Sr. Manager Contracts & Customer Support - Rochester, NH

Job Purpose
Albany Engineered Composites (AEC) is seeking an experienced Sr. Manager, Contracts & Customer Support for our Emerging Markets & Technology Segment. This role will be located in Rochester, New Hampshire and will report directly to the Sr. Director, Contracts & Proposals. The candidate will oversee a team of two contracts professionals, managing all proposal and contract duties for the segment.

This position requires expertise in analyzing, drafting, and negotiating strategic long‑term R&D agreements, large‑dollar customer and partnership agreements, and mitigating IP and commercial risk. It also requires strong contracting experience in a manufacturing environment, U.S. Defense industry experience, and the ability to obtain a security clearance with the U.S. Government.

Job Responsibilities

Ensure safety is first and meet health and safety responsibilities.

Develop and maintain positive relationships with external customers.

Build strong relationships with internal customers.

Collaborate with key business leaders to achieve business goals.

Streamline contracts‑related processes and set departmental priorities.

Directly manage personnel, make staffing selections, and supervise work to ensure high quality.

Provide training and development for personnel.

Serve as contractual expert for the managed business area.

Drive cross‑functional collaboration and learning in Contracts Management.

Represent the company in contractual communications with customers.

Analyze and lead contract activities for complex proposals for U.S. Government and commercial aerospace contracts, identifying related business risks.

Review cost data and detailed information to ensure bids comply with commercial or U.S. Government requirements.

Clearly spell out any exceptions to customer requirements in proposals.

Ensure proposals define scope of work and comply with laws, regulations, and Albany policies.

Coordinate proposal approvals with appropriate management levels.

Provide follow‑up support and participate with customers in proposal reviews.

Guide management on proposed contract liability, terms, and compatibility.

Lead negotiation teams for large and complex government and commercial aerospace proposals.

Ensure contract documents reflect negotiated terms.

Oversee administration of complex contractual activities.

Issue authorizations for expenditure of funds for contracts or orders and changes.

Manage contract compliance throughout the life of the contract.

Monitor funding and delivery status during the agreement term.

Maintain contract value for quarterly financial reporting.

Manage all change activity and negotiate changes and claims with customers.

Initiate actions to expedite customer acceptance and payment.

Advises management of possible problems and coordinate with departments.

Administer contract closure with operating departments and inform management of liabilities.

Maintain official records files per policy, FAR, and regulations.

Draft and negotiate various agreements: technical collaboration, teaming, consulting, NDA, proposals, purchase orders, contracts, subcontracts.

Coordinate with Legal and other functions as needed.

Protect company intellectual property and proprietary rights.

Obtain legal advice regarding contracts as required.

Perform other related duties, including policy development, committee representation, and contractual presentations.

Supervisory Responsibility
Yes. Supervisors oversee work groups, conduct evaluations, recruit, and develop staff.

Experience / Education / Skills

Bachelor’s degree in business administration or related field required; MBA, JD, CPCM preferred.

10+ years of relevant work experience, including a minimum of 5 years in large‑dollar contract management.

Defense industry and manufacturing experience required; composites manufacturing experience is a plus.

Experience managing a small team of direct reports required; prior management experience a plus.

Ability to obtain a security clearance required; current or prior clearance preferred.

Experience with IP and key terms in long‑term R&D and commercial agreements.

Excellent leadership and team‑building skills.

Experience advising and communicating with senior management.

Sound knowledge of commercial and U.S. Government contracting principles and regulations.

Thorough understanding of complex contractual terms.

Extensive negotiation experience.

Strong analytical ability.

Strong oral and written communication skills.

Capability to develop new and creative approaches to negotiating and managing contracts.

Willingness to travel up to 50% (domestic and international).

Working Conditions
Office environment, duties performed indoors, moderate to quiet noise and comfortable temperatures. Ability to work a 24/7 schedule and be available as business situations require. Some work may be remote. Travel may be required up to 25%.

Physical Requirements

Occasionally move an office item >10 lbs.

Frequently move about the production floor and office area.

Remain in a stationary position up to 75% of the time.

Frequent computer use, data entry, data verification, etc.

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