Contracts Manager

Location: Overland Park, United States of America

Thales people architect solutions that are relied upon to deliver operational advantage at every decisive moment throughout the mission. Defence and armed forces customers rely on us to deliver the full range of defensive systems for land, sea, and air. From early warning, to threat neutralisation, our platforms cover all levels from very short-range systems, to extended protection across the entire battle-space including Airspace Mobility Solutions, Vehicles and Tactical Systems and Missile Defence, Optronics, and Radar.

Position Summary

Kansas City, Onsite

• Lead the negotiation, drafting, review, and management of complex contracts, including government contracts, commercial contracts, subcontracts, NDAs, MOUs, and licensing agreements.

• Provide advice on contract terms, compliance with AMS, FAR, DFARS, and other relevant federal acquisition regulations and aviation-specific regulations.

• Work closely with the bids and proposals cycle, including drafting and negotiation of terms and conditions to ensure protection of company interests and the preservation of project profitability.

• Monitor and advise on external customer and internal corporate compliance issues, audits, and investigations.

Key Areas of Responsibility

• Advise on regulatory compliance matters related to external customer requirements and internal corporate requirements.

• Collaborate closely with business units, program management, finance, trade compliance, risk management, and external counsel to support contract execution and contract management.

• Participate in the preparation of bids and proposals packages following internal processes, from bid-no-bid decision to contract implementation and management.

• Manage contract lifecycle processes, including amendments, renewals, claims, dispute resolution, and contract closeout.

• Monitor and advise on external customer and internal corporate compliance issues, audits, and investigations.

• Support internal training and development on contract best practices and regulatory updates.

• Stay current with legal developments and trends impacting government contracting and aviation industry regulations.

• Represent the company in negotiations, meetings, and potential disputes with customers and contractors.

• Develop and implement contract management policies and procedures to ensure consistency and compliance.

Minimum Qualifications

• NCMA Certification or Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school preferred.

• Minimum 5-7 years of experience in government contracting, preferably in the aerospace or aviation industry.

• Strong knowledge of US Government contracting regulations including AMS, FAR, DFARS, and relevant aviation regulatory frameworks.

• Experience working with or on contracts involving the FAA, DoD, or other government aviation agencies.

• Demonstrated expertise in drafting and negotiating complex government contracts and managing associated risks.

• Excellent analytical, communication, and negotiation skills.

• Ability to work collaboratively across various departments and with external stakeholders.

• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and problem-solving abilities. • Prior experience supporting audits, compliance reviews, and dispute resolution processes is highly desirable.

• Security clearance or eligibility preferred.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer at the time of hire. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or for assuming sponsorship of an employment visa now or in the future.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proven experience as a contract manager with strong USG contracting experience.

• Ability to work in an internationally matrixed business environment.

• Excellent knowledge and understanding of USG contract law / regulations and related best legal practices.

• Work independently and in a team setting across multiple disciplines, in each case with the ability to identify and resolve legal issues quickly and effectively.

• Develop and maintain effective client relationships.

• Develop and maintain exceptional negotiations and written and verbal communications skills.

• Exercise sound business judgment.

• Knowledge of Practical Law, Word, PowerPoint, and general legal research techniques.

Special Position Requirements

Schedule: 9/80 work schedule on 1st Shift.

Travel: Approximately 10-15% annual business travel, both domestic and international.

Why Join Us?

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This position will require successfully completing a post-offer background check. Qualified candidates with [a] criminal history will be considered and are not automatically disqualified, consistent with federal law, state law, and local ordinances.

We are an equal opportunity employer, including disability and veteran status. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

If you need an accommodation or assistance in order to apply for a position with Thales, please contact us at talentacquisition@us.thalesgroup.com.

The reference Total Target Compensation (TTC) market range for this position, inclusive of annual base salary and the variable compensation target, is between

Total Target Cash (TTC) 112,005.90 - 177,143.40 USD Annual

This reflects how companies in a similar industry and geographic region generally pay for similar jobs. This range helps the Company make pay decisions as one data point among many. Where a position falls within this range is also dependent on other factors including – but not limited to – the employee’s career path history, competencies, skills and performance, as well as the company’s annual salary budget, the customer’s program requirements, and the company’s internal equity. Thales may offer additional benefits and other compensation, depending on circumstances not related to an applicant’s status protected by local, state, or federal law.

(For Internal candidate, if you need more information, please reach out to your HR Shared Service, 1st Point)

Thales provides an extensive benefits program for all full-time employees working 30 or more hours per week and their eligible dependents, including the following:

• Retirement Savings Plan after 30 days of employment with a company contribution and a match, and with no vesting period
• Company paid holidays and Paid Time Off
• Company provided Life Insurance, AD&D, Disability, Employee Assistance Plan, and Well-being Program