Senior Director of Contract Operations

Amentum•El Paso, TX

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Amentum is a global leader in advanced engineering and innovative technology solutions, trusted by the United States and its allies. Headquartered in Virginia, the company has more than 53,000 employees across approximately 80 countries. Amentum is seeking an experienced Government Contracts Professional to join its Mission Solutions Business Group - Contracts Department. This role is dual-hatted, serving as a strategic contracts advisor to the business lines within a $6B business group and supervising select Contract Directors for critical contract administrative functions. As required, this position will serve as Acting Vice President for Mission Solutions Contracts. The Senior Director will act as a trusted advisor to business line and program leaders, contracting directors/managers, and will coordinate extensively with the Vice President of Legal for the Mission Solutions Business group. This position will provide strategic advice and guidance on a range of matters critical to the success and growth of the business. The ideal candidate will have deep experience in all aspects of US federal government contracts. The position reports to the Vice President of Contracts for the Mission Solutions Business Group. This is a HYBRID role, involving remote work with occasional on-site visits to the Reston, VA office.

Requirements

Strong leadership, communication, and project management skills.
Proven track record of developing and implementing compliance frameworks in a dynamic, high-growth environment.
Strong working knowledge of FAR, DFARS, and other federal procurement regulations.
Experience with government contract disputes, claims, and bid protests.
Ability to analyze complex contractual issues and risks and negotiate practical, business-focused solutions.
Clear, concise written and oral communication skills tailored to Contracts and business audiences.
Strong sense of ownership with ability to move seamlessly between high-level strategy and hands-on execution.
Proven capacity to handle multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment.
Demonstrated supervisory skills of integrated teams.
Experience with congressional oversight committees/agencies.
15+ years of relevant experience in government contracts, ideally including experience in the defense or aerospace sector.
US Citizenship is required.
Requires the willingness to obtain/maintain a security clearance.

Nice To Haves

Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
Active bar membership in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
Extensive Government Contract Experience in FAR, DFARS.
Experience working with classified or export-controlled programs (ITAR, EAR).
Familiarity with cybersecurity requirements in government contracting (e.g., CMMC, NIST SP 800-171).
Background in supporting international government contracts and FMS/Direct Commercial Sales.
Willing and able to travel throughout the Continental United States and Overseas, on short notice to resolve complex contractual issues.

Responsibilities

Provide advice on all aspects of U.S. federal government contracts, including FAR, DFARS, and agency specific regulations for contract formation, negotiation, performance, modification, compliance, and closeout.
Provide contractual risk assessments for bids, proposals, and ongoing contracts.
Advise on cost allowability, requests of equitable adjustment, contract claims/disputes, contract terminations, and bid protests.
Negotiate teaming agreements, NDAs, subcontracts, and other related agreements.
Assist in responding to government audits, investigations, and inquiries, including from the DCAA, DCMA, and OIG.
Support internal compliance programs, training, and policy development related to government contracting.
Provides analysis and responses to legislative developments, public and industry inquiries.
Collaborate with legal, finance, procurement, and programming teams to ensure alignment with legal and regulatory obligations.
Supervises select Contract Directors for critical contract administration functions; and as required serves as the Acting, Vice President of Contracts for Mission Solutions Business group.
Develop, implement, and continuously improve contracts group policies, procedures, and internal controls to ensure compliance with federal government contracting regulations (FAR/DFARS and agency supplements) and commercial contracting requirements.
Conduct risk assessments and compliance reviews; lead audit activities and monitor corrective actions to strengthen the contracts compliance program.
Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure unified compliance practices across the organization that align with business objectives and regulatory expectations.
Oversee internal and external audit responses and compliance reporting for the Contracts function.
Assist in the development and implementation of training programs on contract compliance, regulatory requirements, and effective contract negotiation practices.
Ensure appropriate tools, systems, and technologies are in place to support compliance tracking, reporting, and training.
Partners with IT and operational leads to drive system automation, improve data visibility, and enhance compliance reporting capabilities.
Establish and maintain enterprise governance frameworks to ensure consistent application of contract compliance policies, procedures, and internal controls across the organization.
Lead and mentor a cross-functional compliance and operations team.
Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on compliance risk, policy, and program enhancements.
Monitor emerging regulatory and industry trends and translate them into actionable business guidance.
Support due diligence and integration activities for acquisitions from a contract’s compliance perspective.