Senior Contract Manager

GE Aerospace; Grand Rapids, Northern (MI, KY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

GE Aerospace in Grand Rapids, MI is seeking a Senior Contracts Manager for Military Programs to lead government and international contract formation and execution under FAR/DFARS. The role emphasizes proactive risk management, compliance, and strategic contracting leadership across multiple contract types.

You will manage end-to-end lifecycle activities, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and guide negotiations with DoD customers and prime/subcontractors while ensuring alignment with

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college.
• 7+ years of experience in government, commercial, or international contract formation and execution.
• Solid domain expertise in commercial terms and conditions and FAR/DFARS.

Responsibilities

• End-to-End Contract Lifecycle Ownership from solicitation through close-out.
• Shape contracting strategy and drive flawless execution of contract formation and close-out.
• Identify risks and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and company policies.
• Support proposal development and provide negotiation leadership for DoD customers.
• Educate stakeholders and collaborate with Legal Counsel to align with program objectives.
• Drive continuous improvement in contracting processes and customer satisfaction.

Skills

FAR/DFARS knowledge

DoD contracting

Contract negotiation

Lifecycle management

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Senior Contracts Manager (Military Programs)## Company Intro/About GE AerospaceGE Aerospace is a world-leading provider of jet and turboprop engines, components, and integrated systems for commercial and military customers. We bring deep engineering and operational expertise to help customers execute critical missions, with a clear focus on **Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost** and an unwavering commitment to integrity.## Site, Business, OR Functional Area OverviewThe **Military Contracts** team is a trusted, proactive business partner to GE Aerospace product lines. Contracts is often the “face of GE” to U.S. Government acquisition customers and airframer procurement organizations, supporting programs across the full lifecycle from proposal strategy through development, production, and sustainment. The team provides expertise in **regulatory compliance, negotiation strategy, contract terms, risk identification/mitigation, scope management, and customer relationships**, enabling business deals that meet both GE and customer expectations.## Role OverviewThe Senior Contracts Manager is responsible for managing assigned contracts and providing contracting solutions that support department and business goals. This role supports U.S. Government contracting activity (prime or subcontract) across a range of contract types, including complex development efforts, within both **Firm Fixed Price** and **Cost Reimbursement** environments as defined by the FAR and DFARS.This position requires strong independent judgment and experience to execute in areas where scope may be less defined, while influencing both short- and long-term business outcomes through sound contracting strategy, disciplined execution, and risk-based decision making.## Key Responsibilities**End-to-End Contract Lifecycle Ownership:** Manage responsibilities from solicitation receipt through contract formation, administration, and close-out. Ensure disciplined execution and documentation throughout the lifecycle.**Business & Contracting Strategy:** Partner with leadership to shape business and contracting strategy and drive flawless execution of contract formation, administration, and close-out activities.**Risk Management & Compliance:** Assess solicitations and contractual terms to identify business, performance, and compliance risks; develop and drive mitigation strategies. Remain steadfast in supporting compliance programs without compromise.**Proposal Support & Deal Shaping:** Support proposal development through compliant, competitive deal strategies. Help shape win strategies while maintaining clear alignment to contracting requirements and program objectives.**Negotiation Leadership & Coaching:** Develop negotiation strategies and provide guidance to team members preparing for discussions with DoD customers, higher-tier contractors, and other agencies. Lead and/or support negotiations on complex terms, scope, and risk.**Cross-Functional Partnership:** Educate internal stakeholders on contract requirements, rights, obligations, and risk posture. Collaborate closely with Legal Counsel and cross-functional partners to align contract execution plans with business objectives.**Continuous Improvement:** Leverage lean mindset, digital tools, and rigorous contracting practices to improve efficiency, quality of execution, and internal/external customer satisfaction.**Independent Execution & Customer Support:** Operate with confidence and autonomy, balancing internal customer needs with contractual and regulatory requirements. Support both internal and external customers with timely, accurate contracting guidance.**Travel:** Travel as required based on program/customer needs.## Required Qualifications**Education:** Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college.**Experience:** At least 7 years of experience in government, commercial, or international contract formation and execution.**Regulatory & Contracting Expertise:** Solid domain expertise in commercial terms and conditions and the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), with emphasis on FAR Part 12 (Acquisition of Commercial Items) and FAR Part 15 (Contracting by Negotiation), as well as the DoD FAR Supplement (DFARS).**Contract Types:** Proficiency managing multiple contract types, including complex development efforts, across Firm Fixed Price and Cost Reimbursement contract structures.## Additional Information**Locations:** Grand Rapids, MI & Cincinnati, OH preferred. Remote to be considered.**Desired Characteristics:** Extensive knowledge of contract formation and regulations; ability to anticipate, identify, and resolve complex contractual issues. Strong cross-functional collaboration and influencing skills. Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships with internal and external customers. High-energy team player with the ability to manage multiple projects/assignments under tight deadlines. Embraces new ways of thinking and practices that increase efficiency and effectiveness. Proactively removes obstacles for the team and learns from setbacks. Communicates and demonstrates a shared sense of purpose.## ClosingAt GE Aerospace, we are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace that values diversity and empowers employees to thrive. This role requires access to U.S. export-controlled information. Therefore, for applicants who are not asylees, refugees, lawful permanent residents, or U.S. Citizens (i.e., not a protected individual under the Immigration and Naturalization Act, 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), otherwise known as a U.S. Person), final offers will be contingent on the ability to obtain authorization for access to U.S. export-controlled information from the U.S. Government.*This role requires access to U.S. export-controlled information. Therefore, employment will be contingent upon the ability to prove that you meet the status of a U.S. Person as one of the following: U.S. lawful permanent resident, U.S. Citizen, have been granted asylee or refugee status (i.e., a protected individual under the Immigration and Naturalization Act, 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)).*# ****Additional Information****GE Aerospace offers a great work environment, professional development, challenging careers, and competitive compensation. GE Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.GE Aerospace will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen (as applicable). Employees may also be subject to random and reasonable-suspicion drug and alcohol testing. **Relocation Assistance Provided:** No