Manager, Defense Contract

Ford Motor • Dearborn, MI

18h • Hybrid

About The Position

The Defense Contract Manager drives cradle-to-grave contract and subcontract management for defense vehicle programs, from initial capture and proposal activities through execution, change management, and final closeout. This high-visibility role requires a strong understanding of government procurement, direct engagement with internal executives, and relationship-building with Department of War personnel. The team operates in an agile, startup-like environment within Ford Motor Company and values collaboration, innovation, and adaptability.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree.
• At least 5 years of progressive experience in Department of Defense and/or federal government contracts management.
• Hands-on intermediate knowledge of FAR/DFARS compliance and OTA frameworks.
• Demonstrated success negotiating complex defense-sector contracts and subcontracts.
• Must be a U.S. citizen due to federal government contract restrictions.

Nice To Haves

• Military experience or veteran status, with an understanding of the customer and its terminology.
• Experience on large, complex defense programs, ideally vehicle programs; experience with aircraft, power systems, or other complex systems is also relevant.

Responsibilities

• Manage the full lifecycle of federal contracts and subcontracts for assigned defense vehicle and engineering programs.
• Lead bid and proposal activities, including drafting nondisclosure agreements, teaming agreements, and subcontracting frameworks.
• Interpret and apply Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulations (DFARS), and Other Transaction Authority (OTA) regulations.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for contractual matters with U.S. military customers, government agencies, and internal leadership.
• Partner with Ford stakeholders on compliant procurement procedures, supply-chain risk management, and ensuring subcontractors meet federal guidelines.

Benefits

• Immediate medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage.
• Flexible family care days, paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, and subsidized backup childcare.
• Family-building benefits, including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement and fertility treatments.
• Vehicle discount program for employees and family members, and management leases.
• Tuition assistance.
• Employee resource groups.
• Paid time off for individual and team community service.
• Paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day.
• Paid time off and the option to purchase additional vacation time.

What This Job Offers

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