Dir I- Contracts

BAE Systems•Endicott, NY

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

BAE Systems is seeking a highly experienced Director of Commercial Contracts to lead and manage a broad and complex portfolio of programs throughout the project lifecycle. This role can be onsite or hybrid, with fully remote considered for the right candidate. The Contracts organization acts as a trusted business partner, managing customer relationships, negotiating deals, creating innovative solutions, and providing regulatory knowledge. BAE Systems is committed to employee growth and development, offering opportunities for special projects, mentoring, networking, and role rotation. The company emphasizes a strong culture with principles of respect, humility, collaboration, empowerment, and curiosity. This position will lead the Commercial segment of the Contracts organization within Controls & Avionics Solutions (CAS), overseeing Development and Production/Sustainment teams. The successful candidate will be part of the core CAS Contracts leadership team, helping to develop and implement business strategy. Experience with commercial and international contracts, change proposals, program pursuits, strategic planning, and financial compliance is essential. The role involves leading all contracting activities with minimal supervision, ensuring compliance with company policies, legal, and customer requirements. The Director will interpret and communicate business commitments, advise leadership on contractual matters, and manage personnel. This role requires extensive knowledge of the Commercial acquisition and execution environment, applicable laws and regulations, and the ability to develop and maintain strong customer relationships.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and 12+ years of relevant experience in Commercial, International, and some US Government Contracting
Proven track record of negotiating complex contracts, with ability to work a broad portfolio of programs sizes and types, and significant proposal preparation experience
Ability to make independent decisions, execute business strategy, and close actions
Strong knowledge and practical experience with change management and intellectual property protection strategies
Proven competency in organizing, managing, and leading high performing and diverse teams, and driving successor development
Ability to work effectively with global customer base
Strong written, verbal, and executive presentation skills
Sound interpersonal skills and stakeholder management involving interfacing and negotiating with company personnel and customers at high organizational levels

Nice To Haves

International Commercial Aerospace experience
Transit Electrification experience
MBA, JD, or other advanced degree
NCMA Certification/involvement

Responsibilities

Partner with product line directors and direct the work of the contracts team to align and ensure completion of shared business objectives.
Provide leadership to support staffing, training, mentoring, and performance management of Contracting professionals.
Collaborate with business partners to build and nurture a supportive and inclusive team utilizing best practice talent management approaches.
Provide guidance for Contract Administrators/Managers to drive effective contract and performance execution, supporting positive financial performance throughout all acquisition phases, including complex development and production contracts.
Oversee and direct daily contractual activities, providing guidance on contractual/business issues, assisting with strategies and recommendations, and solving complex contractual and programmatic issues.
Independently direct team’s proposal activities including analysis of solicitations, preparing proposals, developing strategies and recommendations, preparing terms and conditions, conducting business risk assessment, completing negotiations, and drafting of contract terms.
Consult with other functional departments to advise ES and CAS leadership teams of contractual rights and obligations, risk mitigation alternatives, program issues, and business strategy.
Ensure that all contractual arrangements offer the Company a reasonable probability of accomplishing the business objectives.
Develop and maintain strong relationships with senior supply chain leaders representing customers.
Direct negotiations and customer visits when required.
Maintain and demonstrate an expert-level understanding of the Commercial acquisition and procurement environments, the BAE Systems Contracts function and relevant Company policies and procedures, Commercial Contracting methods and practices, export compliance, and FAR/DFARS regulations.