Subcontracts Manager

We are seeking a Subcontracts Manager to join our Supply Chain organization and lead the full lifecycle of subcontract and supplier agreements within a fast-paced aerospace and defense environment. Working in close partnership with Legal, this individual will own the development, negotiation, execution, and administration of supplier agreements while managing supplier performance and supporting internal customer requirements as the company scales from development through production.

This is a highly hands-on role responsible for end-to-end subcontract management across both direct and indirect procurement categories. The ideal candidate is comfortable operating with a high degree of autonomy, thrives in ambiguity, and enjoys collaborating cross-functionally with Engineering, Mission Management, Manufacturing, Finance, IT, Legal, and Executive Leadership.

Responsibilities

Lead the full subcontract lifecycle, including solicitation, competitive procurements, sole-source justifications, supplier selection and onboarding, RFP/RFQ administration, negotiation, award, contract administration, and supplier performance management.

Develop, negotiate, and administer a variety of agreement types, including:

Firm Fixed-Price (FFP)

Cost Reimbursable

Time & Materials (T&M)

Long-Term Agreements (LTA)

Master Services Agreements (MSA)

Professional and Technical Services Agreements (P/TSA)

Partner with Legal to develop and maintain company-approved agreement templates or negotiate supplier-provided agreements while ensuring compliance with prime contract requirements, company policies, intellectual property protections, export controls, and applicable regulations.

Collaborate with Engineering, Mission Management, Contracts, Cybersecurity, and Quality teams to ensure supplier agreements appropriately address technical, financial, schedule, quality, cybersecurity, and performance requirements.

Draft, review, negotiate, and execute statements of work (SOWs), subcontract agreements, amendments, modifications, and supplier terms and conditions.

Monitor subcontractor performance and support the resolution of supplier issues, change requests, claims, disputes, and contract modifications.

Identify contractual and business risks and develop mitigation strategies that protect company interests while maintaining productive supplier relationships.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Contracts, Finance, Engineering, or a related field.

5+ years of subcontract management experience within aerospace, defense, or government contracting environments.

Experience negotiating and administering multiple agreement types, including:

Firm Fixed-Price (FFP)

Cost Reimbursable

Time & Materials (T&M)

Long-Term Agreements (LTA)

Master Services Agreements (MSA)

Professional and Technical Services Agreements (P/TSA)

Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and statements of work and translate technical requirements into contractual language.

Experience managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment with evolving technical requirements, aggressive schedules, and rapid product development.

Experience reviewing and negotiating supplier terms and conditions.

Experience supporting programs performed under U.S. Government Prime Contracts.

Working knowledge of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), and subcontract flow-down requirements.

Experience preparing and negotiating statements of work, subcontract agreements, amendments, and contract modifications.

Strong business judgment with the ability to balance risk, cost, schedule, and supplier relationships.

Preferred Skills & Experience

Experience supporting rapid development, prototype, or Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) programs.

Experience working in startup or high-growth environments.

Experience negotiating intellectual property, data rights, indemnification, limitation of liability, milestone-based performance, and liquidated damages.

Knowledge of export control regulations, including ITAR and EAR.

Familiarity with cybersecurity requirements, including DFARS 252.204-7012, NIST SP 800-171, SPRS, and CMMC.

Experience managing supplier claims, Requests for Equitable Adjustment (REA), and contract closeout activities.

Familiarity with Quality Management Systems (QMS) and process development/implementation.

Juris Doctor (JD), Paralegal Certificate, or other formal legal education or training is a plus.