Identify opportunities to streamline contract processes and improve efficiency.
• Provide training and support to internal stakeholders on contract management practices, and mentor junior contract administrators and share expertise on international contract regulations.
• Perform other duties as required.

Standard Essential Functions

• Regular and reliable attendance on a full time basis [or in accordance with posted schedule].
• Responsible for exhibiting professional behavior with both internal and external business associates that reflects positively on the company and is consistent with the company's policies and practices.
• Embodies AEVEX's cultural values and aligns daily actions with department goals and company culture.

Qualifications and Competencies

• Strong understanding of contract law, negotiation principles, and risk management.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Proficiency in contract management software and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Professional certification in contract management (e.g., CPCM, CFCM, or equivalent) is a plus.

Leadership Competencies

• Directs and provides expert knowledge in the day-to-day function of the department.
• Identifies, recruits, and retains top-notch talent.
• Champions AEVEX's culture and empowers employees to take responsibility for their jobs and goals.
• Coaches, mentors, engage and develop the team, including overseeing new employee onboarding and providing career development planning and learning opportunities.
• Sets performance standards and encourages employee engagement and results through delegation, continuous feedback, goal setting, and performance management.
• Maintains transparent communication. Appropriately communicates organization information through department meetings, one-on-one meetings, and appropriate email, and regular interpersonal communication.
• Provides oversight and direction to the employees in accordance with AEVEX's policies and procedures.

Education / Certifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration is preferred, Legal Studies, or related field
• Advanced degree preferred.

Experience

• 8+ years of experience in contract management
• 3+ years of experience managing International Contracts
• Experience with U.S. Government contracting (FAR/DFARS) and international contracting frameworks (e.g., FIDIC, ICC, or foreign government procurement regulations).

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties the employee is:

• Constantly required to sit, and to reach to use computers and other office equipment
• Constantly required repetitive movements of wrists, hands, and/or fingers

For the purpose of this summary, occasionally is used to represent up to 1/3 of the time given to the work day, frequently represents 1/3 to 2/3 of the time and constantly represents 2/3 or more of the time.

Security Clearance

• Ability to obtain/maintain a Top-Secret DoD clearance, U.S. Citizenship required.

About AEVEX

AEVEX, headquartered in Solana Beach, California, supports the U.S. national security mission and partner nation needs around the world by providing full-spectrum aviation, remote sensing, and analysis solutions. The company's capabilities include custom design and engineering; rapid prototyping; sensor integration and sustainment; aircraft modification and certification; flight test instrumentation and support; mission operations service; advanced intelligence data processing, exploitation, and dissemination solutions; and tailored hardware and software mission-system tools. AEVEX uses agile and customized approaches to rapidly define, develop, and deliver specialized solutions for airborne special mission needs for the U.S. Government, partner nations, and commercial businesses. AEVEX has major offices in California, Florida, North Carolina, Ohio, and Virginia.

Benefits

AEVEX provides a full suite of comprehensive benefits, including a 401(k)-retirement plan, comprehensive Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability and Life insurance group coverage with a portion of the premiums paid by the company, professional development funds, and an Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) with counseling, legal help, child and elder care support, among other benefits for qualified employees.

Equal Employment Opportunity

AEVEX is an Equal Opportunity employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, religious creed, color, sex (including pregnancy, breast feeding and related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, military and veteran status, marital status, age, protected medical condition, genetic information, physical disability, mental disability, or any other protected status in accordance with all applicable federal, state and local laws.