Director of Contracting

Hanwha Defense USA Inc • Arlington, VA

5h

About The Position

We are seeking a highly experienced and mission‑focused Director of Contracting to lead all acquisition, contracting, and supplier management activities for major U.S. naval shipbuilding programs. This senior role oversees the full contracting lifecycle for complex shipbuilding efforts supporting maritime defense missions. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in FAR/DFARS contracting, strong leadership capability, and proven success in managing high‑value agreements with shipyards, defense primes, design agents, and critical suppliers.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Contract Management, Engineering, Finance, or related field.
• 12+ years of experience in U.S. defense contracting, naval acquisition, or major capital procurement programs.
• Extensive hands‑on experience with FAR/DFARS, contract types (FFP, CPFF, CPAF, T&M, IDIQ), performance‑based contracting, and contract dispute management.
• Demonstrated success directing contract negotiations valued in the hundreds of millions or billions of dollars.
• Strong knowledge of shipbuilding processes, naval systems integration, and maritime defense supply chains.
• Experience leading teams and influencing senior stakeholders across government and industry.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance (Secret or higher).

Nice To Haves

• DAWIA/DAWDF certification (Level III highly preferred) or NCMA CPCM/CFCM certifications.
• Experience working with NAVSEA, PEO Ships, PEO USC, or PEO IWS programs.
• Background in large OEM or shipyard contracting environments.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and lead contracting strategies for design, construction, integration, modernization, and sustainment of naval vessels.
• Oversee negotiation, award, administration, and performance management of large‑scale contracts and subcontracts with U.S. shipyards and defense industrial partners.
• Ensure full compliance with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), Navy/DoD acquisition policies, ITAR/EAR, and internal governance requirements.
• Drive risk identification, cost control strategies, schedule alignment, incentive structures, and contract modifications for assigned programs.
• Advise executive leadership on contractual issues, supplier performance, dispute resolution, and procurement strategy decisions.
• Lead cross‑functional collaboration with Program Management, Engineering, Legal, Finance, and Supply Chain teams to optimize contract execution.
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with government stakeholders and audit bodies.
• Develop contracting policies, procedures, templates, and metrics that strengthen compliance and execution performance.
• Prepare executive briefings, audit responses, acquisition plans, and documentation for milestone decisions and program reviews.

What This Job Offers

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