Director of Commercial Contracts

Job Description
It’s about the journey. Whether it’s a bus ride or flight, our commercial electronic systems help transport millions of passengers every day. Every second a plane takes off somewhere in the world, enabled by our flight-critical products. On the ground, our electric and hybrid solutions save more than 22 million gallons of fuel per year. Be part of our journey at Aerospace & Mission Systems where you’ll be among the brightest minds, working on the industry’s most difficult problems. Drawing strength from our differences, we’re innovating for the future. And you can, too. Our flexible work environment provides you with a chance to change the world without giving up your personal life. We put our customers first – exemplified by our mission: “We Innovate For Those Who Move The WorldTM.” Sound like a team you want to be a part of? Come build your career with BAE Systems.

In Controls & Avionics Solutions (CAS), you will have the opportunity to help define and develop the next generation of avionics for both commercial and military platforms – whether it is fly-by-wire flight controls, full authority digital engine controls, or power management. BAE Systems is a world leader in flight critical controls and avionics and is experiencing unprecedented growth. As a result, we are seeking a highly experienced Director of Commercial Contracts who has demonstrated the ability to lead and manage a broad and complex portfolio of programs throughout the project lifecycle.

Because this role involves collaborative/in-person and independent work, it can be either onsite or a hybrid work format, with time split between working onsite and remotely (fully remote considered for the right candidate, with travel required).

The Role:
Join a dynamic Contracts team supporting the delivery of mission critical capabilities across a diverse portfolio of commercial, government, and international customers. The Contracts organization is the trusted business partner managing customer relationships, negotiating deals, creating innovative solutions, and providing regulatory knowledge to our customers. We are committed to employee growth and development, allowing employees to build a long term career at BAE Systems. In addition to challenging day to day assignments, employees are encouraged to pursue special projects, participate in formal and informal mentoring programs and networking events, and rotate into different roles with increasing levels of responsibility. BAE Systems also provides employees with opportunities to engage with and positively impact the internal and external communities in which we work.

With our historic growth and position as one of the world’s largest Aerospace, Defense, and Security Companies, we look to recruit and retain the best and brightest. Taking care of the Contracts team by offering daily flextime, every other Friday off, hybrid options, relocation assistance and competitive salary/benefits keeps our team engaged and motivated. We view culture as one of our most critical competitive advantages. Contracts employees come to work every day because of our strong culture and passion for our significant role in the success of the business.

Our Cultural Principles are:

• Engage everyone with respect and goodwill
• Stay calm independent of circumstances
• Be humble and work collaboratively
• Feel empowered to do the right thing
• Listen, be curious, and allow differences to influence our decisions

BAE Systems is looking for motivated and experienced Contracts professionals to join our Controls & Avionics Solutions (CAS) Business to lead the Commercial segment of the Contracts organization, as either the Commercial Development Contracts Director or the Commercial Contracts Director (strategically overseeing both Development and Production/Sustainment teams). These candidates will be a part of the core CAS Contracts leadership team helping to develop and implement the business strategy. The successful candidate should have experience with commercial and international contracts, change proposals and program pursuits, as well as a strong business acumen of strategic planning and financial compliance. This dynamic, growing area includes flight control systems, flight deck controls, cabin management systems, aircraft electrification, and electric drive power and propulsion systems, which the successful candidate will have a significant role leading. The successful candidate will lead all contracting activities with minimal supervision. Directors will lead a team resident in both Endicott, New York, Fort Wayne, Indiana and remote individuals.

This position will be responsible for ensuring compliance with company policies and legal and customer requirements with limited guidance or supervision of the Business Area Senior Director of Contracts. The successful candidate will need to interpret and communicate business commitments and alternatives to the Product Line Management teams and the Contracts management organization. These positions requires an extensive knowledge of Commercial acquisition and execution environment, applicable laws and regulations and the ability to develop and maintain professional and dependable relationships with both internal and external global customers. Lastly, the selected candidate should have prior history with management of personnel.

