At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead contract management and communication for innovative defence projects.
- Company: Join Safran Defense & Space, a leader in aerospace technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and a supportive community.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities to support veterans and STEM education.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in national defence and space missions.
- Qualifications: 8+ years in U.S. Government contracts and strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
ABOUT OUR MISSION: Join the forefront of innovation and make an impact at Safran Defense & Space, Inc.! Safran Defense & Space Inc. (Safran DSI), headquartered in Arlington, Va., is a leading U.S. aerospace company dedicated to supporting national defense and space missions. As a trusted partner to the U.S. armed forces, government agencies, and commercial sectors, Safran DSI delivers advanced technology solutions through its specialized business units: Assured PNT, Geospatial AI, Optronics, Space Solutions, and Testing & Telemetry.
Headquartered in Bedford, NH, Safran DSI Optronics (formerly Optics 1) is a global leader in full-service design and production of electro-optic and navigation systems. Leveraging core competencies in defense technologies, Optronics provides unmatched, first-class mission solutions for military and law enforcement personnel. We have a high-paced, high-energy environment focused on acknowledging individual and team successes, as well as overall growth. Optronics is a community that cares about the mission of our customers. Our team believes in supporting and enriching our community through engagement; whether that means giving back to our troops, veterans and their families, investing in next generation innovators through STEM education, or higher education initiatives, giving back is an important part of who we are as a team.
If you’re ready to join our mission and serve those who serve, Safran DSI is the perfect place for you to take your career to the next level. Make a real difference and be part of something extraordinary. Apply now and help us build the future of defense and space.
POSITION PROFILE: The Contracts Manager is responsible for customer communication, full cycle contract management, change management, and fulfillment of contract requirements in accordance with company policies, legal requirements, and customer specifications. The role will provide strong business acumen and subject matter expertise to understand program performance requirements, provide guidance, and influence results in supporting Optronics business unit (BU) and company objectives.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Contracts Management lead for the Optronics BU
- Proactively manage various contracts (Government/Commercial).
- Experienced with all contract types (i.e., Cost Reimbursement, Fixed Price, FPIF, IDIQ, Time and Material, etc.).
- Ability to recognize contractual risk and implement mitigation strategies.
- Proactively identify and resolve contractual issues; address disputes, questions, and concerns.
- Respond to various complex contracting inquiries in a timely manner.
- Facilitate thought leadership and innovative solutions for complex contracting matters.
- Issue sound contract management leadership to integrated program teams and business unit leadership.
- Administer complex contracting activities primarily for U.S. Government customers (predominantly DoD and large DoD prime contractors).
- Provide sound contract management to meet customer obligations, achieve company and business unit objectives, and comply with company policies.
- Review and negotiate US Government contracts containing FAR and DFAR regulations.
- Provide expertise and guidance on interpretation of FAR and DFAR regulations.
- Respond to customer representation and certification requests.
- Deliver leadership and guidance on use of WAWF, GFP Module, EDA, and other US DoD systems.
- Manage the contract and proposal review process in accordance with the DSI Delegation of Authority and BU Code of Practice.
- Draft, review and negotiate contract provisions with commercial customers to include international with oversight by the Director of Contracts and General Counsel.
- Generate and maintain Distributor, Consultant and Services Agreements.
- Generate and maintain Non-Disclosure Agreements.
- Lead the effort to manage deliverables for contracts (includes agreements, but not standard price list purchase orders).
- Facilitate requests for schedule extensions to minimize schedule delay penalties.
- Assist with proposal preparation and assembly of final proposal package.
- Lead the effort to effectively flow-down FAR, DFAR, and other clauses to suppliers via procurement.
- Manage the Government Property function for the Safran DSI Optronics business unit.
- Have familiarity with US DoD PCARSS system (in PIEE).
- Serve as primary contact with customers and other external parties concerning contractual matters.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO BE SUCCESSFUL:
- Typically requires a University Degree. Juris Doctor or MBA is a plus and may be credited towards experience minimum.
- Minimum eight (8) years of U.S. Government contracts experience.
- Sound working knowledge of FAR, DFARS, Negotiations with the U.S. Government and/or Large DoD Prime Contractors, and commercial contracts (International/Domestic DCS).
- Must be a U.S. Citizen or US Permanent Resident Status.
IDEALLY, YOU’LL ALSO HAVE:
- Active and existing security clearance.
- Experience in administering/maintaining an approved Government Property System.
- Proven ability to develop effective and sustaining relationships with customers.
- Experience leading complex contract negotiations and Government and Commercial terms and conditions in broad applications, thorough understanding of contracting principles and concepts.
- Thorough understanding of the US Department of Defense (DoD) acquisition policy, government contracting principles, and regulations.
- Strong working knowledge of the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) and the NASA FAR supplement.
- Business acumen with financial understanding of our business.
- Excellent time management and organizational skills.
TRAVEL: Less than 5%
EEO STATEMENT & ACCESSIBILITY: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role. EOE/AA/M/F/Vets – US Protected Individual status required (US citizen, lawful permanent resident, asylee, refugee or temporary resident (as defined at 8 USC 1160(a).
Contracts Manager in Bedford employer: Safran DSI
At Safran Defense & Space, Inc., we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a high-energy work environment where individual and team achievements are celebrated. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our focus on professional development and community engagement, particularly in supporting veterans and promoting STEM education. Located in Arlington, VA, we offer a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge defense and space technologies while making a meaningful impact on national security.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Contracts Manager in Bedford
✨Join Aerospace Forums and Groups
Get involved in aerospace engineering forums and online communities, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It's a great way to meet industry peers and stay updated on job openings and trends in the field.
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye on upcoming aerospace conferences and events where you can network with professionals and showcase your interest. Events like the Farnborough International Airshow are not just about flying machines; they're a goldmine for connections and potential job leads.
✨Spotlight Your Projects
Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience or projects on your portfolio that showcase your skills in aerospace engineering. Employers love seeing practical applications of theoretical knowledge. Show us what you've got!
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
When you find companies you want to work for, head straight to their careers page to apply for full-time roles, like the one with Safran DSI for a Contracts Manager. This often puts your application in front of the right people faster than just waiting for job boards!
We think you need these skills to ace Contracts Manager in Bedford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Safran DSI, make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!
Don't Skip Your Projects!:Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.
Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter:At Safran DSI, we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.
Tailor Your CV for Aerospace:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.
How to prepare for a job interview at Safran DSI
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with Safran DSI.
✨Showcase Your Projects with Confidence
Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Technical Interviews
Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with Safran DSI. Get familiar with design challenges or theoretical problems related to aerospace; this can range from calculating lift and drag forces to materials selection under stress. Practising these can help you feel more at ease when faced with tricky questions.
✨Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills
As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like Safran DSI love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
