Contracts Manager

Contracts & Compliance Manager

Location: York County, South Carolina (On-Site)

Employment Type: Full-Time

Industry: Defense Manufacturing / Government Contracting

MUST HAVE DEFENSE INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE

About the Opportunity

An established and growing defense industry organization is seeking an experienced Contracts & Compliance Manager to oversee federal contract administration, regulatory compliance, risk management, and export control activities. This position plays a critical role in ensuring compliance with U.S. government contracting requirements while supporting business growth, operational excellence, and customer satisfaction.

The successful candidate will serve as a key advisor to leadership and collaborate closely with program management, finance, engineering, procurement, security, and external government stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

Contracts Management

• Manage the administration of federal government contracts, subcontracts, purchase orders, and related agreements.
• Review solicitations, statements of work, contract modifications, and contractual documentation to identify obligations, risks, and compliance requirements.
• Maintain complete and accurate contract files, including correspondence, deliverables, certifications, modifications, and closeout documentation.
• Coordinate contract modifications, extensions, and change requests with internal teams and government representatives.
• Support proposal efforts by reviewing solicitation terms, contract clauses, representations, certifications, and compliance requirements.
• Participate in contract negotiations and develop negotiation strategies and supporting documentation.
• Identify contractual risks and provide recommendations to leadership.
• Interpret and apply FAR, DFARS, and customer-specific contractual requirements.
• Review subcontract agreements and ensure alignment with prime contract obligations.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with Contracting Officers, Contract Specialists, prime contractors, subcontractors, and customers.
• Support contract closeout activities and resolution of outstanding obligations.

Compliance Management

• Maintain and enhance the organization's compliance management program.
• Monitor regulatory changes and support implementation of new compliance requirements.
• Administer company ethics, compliance, and Code of Conduct programs.
• Support compliance with ITAR, EAR, import/export regulations, and trade controls.
• Develop and maintain compliance policies, procedures, obligation matrices, and reporting systems.
• Ensure appropriate handling and protection of sensitive company and government information.
• Support compliance efforts related to cybersecurity, CUI, intellectual property, data rights, supply chain management, and government regulations.
• Coordinate internal and external audits, reviews, assessments, and government inquiries.
• Promote a culture of integrity, accountability, and regulatory excellence.

Required Qualifications

• 10+ years of Contracts and Compliance experience within the U.S. Defense Industry.
• Strong background managing government contracts and regulatory compliance programs.
• Experience supporting Department of Defense (DoD) contracts and supplier networks.
• Ability to obtain and maintain security clearance eligibility.
• Professional compliance, contracts, or commercial management certification preferred.
• Experience working with domestic and international defense customers and suppliers.

Preferred Experience

• DCMA and DCAA interactions
• SAM.gov
• PIEE/WAWF
• ATF regulations and compliance
• Cybersecurity compliance and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)
• Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR)
• Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS)
• International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR)
• Export Administration Regulations (EAR)
• Uniform Commercial Code (UCC)
• Government, Prime Contractor, Subcontractor, and Supply Chain contracting

Key Competencies

• Contract negotiation and administration
• Regulatory compliance and risk management
• Strong business and legal acumen
• Analytical problem-solving skills
• Excellent organizational and documentation abilities
• Relationship building and stakeholder management
• Attention to detail and process discipline
• Ability to navigate complex regulatory environments