Key Responsibilities:

• Partner with the product line directors and direct the work of contracts team to align and ensure completion of the shared business objectives.
• Provide leadership to support staffing, training, mentoring and performance management of Contracting professionals to ensure effective staffing and growth.
• Collaborate with business partners to build and nurture a supportive and inclusive team that utilizes best practice talent management approaches.
• Provide guidance for Contract Administrators/Managers to drive effective contract and performance execution supporting the organization’s delivery of positive financial performance throughout all acquisition phases, to include complex development and production contracts.
• Oversee and direct daily contractual activities, providing guidance on contractual/business issues, assisting with strategies and recommendations, solving complex contractual and programmatic issues, etc.
• Independently direct team’s proposal activities including analysis of solicitations, preparing proposals, developing strategies and recommendations, preparing terms and conditions, conducting business risk assessment, completing negotiations, and drafting of contract terms.
• Consult with other functional departments to advise the ES and CAS leadership teams of contractual rights and obligations, risk mitigation alternatives, program issues, and business strategy.
• Ensure that all contractual arrangements offer the Company a reasonable probability of accomplishing the business objectives.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with senior supply chain leaders representing our customers. Direct negotiations and customer visits when required.
• Maintain and demonstrate an expert-level understanding of the Commercial acquisition and procurement environments, the BAE Systems Contracts function and relevant Company policies and procedures, Commercial Contracting methods and practices, export compliance, and FAR/DFARS regulations.

Required Education, Experience, & Skills

• Bachelor’s degree and 12+ years of relevant experience in Commercial, International, and some US Government Contracting
• Proven track record of negotiating complex contracts, with ability to work a broad portfolio of programs sizes and types, and significant proposal preparation experience
• Ability to make independent decisions, execute business strategy, and close actions
• Strong knowledge and practical experience with change management and intellectual property protection strategies
• Proven competency in organizing, managing, and leading high performing and diverse teams, and driving successor development
• Ability to work effectively with global customer base
• Strong written, verbal, and executive presentation skills
• Sound interpersonal skills and stakeholder management involving interfacing and negotiating with company personnel and customers at high organizational levels

Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills

• International Commercial Aerospace experience
• Transit Electrification experience
• MBA, JD, or other advanced degree
• NCMA Certification/involvement

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $138267 - $235053

Please note: This range is based on our market pay structures. However, individual salaries are determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to: business considerations, local market conditions, and internal equity, as well as candidate qualifications, such as skills, education, and experience.

Employee Benefits: At BAE Systems, we support our employees in all aspects of their life, including their health and financial well-being. Regular employees scheduled to work 20+ hours per week are offered: health, dental, and vision insurance; health savings accounts; a 401(k) savings plan; disability coverage; and life and accident insurance. We also have an employee assistance program, a legal plan, and other perks including discounts on things like home, auto, and pet insurance. Our leave programs include paid time off, paid holidays, as well as other types of leave, including paid parental, military, bereavement, and any applicable federal and state sick leave. Employees may participate in the company recognition program to receive monetary or non-monetary recognition awards. Other incentives may be available based on position level and/or job specifics.


About BAE Systems Electronic Systems
BAE Systems, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems plc, an international defense, aerospace and security company which delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. Improving the future and protecting lives is an ambitious mission, but it’s what we do at BAE Systems. Working here means using your passion and ingenuity where it counts – defending national security with breakthrough technology, superior products, and intelligence solutions. As you develop the latest technology and defend national security, you will continually hone your skills on a team—making a big impact on a global scale. At BAE Systems, you’ll find a rewarding career that truly makes a difference. Electronic Systems (ES) is the global innovator behind BAE Systems’ game-changing defense and commercial electronics. Exploiting every electron, we push the limits of what is possible, giving our customers the edge and our employees opportunities to change the world. Our products and capabilities can be found everywhere – from the depths of the ocean to the far reaches of space. At our core are more than 14,000 highly talented Electronic Systems employees with the brightest minds in the industry, we make an impact – for our customers and the communities we serve.

This position will be posted for at least 5 calendar days. The posting will remain active until the position is filled, or a qualified pool of candidates is identified.