Director, Contracts

Overview:

Draper is an independent, nonprofit research and development company headquartered in Cambridge, MA. The 2,000+ employees of Draper tackle important national challenges with a promise of delivering successful and usable solutions. From military defense and space exploration to biomedical engineering, lives often depend on the solutions we provide. Our multidisciplinary teams of engineers and scientists work in a collaborative environment that inspires the cross-fertilization of ideas necessary for true innovation. For more information about Draper, visit www.draper.com.

Job Description Summary:

The Director, Contracts is a member of the Contracts Leadership Team reporting directly to the VP, Contracts with matrixed responsibilities to the VP/GM of a large or strategic Business Area. This highly visible position oversees a team of contracts professionals with cradle-to-grave accountability for a diverse portfolio of contracts, opportunities, and agreements. This future focused role requires the ability to think strategically, to drive actions/decisions proactively, and to lead a team to meet the needs of our internal and external customers in a manner that focuses on contract compliance. The Director, Contracts owns our functional customer relationships for the Business Area and demonstrates strong communication and leadership skills to develop our future talent. The Director, Contracts is a FAR/DFARS subject matter expert who works collaboratively with program-facing functional leadership to optimize solutions for customers, while balancing risk for the corporation throughout the lifecycle of our contracts and agreements. This role delivers annual operating plan objectives aligned to the longer-term integrated business plan as part of a team through comprehensive negotiation strategies, robust change management, strong contract management and proactive dispute resolution.

Job Description:

Duties/Responsibilities

• Lead a Contracts team and manage performance by recruiting, retaining, training, developing and optimizing personnel to successfully deliver critical captures, sole source and/or competitive proposals, and contract execution
• Manage strategic aspects of internal and/or external customer relationships as an advocate for our function and corporation to influence results
• Support the Business Area with Contracts expertise for shaping and capture, negotiation, and change management strategies for risk balanced solutions and compliance with solicitation/contract requirements, internal policies, and regulations
• Manage a portfolio of high complexity contracts across multiple contract types and provide guidance, support and mentorship to Contracts staff in the areas of internal delegation of authority, customer requirements review and interpretation, proposal development, contract negotiation, contract administration, change management and contract closeout
• Creatively solve complex challenges to align with Business Area objectives; own mitigation plans and lessons learned for systemic implementation across our cross-functional teams and/or the entire Contracts function
• Raise the bar for application of contract management principles and compliance including up-to-date FAR & DFARS interpretation, Truthful Cost or Pricing Data Act Requirements, and the interplay of CAS cost principles. Develop and implement effective training plans, and foster an environment of learning, transparency, and continuous improvement of process and team culture.

Skills/Abilities

• An industry leader in functional knowledge who is on the cutting edge of understanding industry trends and anticipating regulatory changes/impacts and compliance solutions; demonstrated in-depth understanding of FAR/DFARS/supplemental regulations, including intellectual property rules, Business System requirements (Accounting, EVMS, Estimating, Property Management and Purchasing System), full life-cycle contract management of many contract types (CPFF, CPIF, FFP, FPI, T&M, etc.) and Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs)
• Exceptional interpersonal, leadership, communication (verbal and written), analytical and problem-solving skills
• A strategic thinker with the ability to set an organizational vision and achieve results; a confident leader with the complexity of knowledge and patience to develop, execute and coach others on complex multi-faceted negotiation strategies
• An inquisitive leader with the ability to make quick, informed decisions even when dealing with ambiguity
• Ability to balance priorities in a dynamic, matrixed environment; willingness to take ownership, accept accountability, and thrive under pressure
• The ability to produce high quality risk analyses, compelling business cases, presentations intended for an executive level audience and to craft contract language / ground rules and assumptions that influence results with customers
• Ability to effectively interact at all levels within the organization and with external customers
• Comprehensive understanding of business systems, financial terms and metrics, and job connections across functions for efficient operations
• The desire to make a difference, be impactful and lead from the front
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, business systems and intelligence tools, and a proven ability to learn and continuously improve our use of systems, tools, policies and procedures

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field of study required; advanced degree preferred and can be considered in lieu of 2 years of experience. 
• Professional Certifications (e.g. CFCM, CPCM, etc.) preferred

Experience

• 10 – 15 years of Contracts experience with in-depth contract lifecycle management in a national security / aerospace and defense contracting environment across the acquisition phases with critical understanding of research and development, systems integration, production, and sustainment contracts across all contract types and contract vehicles; large program experience as both a prime contractor and subcontractor is required
• Strategic capture and proposal experience across a diverse set of customers and programs (hardware, software, services)
• 7+ years of experience directly leading Contracts professionals on high performing teams to effectively perform functional roles and responsibilities while developing talent for growing the pipeline; ability to assess future talent for hiring and retaining skillsets to fill gaps and positively contribute to our team culture; experience/emphasis on managing managers, senior level SMEs, and mentors to others preferred
• Additional years of relevant cross-functional experience within the national security or aerospace and defense industry preferred

Additional Job Description:

Applicants selected for this position will be required to obtain and maintain a government security clearance.

Active Top Secret Clearance is required.

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Job Location - City:

Clearfield

Job Location - State:

Utah

Job Location - Postal Code:

84015

The US base salary range for this full-time position is

$150,000.00 - $320,000.00

Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Union ranges will be in compliance with the collective bargaining agreement's approved rates by location and role. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process.  Please note that the compensation details listed in US role postings reflect the base salary only, and does not include bonuses or benefits.

Our work is very important to us, but so is our life outside of work. Draper supports many programs to improve work-life balance including workplace flexibility, employee clubs ranging from photography to yoga, health and finance workshops, off site social events and discounts to local museums and cultural activities. If this specific job opportunity and the chance to work at a nationally renowned R&D innovation company appeals to you, apply now www.draper.com/careers.

Draper is committed to creating an inclusive environment. We understand the value of inclusivity and its impact on a high-performance culture. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Draper is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, please contact [email protected].