Senior Contracts Manager

Karman Space & Defense; Gulfport (MS); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Karman Space & Defense is seeking an experienced Contracts Manager to lead complex government and commercial contracting from capture through closeout. You will provide expert negotiation guidance and ensure compliance with FAR, DFARS, ITAR, and related regulations.

You will mentor junior team members, develop flow‑down terms, and partner with Finance, Business Development, and Program Management to drive strategy, risk management, and policy improvements within a fast-paced defense environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, or Accounting or demonstrated successful work experience meeting minimum requirements.
• 8–10 years of progressive experience in contract administration and management, preferably in the aerospace and defense industry.
• Experience with government prime contracts and subcontracts, including FAR/DFARS compliance, the Truthful Cost or Pricing Data Act, and ITAR requirements.
• Experience with Other Transactions, Undefinitized Contract Actions, cost contracts, and other standard procurement agreements.
• Ability to supervise or mentor contracts professionals.
• Strong negotiation skills and business judgment.
• Deep knowledge of government and commercial contracting principles.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to translate complex issues for non‑contracts stakeholders.
• Ability to manage a complex workload independently while guiding others.
• High integrity with strong instincts for identifying and escalating legal and compliance risks.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and ERP and CLM systems.

Responsibilities

• Manages a portfolio of government prime contracts and commercial agreements from capture through closeout.
• Builds and manages relationships with counterpart contracting personnel.
• Partners with Finance, Business Development, and Program Management to develop business capture strategies.
• Contributes to the development, implementation, and improvement of companywide contract policies.
• Drafts and negotiates contractual documents using approved templates and playbooks, escalating nonstandard or high‑risk terms when needed.
• Reviews and approves minor deviations from playbooks within defined authority limits and documents approvals in the CLM system.
• Processes contract modifications, amendments, task orders, and funding adjustments and ensures required approvals are obtained.
• Monitors contract obligations, deliverables, funding levels, and milestones and communicates risks to Program Management.
• Supports subcontract and procurement teams with negotiation of terms.
• Develops flow‑down terms based on prime contract requirements and supports proposal contract reviews, including risk identification and certifications.
• Ensures compliance with FAR, DFARS, Truthful Cost or Pricing Data Act, ITAR, and other applicable regulations.
• Conducts periodic performance and administrative compliance reviews within the assigned market segment.
• Identifies and escalates high‑risk indemnification, intellectual property, liability, data privacy, or export control issues.
• Supervises and mentors Contract Administrators, assigning tasks and reviewing work quality.
• Provides training and guidance to junior contracts personnel on procedures, compliance, and company standards.
• Maintains accurate contract records in CLM and ERP systems and prepares metrics and management reports.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

Negotiation

Communication

Leadership

MS Office

ERP systems

Contract knowledge

FAR/DFARS/ITAR

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business/Finance/Accounting

Advanced degree (preferred)

Tools

ERP systems

CLM software

Microsoft Office

Job description

Karman Space & Defense is a leader in the rapid design, development, and production of critical, next-generation system solutions that align with the U.S. Department of War and its allies’ core mission priorities, and meet the accelerating demand for access to space. Building on nearly 50 years of success, we deliver Payload & Protection Systems, Aero/Hydrodynamic Interstage Systems, and Propulsion & Launch Systems to more than 80 prime contractors supporting over 130 space and defense programs.

In this role, you will manage complex government and commercial contracts, provide expert negotiation and compliance guidance, and support the development of contracting processes across the organization. You will work independently while guiding and mentoring junior team members, ensuring contract integrity, risk identification, and adherence to regulatory requirements. Your work will enable effective program execution, strong business partnerships, and consistent application of contracting standards.

Responsibilities

• Manages a portfolio of government prime contracts and commercial agreements from capture through closeout.
• Builds and manages relationships with counterpart contracting personnel.
• Partners with Finance, Business Development, and Program Management to develop business capture strategies.
• Contributes to the development, implementation, and improvement of companywide contract policies.
• Drafts and negotiates contractual documents using approved templates and playbooks, escalating nonstandard or high‑risk terms when needed.
• Reviews and approves minor deviations from playbooks within defined authority limits and documents approvals in the contract lifecycle management (CLM) system.
• Processes contract modifications, amendments, task orders, and funding adjustments and ensures required approvals are obtained.
• Monitors contract obligations, deliverables, funding levels, and milestones and communicates risks to Program Management.
• Supports subcontract and procurement teams with negotiation of terms.
• Develops flow‑down terms based on prime contract requirements and supports proposal contract reviews, including risk identification and certifications.
• Ensures compliance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), Truthful Cost or Pricing Data Act, International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), and other applicable regulations.
• Conducts periodic performance and administrative compliance reviews within the assigned market segment.
• Identifies and escalates high‑risk indemnification, intellectual property, liability, data privacy, or export control issues.
• Supervises and mentors Contract Administrators, assigning tasks and reviewing work quality.
• Provides training and guidance to junior contracts personnel on procedures, compliance, and company standards.
• Maintains accurate contract records in CLM and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems and prepares metrics and management reports.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, or Accounting, or demonstrated successful work experience meeting minimum requirements.
• 8–10 years of progressive experience in contract administration and management, preferably in the aerospace and defense industry.
• Experience with government prime contracts and subcontracts, including FAR/DFARS compliance, the Truthful Cost or Pricing Data Act, and ITAR requirements.
• Experience with Other Transactions, Undefinitized Contract Actions, cost contracts, and other standard procurement agreements.
• Ability to supervise or mentor contracts professionals.
• Strong negotiation skills and business judgment.
• Deep knowledge of government and commercial contracting principles.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to translate complex issues for non‑contracts stakeholders.
• Ability to manage a complex workload independently while guiding others.
• High integrity with strong instincts for identifying and escalating legal and compliance risks.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and experience with ERP and CLM systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree.
• National Contract Management Association (NCMA) Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM), Certified Federal Contracts Manager (CFCM), or equivalent certification.

Special Mentions

• Minimal travel may be required for this position.

This position requires U.S. person status under U.S. export control laws, including U.S. citizens and nationals, lawful permanent residents, refugees, and asylees.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with company contribution
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Company‑paid life and AD\&D insurance
• Short‑ and long‑term disability coverage
• Tuition reimbursement

Karman Space and Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.