Director of Contracting

Saildrone • Washington, DC

2d • $192,551 - $226,530 • Hybrid

About The Position

Saildrone is seeking a Director of Contracting to join our Business Development Team. Reporting directly to the VP of Business Development, you will play a critical role in negotiating and executing contracts and other agreements with US Government, Commercial and International customers and will be responsible for managing Saildrone’s relationships with customer procurement authorities. We are looking for an experienced, skilled individual who has a relentless energy to get things done and a proven track record of working within a fast-paced environment.

Requirements

• 10-15 years of hands-on experience in negotiating and executing contracts with and managing relationships with United States Government, Commercial and International customers.
• Successful experience submitting and negotiating complex proposals and contracts, including: Competitive and sole source. Firm Fixed Price and Cost Reimbursable. USG, Foreign and Commercial. Multiple USG Agencies and contractual vehicles (GSA, IDIQ, BPA, OTA, FAR Part 12 and FAR Part 15). Hardware production and service provision.
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a TOP SECRET / SCI security clearance.

Nice To Haves

• Contract Management Certifications (e.g. DAWIA, CFCM).
• Active TOP SECRET / SCI security clearance.
• Strong, pre-existing working relationships with Federal contracting organizations.
• Deep knowledge of and experience with GSA schedules.
• Excellent negotiation and influencing skills.
• Executive presence and professional demeanor.
• Impeccable judgment.
• Attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to adjust quickly and adapt to changing priorities.
• Ability to work well independently and as part of a team.
• Strong computer skills in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, as well as the ability to learn new computer applications.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the end-to-end management and design of execution processes for commercial and Federal agreements, from initial draft through to final signing.
• Lead the negotiation and execution of a diverse portfolio of agreements, including subcontracting, teaming, consortium, and contract modifications with International, Commercial, and US Government clients.
• Cultivate and manage Saildrone's strategic relationships with customer procurement authorities across all organizational levels, utilizing existing connections with stakeholders and contracting officers to aid the Sales team in capturing new opportunities.
• Partner with the Proposals team to provide critical support in reviewing and structuring bids, solicitations, and formal proposals.
• Collaborate closely with the VP of Business Development and Head of Legal to evaluate proposals and contracts for alignment with internal policies and applicable Federal Acquisition Regulations, while building out robust compliance initiatives for our expanding operations.
• Facilitate cross-functional communication and alignment with Finance, Operations, Engineering, Program Managers, and Account Executives to deeply understand customer delivery models and ensure seamless handover of closed business for operational kickoff.
• Administer official contracts databases, maintain accurate Federal registrations, and establish clear best practices for executing commercial activities via Saildrone’s GSA schedule.

Benefits

• Generous Time Off: Competitive Paid Time Off (PTO) accrual plus a robust annual holiday schedule and paid sick leave ensure you can rest, reset, and sustain performance over time.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Premium, multi-tier Medical, Dental, and Vision plans with significant company contributions for employees and dependents—providing security and peace of mind.
• Shared Ownership in the Mission: Equity grants are a core part of our compensation, allowing you to participate in the long-term value you help create through meaningful, operational work.
• Retirement Savings: Access to a 401(k) retirement plan with flexible pre-tax and Roth payroll contribution options supports long-term financial planning.
• Investment in Your Growth: We support your continuous learning through an annual professional development reimbursement program, empowering you to sharpen your skills and stay ahead of the curve in a rapidly evolving field.
• Relocation Support: For eligible roles, we offer relocation assistance to help bring the world’s best talent to our mission-critical locations.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director