About this role
The Director II, Integrated Contracts Strategy & Program Execution is a senior leader responsible for shaping and executing contract strategy across a portfolio of complex space and mission system programs. This role serves as the Deputy to the Vice President of SMS Contracts. The incumbent is a critical business partner to Program Management, Finance, Engineering, and Business Development, ensuring alignment between contractual frameworks, program execution, and enterprise objectives. The Director leads the integration of contract strategy, program performance, and risk management across the full lifecycle—from capture and negotiation through execution and closeout—driving compliant, competitive, and high-performing outcomes. What You’ll Do: Integrated Contract Strategy Leadership: Develop and execute end-to-end contract strategies aligned with business goals, customer mission requirements, and risk tolerance. Shape deal structures, pricing strategies, and negotiation positions for complex, high-value contracts (e.g., cost-plus, fixed price, OTA, IDIQ). Advise executive leadership on contractual risk, terms & conditions, and business implications. Program Execution & Performance Alignment: Partner with Program Directors and Control Account Managers to ensure contractual alignment with program execution (cost, schedule, technical performance). Drive contract strategies that support On-Time Delivery (OTD), Estimate at Completion (EAC) integrity, and margin performance. Lead resolution of complex contractual issues, claims, equitable adjustments, and change management. Cross-Functional Integration: Serve as the primary contracts interface to: Program Management. Finance / FP&A. Engineering & Mission Assurance. Supply Chain. Business Development & Capture Teams. Ensure contracts are fully integrated into program baselines, risk registers, and execution plans. Risk Management & Compliance: Establish and maintain a proactive contract risk posture, including identification, mitigation, and escalation of key risks. Ensure compliance with FAR/DFARS, customer-specific requirements, and company policies. Lead internal and external audits, including coordination with agencies such as Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA). Customer Engagement & Negotiation: Lead negotiations for highly complex and non-standard agreements, including strategic partnerships and international arrangements. Serve as a trusted advisor to customers, balancing mission success with company risk and financial objectives. Influence outcomes in sensitive or high-visibility negotiations. Team Leadership & Talent Development: Lead, mentor, and develop a team of contracts professionals (entry to senior levels). Drive a culture of accountability, strategic thinking, and cross-functional partnership. Build succession pipelines and elevate organizational capability in strategic contracting. Business Growth & Capture Support: Support capture efforts by shaping RFP strategies, contract structures, and proposal risk positions. Collaborate with Business Development to enhance win probability and competitive positioning. Ensure proposals reflect sound contractual, financial, and execution strategies. Maintain a regular and predictable work schedule. Establish and maintain effective working relationships within the department, the Strategic Business Units, Strategic Capabilities Units and the Company. Interact appropriately with others in order to maintain a positive and productive work environment. Perform other duties as necessary. On-Site Work Environment: This position requires regular in-person engagement by working on-site three or more days each normally scheduled week in the primary work location. Travel and local commute between company campuses and other possible non-company locations may be required. Working Conditions: Work is performed in an office environment, laboratory, cleanroom, or production floor. Short Term Incentive: Subject to business performance and recommendations of management, this role may be eligible to participate in an incentive compensation plan.