Senior Manager - Defense

Keller Executive Search International; Pooler (GA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Keller Executive Search International is engaged to find a Senior Manager – Defense for a global manufacturer of construction and agricultural equipment. The role oversees cradle-to-grave DoD and federal contracts, ensures compliance with FAR/DFARS, CAS, and ITAR, and serves as the primary liaison with federal agencies.

The ideal candidate will lead contract lifecycle activities, support audits (DCAA/DCMA), and train contract professionals on federal requirements while coordinating with finance,

Qualifications

• Experience managing cradle-to-grave DoD/federal contracts.
• Strong knowledge of FAR/DFARS, CAS, ITAR requirements.
• Experience supporting audits (DCAA/DCMA) and CPSRs.
• Ability to interpret complex contract requirements and terms.
• Leadership in compliance program design and training.

Responsibilities

• Oversee full contract lifecycle for DoD/federal contracts.
• Ensure compliance with FAR/DFARS, CAS, ITAR and related regs.
• Lead cost volumes, narratives, and pricing analyses.
• Coordinate audits and contractor purchasing system reviews.
• Train staff on federal contracting policies and procedures.

Skills

Contract lifecycle management

Compliance & risk management

Financial oversight

Stakeholder communication

Regulatory training

Tools

SAM registration process

DDTC compliance process

Job description

Our client is a global, privately-owned manufacturer of construction and agricultural equipment with an 80-year legacy of innovation. Operating across more than 20 facilities on four continents — including the United States, United Kingdom, India, and Brazil — the company produces a broad portfolio of over 300 product lines, ranging from telescopic handlers and backhoe loaders to excavators, wheel loaders, rough terrain forklifts, and tractors.As a family-owned enterprise, our client answers directly to its customers rather than external shareholders. This independence enables the company to focus on developing cutting-edge technologies and building equipment engineered to perform in the toughest real-world conditions. The organization is deeply committed to its people, its products, and the industries it serves.

Reporting to the Vice President of Government & Defense, the Senior Manager – Defense will serve as a key leader within the defense contracting function. This individual will oversee the full contract lifecycle for complex government programs, drive compliance activities, and act as the primary liaison with federal agencies — ensuring all contract management activities adhere to company policies, applicable laws and regulations, and the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Cost Accounting Standards (CAS).

Key Responsibilities

Contract Lifecycle Management

• Manage cradle-to-grave contract activities for DoD and federal contracts, including RFP analysis, proposal support, negotiation, award, execution, modifications, and closeout.
• Review and interpret complex contractual requirements, FAR/DFARS clauses, Statements of Work, and terms and conditions to ensure compliance and risk mitigation.
• Prepare, review, and issue subcontract agreements, NDAs, and teaming agreements in alignment with prime contract requirements.
• Support and train Contract Specialists and Subcontract Specialists on FAR/DFARS, small business, and subcontract flow-down requirements.
• Serve as Cost Volume lead for complex RFPs, composing cost volume narratives and participating in proposal planning, strategy sessions, and color team reviews.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure organizational adherence to all applicable laws, regulations, and policies including FAR, DFARS, CAS, ITAR, and DoD-specific requirements.
• Develop and implement corrective action plans submitted to the Government; identify contract risks and create mitigation strategies.
• Support DCAA and DCMA audits, Contractor Purchasing System Reviews (CPSRs), and internal compliance activities.
• Design and enforce company compliance policies and procedures for federal contract obligations.
• Conduct regular internal audits and reviews to identify compliance risks and ensure adherence to federal standards.
• Maintain the organization's registrations in SAM, the Department of State Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC), and the Militarily Critical Technical Data Agreement (DD Form 2345).

Financial & Administrative Oversight

• Collaborate with finance, program management, and pricing teams on cost proposals, forward pricing rates, incurred cost submissions, and cost impact analyses.
• Review and validate cost volumes, pricing data, and cost narratives for accuracy and compliance.
• Monitor contract funding status, deliverables, and invoicing to ensure alignment with contract requirements.
• Champion routine Government contractual reporting, including Contractor Manpower Reporting, Small Business Subcontracting performance, Government Property status reports, and Federal Sub-Award Reporting System (FSRS) submissions.

Stakeholder Communication & Partnership

• Serve as the primary point of contact for contracting officers, Government representatives, and internal stakeholders.
• Provide clear interpretation of contractual obligations to cross-functional teams including program management, engineering, and operations.
• Provide FAR and CAS guidance and training to employees across the organization.
• Support strategic business development efforts through contractual guidance and proposal input.

Training & Education

• Design and deliver ongoing compliance training programs for employees, officers, and consultants.
• Sserve as the primary regulatory liaison with federal agencies (DCMA/DCAA), ensuring timely responses to inquiries and audits.