Manager - Defense Contracts & Technical Engineering

Guill Tool & Engineering; West Warwick (RI); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Guill Tool & Engineering in West Warwick, RI, is looking for a Manager - Contracts Process Operations to lead a team in managing government and commercial contracts. The role involves overseeing manufacturing documentation, contract quoting, and operations process management. Candidates should have 5-7 years in manufacturing and government contracting, leadership experience, and a strong understanding of contract regulations. The position emphasizes operational excellence and customer relationship management.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5-7 years in a manufacturing and government contracting environment.
• At least 2 years in a leadership role managing technical and/or sales functions.
• Proven experience in quoting, proposal preparation, and contract lifecycle management.

Responsibilities

• Manage and mentor Contracts Process Engineer(s).
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Identify opportunities to improve internal processes using Lean or Six Sigma.
• Lead the preparation of technical and cost proposals.
• Ensure compliance with government regulations (FAR, DFARS, ITAR).
• Maintain documentation for audits and quality assurance.

Skills

Technical drawings understanding

Government contract regulations knowledge

Communication skills

Leadership

Analytical skills

Customer-focused mindset

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Technology, Business Operations, or a related field

MBA or advanced business training

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Quoting software

CRM platforms

Job description

Job Title: Manager - Contracts Process Operations

Position Type: Full-time.

We are seeking a dynamic and results-driven Manager - Contracts Process Operations to lead a multifunctional team responsible for interpreting, executing, and managing government and commercial contracts from initial quote through final delivery. This role combines strategic oversight of manufacturing documentation and compliance processes with direct involvement in contract quoting, proposal development, and customer relationship management.

The ideal candidate has a strong background in technical manufacturing and government contracting, combined with solid business acumen, exceptional process management skills, and a customer-oriented mindset. This role will be instrumental in driving operational excellence while contributing to revenue generation and contract growth.

Key Responsibilities

Operational & Process Management

• Team Leadership: Manage and mentor Contracts Process Engineer(s), ensuring accurate and efficient conversion of contract requirements into manufacturing documentation and routings.
• Process Standardization: Develop, implement, and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) to support contract execution, manufacturing documentation, and compliance.
• Workflow Optimization: Continuously identify opportunities to improve the efficiency and accuracy of internal processes using Lean or Six Sigma methodologies.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Facilitate collaboration across engineering, production, procurement, quality, and compliance teams to ensure contract deliverables are met on time and within scope.

Sales & Contract Management

• Quoting & Proposal Development: Lead or support the preparation of technical and cost proposals, including manufacturing process estimates, labor routing, and pricing strategies.
• Contract Award Support: Serve as a key participant in contract negotiations and award discussions with customers, ensuring accurate representation of capabilities and requirements.
• Customer Relationship Management: Act as a primary point of contact for customers (government and commercial) regarding contract requirements, clarifications, and performance updates.
• Revenue Forecasting: Collaborate with sales and finance to provide accurate forecasts and track contract pipeline, awards, and execution status.

Compliance & Documentation

• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure all processes and documents comply with relevant government regulations (FAR, DFARS, ITAR) and quality standards.
• Contract Modifications: Manage and implement changes resulting from contract modifications, ensuring timely updates to documentation and internal systems.
• Audit & Quality Support: Maintain accurate records and documentation for internal reviews, government audits, and quality assurance initiatives.

Qualifications

• Education:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Technology, Business Operations, or a related field. An MBA or advanced business training is a plus.
• Experience:
  • Minimum 5-7 years in a manufacturing and government contracting environment.
  • At least 2 years in a leadership role managing technical and/or sales functions.
  • Proven experience in quoting, proposal preparation, and contract lifecycle management.
• Skills:
  • Strong understanding of technical drawings, manufacturing processes, and routings.
  • In-depth knowledge of government contract regulations (FAR, DFARS, ITAR).
  • Excellent communication and negotiation skills with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
  • Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems, quoting software, and CRM platforms.
  • Strong analytical, organizational, and time management abilities.
  • Customer-focused mindset with a drive to meet and exceed performance goals.

About the Company

Guill Tool & Engineering is recognized as the extrusion technology leader in the design and manufacture of plastic extrusion tooling worldwide. Guill maintains the most technically capable workforce committed to the continued success of our customers by providing quality extrusion tooling.