Principal Subcontracts Manager

Mercury Systems • Phoenix, AZ

5d

About The Position

The Principal Subcontracts Manager is a critical leader within the Supply Chain
organization responsible for managing complex subcontractor relationships and
high-value procurement activities in support of government and defense programs.
This role ensures that subcontract execution complies with regulatory
requirements, internal policies, and program objectives while optimizing
performance, cost, and risk.

As a Principal Subcontracts Manager, you will support the mission of our
nation’s defense systems and its service members. You will be part of a company
that pushes processing technology and accelerates innovation to address
challenging aerospace and defense missions.

In this role, you will be part of a growing supply chain organization supporting
over 17 lines of business across four business units. You will work directly
with the Site Operations leadership team to deliver results driving on-time
delivery of quality products and services across our manufacturing facilities.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Supply Chain, Engineering, or related field.
• Typically requires 8+ years of experience in subcontracts, procurement, or supply chain management in a government contracting environment.
• Extensive knowledge of FAR, DFARS, and related regulations governing U.S. Government subcontracts.
• Strong negotiation skills and experience with cost/price analysis and contract management.
• Experience managing high-risk and high-value subcontractors (e.g., >$5M+).
• Proficient in ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, Costpoint, etc.) and subcontracting tools.
• This position requires you to have or obtain a government security clearance in the future.  Security clearances may only be granted to U.S. citizens.

Nice To Haves

• NCMA CPCM or equivalent contract management certification.
• Experience supporting DoD programs and working with DCMA/DCAA.
• Background in proposal development and supplier strategy planning.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated leadership of cross-functional teams or mentoring junior subcontract administrators.
• An active DoD Secret Clearance

Responsibilities

• Full lifecycle subcontract management for complex and high-dollar subcontracts, including solicitation, proposal evaluation, negotiation, award, execution, and closeout.
• Draft, issue, and negotiate statements of work, contract terms, pricing structures, and flow-downs in accordance with FAR/DFARS and company policy.
• Monitor subcontractor performance, including delivery schedules, milestones, technical compliance, and cost management.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for subcontract-related matters across Engineering, Program Management, Finance, Contracts, and Legal.
• Collaborate with program teams to develop procurement strategies that align with customer and project requirements.
• Support program reviews, risk management, and earned value tracking for key subcontracted efforts.
• Ensure adherence to all applicable government acquisition regulations (FAR, DFARS), company procedures, and ethical business practices.
• Lead internal documentation efforts including price/cost analysis, source justifications, and supplier responsibility determinations.
• Conduct risk assessments and drive mitigation plans related to subcontractor performance, cost overrun, or compliance exposure.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with strategic suppliers and subcontractors to support long-term capability and performance.
• Support supplier evaluations, performance reviews, and development initiatives in collaboration with supplier quality and procurement.

What This Job Offers

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