Contracts Manager

American Rheinmetall•Auburn Hills, MI

About The Position

American Rheinmetall is a leader in the design, development, and production of advanced tracked and wheeled vehicles, vehicle systems, and critical components that support U.S. military modernization. Our expertise spans electronic and mechanical systems, fabricated structures, armored products, rubber solutions, and track systems, delivering reliable innovation to both defense and commercial markets at the speed of need. As part of the global Rheinmetall family, we combine proven heritage with forward-looking technology to provide solutions that defend and feed the world. The Contracts Manager will serve as a key leader within the Contracts organization, guiding a team responsible for delivering high‑quality contracting support to critical defense programs. This role will oversee contract strategy, execution, and compliance for the Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle (OMFV) program—one of the U.S. Army’s essential, multi‑million‑dollar initiatives. Working alongside a diverse group of experienced professionals, the Contracts Manager helps shape innovative proposals, manage complex contractual requirements, and contribute to long‑term program success. This position offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact by supporting service members with advanced products and services while operating in a collaborative, mission‑driven environment.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and 8 years of relevant Contract Management experience or equivalent experience.
Knowledge of DoD contracting
Expert knowledge of FAR/DFAR
Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Exhibit sound interpersonal skills involving interfacing, coordinating and negotiating with company personnel, customers and suppliers.
Utilize computer skills to prepare appropriate reports and documents- Microsoft Office
Make decisions using sound judgement while complying with policies, procedures, appropriate principles and applicable state and federal laws and regulations.
Demonstrate research and presentation skills to senior leadership.
Significant ability to influence and advise senior corporate management.
Demonstrate specialized knowledge in an area of contracting such as, but not limited to certain contract types, commercial contracting, joint ventures, strategic alliances and intellectual property.
Excellent organizational and follow-through skills.
Detail oriented.
Cost Type / Cost-Plus Contract experience.
Firm Fixed Price Contract experience.
Prime Contract experience.
Mentoring and training junior staff members
Must undergo and meet company standards for background check, employment verification, reference checks, physical, and controlled substance testing.
Candidate must be able to obtain and maintain suitability requirements for access to classified information.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree or JD/MBA degree
CFCM or CPCM certification from NCMA.

Responsibilities

Lead the proposal, negotiation, and management of complex proposal and contract activities in accordance with company policies, legal and customer requirements, with limited guidance or supervision from the Director.
Interpret and communicate business commitments and alternatives to program team and management.
Act as a subject matter expert with an extensive knowledge of government and commercial contracting methods, applicable laws and regulations.
Mentor junior contracts professionals and may supervise or guide work of lower grade contracting employees.
Develop and maintain professional and dependable relationships with both internal and external customers.
Maintain an in-depth knowledge and working understanding of the US Government Acquisition and Procurement environment, the American Rheinmetall Vehicles Contracts function, and relevant company policies and procedures, commercial contracting methods, FAR/DFARS, export and other government regulations.
Independently lead and support proposal activities including, but not limited to, analysis of solicitations, preparing summaries and developing strategies and recommendations based on the analysis.
Be mindful and attentive to the financial and business risks of the proposed effort and participate in all proposal team meetings.
Prepare the terms, conditions and assumptions upon which the proposal may be submitted, review the technical and pricing proposals for accuracy and consistency, conduct overall business risk analysis and prepare the proposal documents for submittal to the customer.
Provide analysis of solicitations, ensure that bid/proposals are prepared and presented in a manner to afford the company the greatest opportunity to obtain the contract award while minimizing associated liabilities and risk.
Support independent proposal reviews.
Establish and manage negotiation strategies and financial requirements.
Perform business risk assessment and recommend mitigation plans.
Conduct negotiation of contracts requiring a high degree of negotiation expertise; execute proposals and contracts to the threshold delegated.
Execute proposals and contracts in accordance with delegated authority.
Provide input for budgets.
Perform all aspects of assigned contract or purchase order-processing including, but not limited to, accuracy of order entry data, contract funding, scope changes, contract amendments, receipts and delivery schedules, legal requirements and other commitments.
Compile and maintain all required contractual records and documents in accordance with contract requirements and company policies and procedures.