Senior Manager, Contracts

SES Space & Defense; Reston (VA); On-site; USD 128,000 - 177,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation, sick and personal leave

Medical, dental, vision, life, and(dis

401(k) retirement plan

Job summary

SES Space & Defense is seeking a Senior Manager, Contracts to lead cradle-to-grave management of U.S. Government contracts and related financial deliverables.

You will ensure compliance with Federal regulations, review proposals, negotiate terms, and support vendor management across multiple departments. The role requires a top-tier contract professional with FAR/DFAR expertise, strong negotiation skills, and experience with large, complex proposals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or Accounting and at least 10 years in government contract management.
• Active Secret clearance or ability to obtain within 1 year.
• Experience with FAR/DFAR and federal contracting procedures.
• Strong negotiation, proposal, and audit skills.
• Proficiency with MS Office; SAP and Deltek experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee cradle-to-grave management of US Government contracts and deliverables.
• Review proposals, conduct fact-finding, negotiate terms, and administer contracts.
• Coordinate subcontracting, training, and compliance with regulations.
• Advise on contract strategy, risk, and policy compliance.
• Maintain contract files and CRM data; liaison with customers.
• Lead negotiation teams and support post-proposal activities.

Skills

Contract management

Government contracts

FAR/DFAR knowledge

MS Office

SAP

Deltek

Clearance

Negotiation

Communication

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration/Accounting

Tools

SAP

Deltek

Job description

Who We Are

At SES Space & Defense, we deliver secure, resilient connectivity and integrated space solutions for customers operating in the world’s most demanding environments. As part of SES S.A., a global leader in satellite-enabled communications, we combine capabilities across all orbits with extensive global ground infrastructure, managed networks, hosted payload solutions, and mission integration services to support communications, sensing, data transport, and operational resilience worldwide.

Who We Are

Our vertically integrated space and ground capabilities bring together satellite capacity, terrestrial infrastructure, advanced network technologies, and deployed user terminals to support mission-critical government operations around the world. We are a trusted partner to the U.S. Federal Government and national security community, allied governments, NATO, NASA, and other civilian agencies, delivering reliable, high-performance solutions when mission success is critical.

Who We Are

At SES Space & Defense, our people are our competitive advantage. You’ll work alongside a mission-driven team committed to integrity, innovation, accountability, and delivering real-world impact for customers whose missions matter most.

What You’ll Do

The Senior Manager, Contracts, is responsible for the cradle to grave management of all assigned US Government contract requirements and financial deliverables. This position is also responsible for compliance with all US government regulations, contract review procedures as well as supporting the vendor management processes Review/submittal of proposals; controls customer fact-finding and audit activities; negotiates complex contracts; administers government and commercial contracts and other agreements; and interacts/supports other business departments.

Primary Responsibilities

• Provides experienced and knowledgeable administration support of large-scale government and defense contractor resellers contracts. This includes activities related to the whole life cycle of the contract/task order and subcontract, from the initial proposal phase, through award and contract performance, to close out
• Responsible for management of all contract requirements, including the sub-contracting reporting functions, review and timely submission of contract deliverables, and the training of and coordination with project management staff in the day to day functions of the contract to ensure contract compliance and performance, including coordination with other departments
• Provide expert advice and counsel to internal personnel on contractual matters, including advising on contract strategy, regulatory and corporate policy compliance requirements, organizational conflict of interest mitigation, and risk management
• Maintains, and as needed, can recommend systems, policies, and procedures compliant with the contract requirements
• Maintains working relationships with SES SD program personnel and other departments in order to be cognizant of all project operations under the contract and to implement appropriate actions on behalf of the contract function
• Maintains relationships with US Government contract officers and/or contract/subcontract managers as key point of contacts for assigned contracts to ensure mutual understanding of terms, deliverables and expectations associated with agreements
• Generate and negotiate supporting contractual documents, such as non-disclosure agreements and teaming agreements
• Establishes master service agreements with defense contractor resellers and work with legal counsel in the negotiating of each defense contractor resellers terms and conditions
• Performs lead contractual role in the preparation of proposals as assigned including special terms, conditions and assumptions
• Maintains the contract file in conformance with established procedures
• Advises proposal/program managers on content and format of proposals; reviews basis of cost estimates developed by technical and program staff for reasonableness; references internal pricing system to review cost proposal documents in compliance with internal procedures and customer requirements
• Leads negotiation teams of technical and program staff. Supports mediation and resolution of contract issues working with SES SD's management, customers, consultants, legal representation, or other outside agencies
• Administers all post-proposal activities such as audits, fact-finding, contract negotiation and contract award
• Maintains current and accurate data in the Customer Relationship Management software of proposal and contract status and information
• Establish and maintain excellent internal and external customer relations at all levels of the organization, acting as liaison with customers' buying official for all proposal or contract matters, communicating status of open contract matters frequently with program managers, technical staff, and Senior Director, Contracts
• Actively contributes to the success of the Contracts Department team by supporting other contracts staff during surge workload periods, providing guidance as needed, increasing the professional knowledge base of the Department, and completing special projects as may be assigned
• Contributes to development of contract administration; may act as backup to Senior Director, Contracts
• Must be flexible in the role and willing to adapt to varying demands in a fast-paced culture

Who You Are

• Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration/Accounting and a minimum of 10 years work experience contract management, including overseeing large, complex proposals, negotiations, and administration for Government contracts
• Secret or above active clearance or ability to obtain that clearance within the 1st year
• Experience including due diligence, award negotiations, procurement, compliance auditing and contract close-out
• Advanced knowledge of and experience working with the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulations (DFAR) and other related federal supplemental regulations
• Experience working with Government customers and Prime contractors
• Ability to recognize, interpret and apply applicable regulations to resolve complex issues
• Demonstrated financial and analytical skills
• Ability to read and respond to Government solicitations and contracts, understand and recommend risk mitigation measures on scopes of work, bids, and with respect to Organizational Conflict of Interest
• Must be experienced with the Administration of a variety of US Government contracts which may include GSA Schedules, Blanket Purchase Agreements, Firm Fixed Price and Time and Materials
• Familiarity with various commercial contracts such as Master Services Agreements, Service Orders Nondisclosure Agreements and Teaming Agreements.
• Excellent oral, written communication and diplomatic skills
• Proficiency in using Microsoft Office (SAP and Deltek experience preferred)
• Excellent organizational skills; ability to work independently, assess priorities, and manage a variety of activities with limited guidance
• Exceptional attention to detail and organizational ability
• Self-motivated/proactive in resolving issues, with ability to multi-task and prioritize work
• Ability to interact with senior leaders across multiple functions

Desirable Qualifications

• Industry-recognized Contract Management certification is preferred

SES Space & Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law

The anticipated base salary range for this position is $128,415 to $176,610. The final base salary offered will be determined based on factors such as the position’s location, the candidate’s relevant skills, experience, and qualifications.

• Employees are eligible to participate in SES Space & Defense’s benefits programs, which include paid vacation, sick and personal leave; medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance; a 401(k)-retirement plan; and others.

Where applicable, this position may also be eligible for an annual bonus.