Ensign-Bickford Industries, Inc.

Contracts Administration Manager

Simsbury, CT Full time

This opportunity is located within our Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company business, a global leader of mission-critical hardware and systems solutions including precision energetics systems and innovative explosive solutions.Click here to learn more.

Job Description

Manager, Contracts Administration

Position Title: Manager, Contracts Administration
Location: Simsbury, CT (onsite or remote)
Reports To: Director, Contracts – EBAD

About the Role

Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company (EBAD) seeks an experienced Contracts Administration Manager to lead our contracts team and ensure compliance across a diverse portfolio of government and commercial aerospace and defense programs. This role is pivotal in supporting sales, program management, engineering, and manufacturing while safeguarding EBAD’s contractual obligations and customer relationships.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead contract management support for proposal teams, ensuring terms and conditions align with business goals and mitigate risk.
  • Coordinate with Program Managers to develop negotiation strategies and negotiate terms for U.S. Government, commercial, and international contracts.
  • Support post-award contract administration and documentation within EBAD’s ERP system.
  • Serve as the primary liaison between EBAD and customers, maintaining formal records of contractual commitments.
  • Lead and manage a team of contract administrators supporting multiple programs, from proposal preparation through invoicing and collections.
  • Develop and implement processes that ensure clarity of commitments and compliance with federal regulations.
  • Train and mentor the contracts team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and standard work.
  • Represent EBAD in negotiations with customers, ensuring favorable terms and risk mitigation.
  • Oversee compliance with Arms Export Control Act (AECA), ITAR, and EAR requirements.
  • Drive process improvements, track metrics, and report progress to senior leadership.
  • Partner cross-functionally to ensure customer satisfaction and business success.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in business, technical, or related field (Master’s preferred).
  • 7+ years of contracts management experience in a manufacturing environment.
  • 5+ years of people leadership experience preferred.
  • Background with government and commercial aerospace/defense contracts.
  • CPCM or CFCM preferred.
  • Export compliance knowledge desirable.
  • U.S. Citizenship required.

Skills & Attributes

  • Strong leadership, communication, and negotiation skills.
  • Attention to detail with ability to manage multiple priorities.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Knowledge of FAR, DFAR, DOD, TINA, ITAR preferred.
  • Collaborative, adaptable leader who can build trust and drive results.

Why Join EBAD?

At EBAD, you’ll lead a high-impact function at the core of our business success. You’ll gain visibility across all market segments, influence strategic outcomes, and grow within a company committed to employee development, innovation, and excellence in the aerospace and defense industry.

Ready to Make an Impact?

If you are a seasoned contracts professional ready to lead a critical EBAD business function, drive long-term growth, and shape the future of a legacy-rich organization, we invite you to explore this opportunity.

Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, national origin, or veteran status.