Contracts Manager Level 3

Role Overview

Join Northrop Grumman's Space Sector in Redondo Beach, CA as a pivotal Contracts Manager - Level 3. This role is essential to the Mission Enabling Products Business Unit, focusing on driving contract strategy, managing teams, and ensuring strong contractual performance aligned with company and client requirements. The position demands a 100% onsite presence and offers a 9/80 work schedule with alternate Fridays off. Relocation assistance may be available, and approximately 25% travel is expected.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead a team of contract professionals in proposal strategy, negotiation, contract administration, and overseeing customer contract activities.
• Develop and implement contractual strategies that deliver sustainable value and measurable financial outcomes.
• Make swift and collaborative decisions while managing risks and changes proactively.
• Analyze and communicate pricing, estimating, and financial implications including risks to senior and executive leadership.
• Foster a high-performance culture by encouraging early engagement, collaboration, and inclusive problem solving across teams.
• Mentor and develop team members through structured training, coaching, and hands-on initiatives.
• Manage key customer relationships to shape contract requirements and negotiate favorable terms.
• Provide expert counsel to leadership on contract risks, liabilities, and innovative contracting methodologies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 8 years professional experience including people management, or Master’s degree with at least 6 years experience with managerial responsibilities.
• At least 4 years direct management experience in contracts within Defense or Aerospace sectors.
• Expertise managing contracts throughout the acquisition lifecycle, ensuring compliance with company policies and government regulations such as FAR and DFAR.
• Familiarity with federal government contract types including Cost Type, Fixed Price, and Other Transactions contracting.
• Experience handling commercial and international contracts.

Preferred

• Active Secret or Top-Secret security clearance at application time.
• Competitive proposal development experience.
• Strong problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills.

Additional Details

The role reports directly to the Sr. Director of Contracts for the Intelligence Systems Division and supports the MEP Business Unit Vice President. The position encourages a culture of integrity, ethical conduct, and fostering growth to achieve balanced, collaborative results. Compensation ranges from $159,500 to $239,300 annually, with potential eligibility for performance bonuses and long-term incentives. The company offers comprehensive benefits including health, life and disability insurance, paid holidays, and paid time off.

Note: No security clearance is required to start this role. U.S. citizenship is required for roles with government clearance or restricted positions.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Northrop Grumman promotes a workplace free of discrimination, making hiring decisions based on merit regardless of race, gender, age, veteran status, disability, or other protected classes.