Senior Contracts Manager – Government & Defense

Automatic Data Processing, Inc.; Moorpark (CA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Quantum-Systems is expanding its US operations and is seeking a Contracts Manager to oversee the full lifecycle of government and defense-related contracts, ensuring compliance with FAR, DFARS, ITAR, EAR, and related regulations.

You will draft, negotiate, and administer complex agreements, collaborate with executive leadership, finance, and external counsel, and develop standardized templates and processes to protect the company’s interests and minimize risk.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Legal Studies, Contract Management, Finance, or a related field.
• 5–8 years of progressive experience in contract management, contract administration, or legal contract review.
• Strong legal background with drafting, reviewing, interpreting, and negotiating complex commercial and government contracts.
• Working knowledge of contract law, commercial transactions, contractual liability, indemnification, intellectual property rights, and dispute resolution.
• Experience with government contracting regulations, including FAR and DFARS.
• Knowledge of ITAR, EAR, and other applicable regulatory compliance requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to identify contractual risks, negotiate favorable terms, and provide practical business-oriented solutions.
• Experience collaborating with corporate attorneys, external legal counsel, executive leadership, and cross-functional business teams.
• Strong understanding of contract lifecycle management, document control, and contractual compliance processes.
• Excellent negotiation, analytical, organizational, and written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple complex contracts, competing priorities, and sensitive legal matters while maintaining strict confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Manage the full contract lifecycle, including drafting, reviewing, negotiating, executing, administering, and closing out government, supplier, and customer agreements.
• Provide legal and contractual guidance to internal stakeholders regarding contract terms, obligations, liabilities, and regulatory requirements.
• Draft, review, and negotiate complex contractual agreements, including NDAs, MSAs, supplier agreements, teaming agreements, licensing agreements, and government contracts.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate contractual, legal, financial, and operational risks while protecting the company's business interests.
• Ensure compliance with FAR, DFARS, ITAR, EAR, and other applicable contractual and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with external legal counsel on complex contractual matters, disputes, regulatory interpretations, and potential litigation.
• Support Business Development and Executive Leadership in contract negotiations, proposal development, bid reviews, and strategic business agreements.
• Review contractual terms and conditions to identify potential legal exposure, indemnification obligations, intellectual property considerations, limitations of liability, and termination provisions.
• Develop, implement, and maintain standardized contract templates, policies, procedures, and approval processes to ensure consistency and legal compliance.
• Monitor contractual obligations, deliverables, milestones, renewals, and expiration dates to ensure timely execution and compliance.
• Manage contract modifications, amendments, extensions, and change orders while ensuring proper documentation and authorization.
• Support the resolution of contractual disputes, claims, and compliance concerns through negotiations and coordination with legal counsel.
• Maintain accurate contract records and ensure appropriate document retention, confidentiality, and accessibility.
• Support internal and external audits involving contractual compliance, government regulations, and customer requirements.
• Provide guidance and training to internal departments regarding contractual obligations, legal risks, and company contracting procedures.

Skills

Contract negotiation

Regulatory compliance

Legal drafting

Cross-functional collaboration

Supply chain knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Legal Studies, Contract Management, Finance, or related field

Job description

Quantum-Systems is expanding its US operations and is seeking a Contracts Manager to oversee the full lifecycle of government and defense-related contracts, ensuring compliance with FAR, DFARS, ITAR, EAR, and related regulations.

You will draft, negotiate, and administer complex agreements, collaborate with executive leadership, finance, and external counsel, and develop standardized templates and processes to protect the company’s interests and minimize risk.