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Director, Contracts

Melbourne, Florida
Full Time On-site

Summary

Job Description

The Director of Contracts for Mission Networks will play a key leadership role, guiding all aspects of contract management throughout the Mission Networks Sector. Responsible for developing and executing contract strategies, this individual will oversee compliance with U.S. Government and international regulations while effectively managing contractual risk across complex programs. The Director will lead a skilled team of contracts professionals supporting large-scale air traffic management and mission-critical communications programs.

This role works cross-functionally with teams in business development, legal, supply chain, finance, and program management to drive business growth and profitability. The Director ensures that contract strategies are aligned with program objectives, leads negotiations, and upholds rigorous standards of ethics, governance, and compliance. The successful candidate will streamline contract processes, mitigate risks, and foster a culture of high performance and accountability - contributing directly to the sector’s strategic goals and expansion efforts.

Essential Functions:

  • Serve as the senior contracting authority for all programs within the Mission Networks portfolio, encompassing U.S. Department of War (DOW), U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), states and local government, international, and commercial contracts.
  • Design and implement contract management strategies that support program success, maintain compliance, and minimize risk.
  • Provide expert advice on federal regulations (FAR/DFARS/AMS), ITAR, export controls, and other defense contracting requirements.
  • Lead and mentor the contracts team, promoting professional growth, performance excellence, and future leadership development.
  • Oversee contract negotiations, changes, extensions, and closeout activities, ensuring all terms align with company objectives and acceptable risk levels.
  • Act as the main point of contact for internal and external stakeholders on contract matters, including negotiations, audits, and dispute resolution.
  • Partner with legal and compliance teams to address complex contractual and regulatory matters.
  • Drive process improvements, leveraging automation, standardization, and system upgrades to boost efficiency and transparency.
  • Support business development and capture teams in structuring bids, shaping contract terms, and developing pricing strategies that optimize win probability and profitability.
  • Establish, monitor, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) related to contract performance, compliance, and operational efficiency.
  • Ensure contract deliverables are met in accordance with timelines and scope, including flow-downs to suppliers and subcontractors.
  • Provide risk assessments and mitigation plans to executive leadership for high-value or high-risk contracts.
  • Participate in strategic planning activities to align contracts strategy with long-term business goals and customer needs.
  • Stay informed on industry trends, legislative changes, and contracting best practices to ensure the organization remains competitive and compliant.
  • Ability to obtain a FAA Public Trust Security Clearance.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s Degree with a minimum of 15 years of prior related experience. Graduate Degree with a minimum of 13 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 19 years of prior related experience.

Preferred Additional Skills:

  • Deep understanding of U.S. Government contracting (FAR, DFARS, AMS), international contracting, and export compliance (ITAR/EAR). 
  • Experience negotiating and managing complex, high-value contracts with DOW, DOT, and international government customers.
  • Ability to lead multifunctional teams and influence stakeholders across program, legal, finance, and business development functions.
  • Strong business acumen and strategic mindset with the ability to balance compliance with business enablement.
  • Exceptional negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
  • Experience implementing contract lifecycle management (CLM) systems and driving process transformation initiatives.
  • Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment and manage competing priorities with sound judgment.
  • Commitment to ethical conduct, professional integrity, and fostering a culture of compliance and accountability.

#LI-SS1

L3Harris Technologies is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. L3Harris is committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity and maintaining a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or other related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, characteristic or membership in any other group protected by federal, state or local laws. L3Harris maintains a drug-free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing and background checks, where permitted by law.

Please be aware many of our positions require the ability to obtain a security clearance. Security clearances may only be granted to U.S. citizens. In addition, applicants who accept a conditional offer of employment may be subject to government security investigation(s) and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

By submitting your resume for this position, you understand and agree that L3Harris Technologies may share your resume, as well as any other related personal information or documentation you provide, with its subsidiaries and affiliated companies for the purpose of considering you for other available positions.

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About L3 Harris

L3 Harris

L3 Harris is one of the largest defense and aerospace companies in the United States, delivering advanced technologies that support missions across air, land, sea, space, and cyber domains. The company develops communications systems, space payloads, intelligence platforms, electronic warfare capabilities, missile defense technologies, and mission-critical sensors used by the U.S. military, intelligence community, and allied nations around the world.

For job seekers, L3Harris offers opportunities across engineering, software development, cybersecurity, space systems, manufacturing, intelligence, program management, and mission operations. The company is especially attractive to veterans, cleared professionals, and engineers who want to work on advanced technologies that directly support national security. With programs spanning tactical communications, ISR platforms, satellite systems, and defense electronics, employees have the opportunity to contribute to some of the military’s most important capabilities.

Unlike companies focused on a single mission area, L3Harris operates across a diverse portfolio of defense technologies, providing employees exposure to a broad range of programs and technical disciplines. Teams work on everything from secure communications and autonomous systems to space-based sensors and electronic warfare platforms, creating opportunities for both specialization and long-term career growth within the organization.

As governments continue investing in modernization, space capabilities, resilient communications, and advanced sensing technologies, L3Harris remains one of the most important employers in the defense industry. For professionals seeking a mission-driven career with strong growth opportunities, technical challenges, and direct impact on global security, L3Harris continues to stand out as a leading destination in aerospace and defense.

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