Manager, Contracts

Twenty-Six Defense; Talladega (AL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

9/80 schedule

Competitive compensation

Medical, dental, vision coverage

Life Insurance

Flexible vacation & PTO

Paid parental leave

Employee referral program

Voluntary benefits (LTC, Legal, IDT, P

Tricare Supplement available

Job summary

Twenty-Six Defense in Talladega, Alabama, is seeking a seasoned Contracts Manager to lead a contract team across the lifecycle, negotiate complex agreements, and ensure regulatory compliance. The role collaborates with Program Management, Finance, Operations, and Supply Chain to balance risk and business objectives.

You will supervise a contract administration group handling DoD and commercial contracts, fostering talent, and maintaining high standards of quality and responsiveness across all

Qualifications

• Advanced oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to write and edit business materials; a sample may be required.
• Strong analytical skills to identify business risks.
• Working knowledge of FAR/DFARS/UCC and ITAR/ EAR regulations.
• Ability to manage complex contracts and negotiate effectively.
• Experience with international contracting and risk management.

Responsibilities

• Lead contract lifecycle from proposal through closeout.
• Supervise contract administration team; manage DoD and commercial contracts.
• Drive high levels of quality and responsiveness in all work.
• Provide pre-award and post-award contract administration leadership.
• Guide risk analysis and feedback to business units.
• Represent the company in external contracts with customers and suppliers.
• Develop and formalize departmental processes and procedures.
• Participate in complex negotiations; support program-level objectives.
• Ensure compliance with company policies and government regulations.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Skills

Oral & written comms

Writing samples

Analytical skills

FAR/DFARS/UCC knowledge

ITAR/EAR knowledge

Teamwork & collaboration

Independent work

Pricing strategy understanding

Complex agreements management

Customer/supplier relationship

Education

Bachelor's degree

BA in Business/Contract Administration/Law preferred

10+ years industry experience

ESD and safety training within 1 year

Tools

None listed

Job description

Company Information

Twenty-Six Defense, headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, is a leading provider of high-performance products, system solutions, and aftermarket support services focusing on the defense, homeland security, and commercial aviation markets. With facilities throughout the U.S., Twenty-Six Defense supports those who contribute to the national security of the United States. Twenty-Six Defense is wholly owned by Elbit Systems Ltd. (NASDAQ: ESLT and TASE: ESLT), a global high-technology company engaged in a wide range of programs for innovative defense and commercial applications.

Job Summary

Twenty-Six Defense is seeking an experienced Contracts Manager to lead contract activities supporting its Aftermarket business area within the Electronic Systems (ES) division. The position will be based in Talladega, Alabama, and will report to the ES Senior Director of Contracts. This position will lead a team of approximately five to six contract professionals responsible for managing and negotiating a diverse portfolio of contracts with the U.S. Government, U.S. defense prime contractors and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), and internal customers through Direct Commercial Sales (DCS).

The Contracts Manager will provide leadership across the contract lifecycle, including proposal development, negotiations, contract execution, and closeout. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong business acumen, sound contractual judgment, and the ability to balance business objectives with contractual and financial risk. This role requires a collaborative, hands-on leader who can develop talent, resolve complex contractual matters, and work effectively with Program Management, Finance, Operations, Supply Chain, and other functional organizations to achieve business objectives.

Responsibilities And Tasks

• This position is a working manager role, providing day-to-day supervision for the contract administration team while also administering a limited number of Department of Defense and commercial contracts.


• Establish a high level of team participation and interaction to ensure quality and responsiveness are the highest priorities throughout every stage of the contract period of performance.


• Provide leadership to the contract administration team in pre-award and post-award contract administration functions.


• Guide the contracts team in contract risk analysis and provide feedback to the business units.


• Serve as a generally recognized authority in contract administration among individuals outside the Contracts organization.


• Demonstrate added value to business operations at the program level.


• Serve as the company representative to external customer contracts and procurement personnel.


• Lead the development and formalization of departmental processes and procedures.


• Lead and/or participate as part of a team in complex negotiations.


• Ensure compliance with company policies and government regulations.


• Perform other related duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Authorities

• Access product information as needed for cost, pricing, and contract negotiations.


• Discuss contract information within the company at all levels, as needed.


• Request critical financial information, as needed.


• Exercise other authorities as determined by the supervisor.

Business Relationships

• Company customers


• Company personnel


• Company personnel at other sites


• Company senior management


• Affiliated companies' Contracts and Program staff


• ESL Contracts, Program, and Finance staff

Skills & Abilities

• Advanced and effective oral and written communication skills, including the ability to prepare and deliver information concisely, both orally and in writing.


• Proven ability to write and edit business materials. A writing sample will be required.


• Advanced analytical skills and the ability to identify and evaluate business risks.


• Knowledge of and experience working with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), and Uniform Commercial Code (UCC).


• Effective written and oral communication skills.


• Strong teamwork and interpersonal skills.


• Ability to work independently with minimal guidance.


• Financial understanding of rate structures and pricing strategies.


• Demonstrated ability to manage complex agreements.


• Ability to foster and maintain strong relationships with customers and suppliers.


• Experience with and understanding of international contracting, including compliance with the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR).

Education, Experience, License, Or Certification

• Bachelor's degree required.


• Degree in Business Administration, Contract Administration, Economics, or Law preferred.


• At least 10 years of functional experience applying the required skill set.


• Previous management experience preferred.


• At least 10 years of industry experience.


• Training Prerequisites (Within One Year of Taking the Position):


• Electrostatic discharge (ESD) training


• Safety training, as directed by the Safety Department

Travel/Physical Requirements

• Occasional travel is required, typically up to a few trips per quarter, depending on business needs.

Here Are Some Of The Great Benefits We Offer

• Most locations offer a 9/80 schedule, providing every other Friday off


• Competitive compensation & 401(k) program to plan for your future


• Robust medical, dental, vision, & disability coverage with qualified wellness discounts


• Basic Life Insurance and Additional Life & AD&D Insurances are available


• Flexible Vacation & PTO


• Paid Parental Leave


• Generous Employee Referral Program


• Voluntary Benefits Available: Long-Term Care, Legal, Identity Theft, Pet Insurance, and more


• Voluntary Tricare Supplement available for military retirees

This job description does not list all the duties of the job. You may be asked by your supervisors or managers to perform other duties. The employer has the right to revise this job description at any time. The job description is not an employment contract. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. Twenty-Six Defense is an equal opportunity employer as to all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

• For Virginia-based positions only* In accordance with Virginia DOL requirements, the listed salary range reflects the anticipated base pay range for this role. Actual compensation will be determined based on factors including skills, experience, education, certifications, business needs, internal equity, and geographic location. Compensation may vary in different locations based on market conditions and cost-of-labor considerations.