Director, Defense Division Contracts

Moog Inc.; Buffalo (NY); Hybrid; USD 165,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Profit sharing

401k matching

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Flexible PTO

Relocation assistance

Health insurance

Job summary

Moog Inc. seeks a Director for the Defense Division Contracts to lead a specialized team in a hybrid Buffalo, NY environment. This role advises the SVP on contractual matters, shapes defense contract strategy, and ensures compliance with federal regulations including FAR/DFARS.

The ideal candidate combines 15+ years of contract management experience with strong leadership, negotiation prowess, and cross-functional collaboration to advance Moog's defense portfolio.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with 15+ years related experience; CFCM certification preferred.
• Master’s degree and/or PhD preferred.
• Minimum 12 years in gov contracting, with 5+ years in leadership.
• Extensive FAR/DFARS experience and DoD regulatory knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and grow a high-performing defense contracts team.
• Develop and execute contract strategies across Defense programs.
• Advise on commercial policies and portfolio alignment with Moog goals.
• Manage internal/external stakeholders on contract negotiations and disputes.
• Ensure compliance with FAR/DFARs and regulatory changes.

Skills

Leadership

Negotiation

Communication

Collaboration

Mentorship

Regulatory knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree

CFCM certification

Master’s degree

PhD

Job description

Moog is a performance culture that empowers people to achieve great things. Our people enjoy solving interesting technical challenges in a culture where everyone trusts each other to do the right thing. For you, working with us can mean deeper job satisfaction, better rewards, and a great quality of life inside and outside of work. Job Title: Director, Defense Division Contracts Reporting To: SVP, Defense Division Work Schedule: Hybrid – Buffalo, NY Moog, Inc. is seeking a Director for our Defense Division Contracts organization. We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Contracts Director to lead and manage the Defense Division’s Contracts team. You will develop a creative, partnership-focused, result-driven organization that is effective in shaping, capturing and managing contracts across the Defense Division. You will also serve as the lead advisor to the Senior Vice President of the Defense Division on all contractual and regulatory matters and will ensure Contracts efforts are aligned with the Division’s strategic objectives. You will report to the SVP of Defense in an onsite or hybrid role. The ideal candidate will be located in the Western New York area. We will consider remote work schedules if not located near a Moog site. To be considered for the Director, Defense Division Contracts role, here’s what you’ll typically need to bring with you:

Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of fifteen (15) years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or equivalent combination of related education, including CFCM certification, and work experience. Master’s and PhD preferred. Minimum of twelve (12) years of experience in contract management within a government contracting environment, with at least five (5) years in a mid to senior leadership role. Extensive experience negotiating, drafting, and managing contracts subject to US Government regulations, in particular FAR and DFARS. Solid experience in drafting, leading and/or significantly contributing-to competitive and non-competitive proposals. Strong influence, communication and collaboration skills. Strong ability to lead and develop junior Contracts professionals. Travel: International and Domestic Travel to include regular travel to East Aurora, New York monthly if located outside of the Buffalo area. Ability to obtain a U.S. DoD Secret Security Clearance.

Responsibilities

• Leadership & Team Development: Manage, mentor, and grow a high-performing team of contract professionals who specialize in defense focused prime and sub-contracts. Foster a culture of collaboration, continuous learning, and professional development to keep the team at the forefront of defense industry standards and practices. Harmonize training, policies and procedures across the Defense Contracts organization while considering unique site and country-specific requirements. Rationalize workloads to balance efforts throughout the organization.
• Contract Management & Strategy: Lead the development and execution of contract strategies across various Defense programs. Advise the Defense Division in the adoption of commercial policies, processes and strategies to best align current and future product portfolios for commerciality assertions consistent with growing customer requirements. Align these strategies with Moog's operational and financial objectives to ensure successful project outcomes.
• Client & Stakeholder Relations: Serve as the primary advisor for internal and external stakeholders on contract matters related to Defense projects. Work closely with legal, finance, program management, and senior leadership to develop strategies for contract negotiations, renewals, amendments, commerciality support, and dispute resolution, ensuring all parties' requirements are balanced.
• Compliance & Risk Management: Ensure compliance with applicable federal regulations, FAR/DFAR guidelines, company policies, and contractual obligations specific to Government procurement. Monitor potential risks related to contract terms and conditions and proactively implement mitigation strategies.
• Contract Negotiation: Lead and/or provide guidance on high-stakes negotiations with customers and partners in the defense industry, including government agencies, private companies, and international defense organizations. Develop and implement strategies to maximize value for Moog while managing potential risks and liabilities.
• Proposal Support: Collaborate with proposal teams to support contract-related matters during the development of proposals for Defense projects. This includes pricing strategies, risk identification, and compliance with solicitation requirements from defense agencies and other stakeholders.
• Contract Financial Performance Monitoring: Oversee the performance of contracts, ensuring that both contractual and financial obligations are met in a timely and efficient manner. Collaborate with project teams to address any issues or modifications that may arise during contract performance.
• Regulatory & Legal Oversight: Stay abreast of changes in federal contracting regulations and industry standards specific to the defense industry. Advise senior leadership on potential impacts of regulatory changes and ensure Moog’s contract practices remain compliant and competitive.
• Due Diligence for Acquisitions: Perform due diligence for Moog acquisitions related to contracting. Upon closing of an acquisition, you will assist the acquired entity with U.S. Government registrations, the transfer of export licensing, and the novation or assignment of contracts.

How we care for you

• Financial Rewards: great compensation package, annual profit sharing, matching 401k and the ability to participate in Employee Stock Purchase Plan, Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts
• Work/Life Balance: Flexible paid time off, holidays and parental leave program, relocation assistance
• Health & Welfare: Comprehensive insurance coverage including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, Employee Assistance Plan (“EAP”) and other supplemental benefit coverages
• Professional Skills Development: Tuition Assistance, mentorship and coaching opportunities, leadership development and other personal growth programs
• Collaborative and Welcoming Workplace: Inclusive culture rooted in our values, enhanced by Employee Resource Groups, and team-building activities. Additional site-specific benefits may be offered

Salary Range Transparency

Buffalo, NY $165,000.00–$200,000.00

Annually Salary Range Disclaimer The base salary range represents the low and high end of the Moog salary range for this position in the given work location. Actual salaries will vary depending on factors including but not limited to location, experience, and performance. The range(s) listed is just one component of Moog's total compensation package for employees. Other rewards may include annual bonuses, employee stock purchase plan, an open paid time off policy, and many region-specific benefits.

EOE/AA Minority/Female/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Disability/Veteran Moog offers an exclusive workplace, and, as such, affirms the right of every person to participate in all aspects of employment based on merit without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic.

If you are interested in applying for employment and need special assistance or an accommodation to apply for a posted position, contact our Human Resources department via phone at 844-367-5787.