Vice President Contracts, Engineered Systems

Ladders; United States; Remote; USD 201,000 - 384,000; Full time

Job summary

Ladders is seeking a Vice President Contracts, Engineered Systems to lead contract strategy, administration, and negotiation for complex government and commercial work. This senior legal role guides a large team, advises executives, and shapes risk-aware contracting to drive growth and operational execution.

Remote - US-based; responsible from pursuit to close-out and cross-functional collaboration, with DoD procurement experience and eligibility for TS clearance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, finance, or a related field, or a JD.
• 15+ years of prime contract administration experience, particularly Federal Government construction.
• Knowledge of FAR, DFARS, OTAs and industry contracting practices.
• Experience with Federal agencies such as DoW and FAA.
• Strong written and oral communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Familiarity with contract administration software.
• Willingness to leverage AI for productivity and innovation.
• US citizenship is required.
• TS clearance or ability to obtain one.

Responsibilities

• Manage, train, and develop a team of 20+ contract professionals to drive high-quality performance.
• Conduct risk assessments to inform business strategy and support leadership reviews.
• Structure and negotiate complex contracts with the US Government and commercial entities.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external customers.
• Advise senior stakeholders on contracting strategies and implications.
• Oversee all contract activities, including new business, existing business, and close-out processes.

Skills

Contract strategy

Risk management

Communication skills

AI for productivity

Leadership

US citizenship

TS clearance eligibility

Education

Bachelor's degree / JD

Tools

Contract administration software

Job description

For our client, we are seeking a Vice President Contracts, Engineered Systems to join the team of a leader in the Manufacturing & Automotive space.

This senior legal leadership role will oversee contract strategy, administration, and negotiation for highly complex work tied to government and commercial customers. The position is responsible for guiding a large team, advising senior stakeholders, and shaping risk-aware contracting approaches that support business growth and operational execution. It also requires close collaboration across internal functions and external partners to manage the full contract lifecycle from pursuit through close-out.

Location: Remote - US based candidates only, no visa sponsorship available

Compensation: $200,600 - $383,500 annually

Responsibilities

• Manage, train, and develop a team of 20+ contract professionals to drive high-quality performance
• Conduct risk assessments to inform business strategy and support leadership reviews
• Structure and negotiate complex contracts with the US Government and commercial entities
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external customers
• Advise senior stakeholders on contracting strategies and implications
• Oversee all contract activities, including new business, existing business, and close-out processes

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Finance, or a related field, or a JD
• 15+ years of prime contract administration experience, particularly in Federal Government construction
• Comprehensive knowledge of FAR, DFARS, OTAs, and industry practices for contract negotiation
• Experience with Federal agencies such as DoW and FAA
• Strong written and oral communication skills, along with excellent interpersonal abilities
• Familiarity with contract administration software
• Willingness to leverage AI for productivity and innovation
• Proven capability in managing complex situations
• US Citizenship required
• TS clearance or ability to obtain one

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off and holidays
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Life insurance
• Flexible work schedules

Our client is an equal opportunity employer.