Contract and Compliance Manager - Defense #0610

For 8 decades, our client has stood at the forefront of construction and agricultural equipment manufacturing — a privately held, family-run global enterprise built on a tradition of engineering ingenuity. The business runs more than 20 sites across four continents, with a footprint covering the United States, United Kingdom, India, and Brazil, and delivers a diverse catalog of more than 300 product lines spanning telescopic handlers, backhoe loaders, excavators, wheel loaders, rough terrain forklifts, and tractors.

Free from the demands of public shareholders, the company is accountable solely to the customers it serves. That independence fuels its commitment to advancing breakthrough technologies and producing machinery built to thrive in the harshest working conditions. People, products, and the industries served sit at the heart of the organization's purpose.

The Contract and Compliance Manager – Defense will report to the Vice President of Government & Defense and take on a pivotal leadership position within the defense contracting function. In this capacity, the individual will direct the complete contract lifecycle for sophisticated government programs, lead compliance efforts, and act as the chief point of engagement with federal agencies — making certain that all contract management activities align with corporate policies, relevant statutes and regulations, and the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Cost Accounting Standards (CAS).

Key Responsibilities

End-to-End Contract Stewardship

• Coach and develop Contract Specialists and Subcontract Specialists in FAR/DFARS principles, small business matters, and subcontract flow-down requirements.
• Take ownership of cradle-to-grave contract activities for DoD and federal engagements, covering RFP analysis, proposal support, negotiation, award, execution, modifications, and closeout.
• Step into the role of Cost Volume lead on complex RFPs by authoring cost volume narratives and engaging in proposal planning, strategy meetings, and color team evaluations.
• Construct, evaluate, and finalize subcontract agreements, NDAs, and teaming agreements that align with prime contract requirements.
• Dissect and interpret nuanced contractual requirements, FAR/DFARS clauses, Statements of Work, and terms and conditions to ensure compliance and mitigate risk.

Regulatory Compliance & Risk Mitigation

• Implement and govern company compliance policies and procedures tied to federal contract obligations.
• Verify organizational alignment with every applicable law, regulation, and policy, including FAR, DFARS, CAS, ITAR, and DoD-specific mandates.
• Sustain the organization's registrations with SAM, the Department of State Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC), and the Militarily Critical Technical Data Agreement (DD Form 2345).
• Conduct scheduled internal audits and reviews to detect compliance vulnerabilities and confirm adherence to federal benchmarks.
• Formulate and execute corrective action plans submitted to the Government; pinpoint contract risks and design mitigation approaches.
• Lend support during DCAA and DCMA audits, Contractor Purchasing System Reviews (CPSRs), and internal compliance exercises.

Cost, Reporting & Administrative Governance

• Spearhead recurring Government contractual reporting, including Contractor Manpower Reporting, Small Business Subcontracting performance, Government Property status reports, and Federal Sub-Award Reporting System (FSRS) submissions.
• Audit and validate cost volumes, pricing data, and cost narratives for precision and regulatory compliance.
• Track contract funding levels, deliverables, and invoicing to verify consistency with contract terms.
• Coordinate with finance, program management, and pricing teams on cost proposals, forward pricing rates, incurred cost submissions, and cost impact analyses.

Cross-Functional Engagement & Liaison

• Lend contractual expertise and proposal support to advance strategic business development initiatives.
• Function as the principal liaison for contracting officers, Government representatives, and internal stakeholders.
• Offer FAR and CAS guidance and learning opportunities to employees across the wider organization.
• Communicate the meaning and impact of contractual obligations clearly to cross-functional partners spanning program management, engineering, and operations.

Learning & Development

• Operate as the principal regulatory liaison with federal agencies (DCMA/DCAA), delivering prompt responses to inquiries and audit requests.
• Build and lead recurring compliance training programs aimed at employees, officers, and consultants.

Requirements

Essential Criteria

• Ability to clear required drug screens, background checks, and pre-employment assessments.
• A bachelor's degree in a related discipline, together with 4–6 years of experience in government contract administration, procurement, or government cost accounting. Four additional years of relevant experience may stand in for the degree requirement.
• U.S. Citizenship is non-negotiable.

Desirable Background

• Practical exposure to Wide Area WorkFlow (WAWF).
• Experience operating within a federal contracting and cost accounting environment across an array of contract types, including CR, ID/IQ, T&M, CPFF, CPAF, and FFP.
• DAWIA accreditation in contracting, program management, logistics, and/or CPMC.
• A strong command of the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), Cost Accounting Standards (CAS), and the Truth in Negotiations Act (TINA).
• Working familiarity with SAP and Microsoft Outlook.

Capabilities & Attributes

• Composure and effectiveness in a high-pressure, fast-paced setting.
• A team-oriented disposition with the capacity to work through challenges spanning multiple business functions.
• Self-starter mindset, equally productive working independently or contributing as part of a team.
• A keen analytical aptitude, a problem-solving orientation, and meticulous attention to detail.
• The ability to read systems and non-system processes, diagnose issues, and recommend workable remedies.
• Confident proficiency across the Microsoft Office Suite.

Benefits

Base Salary: 175k - 200k + Bonus

• Comprehensive benefits package
• 401k
• PTO

Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are Equal Opportunity Employers. For all positions, whether with Keller Executive Search or our clients, qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, skin color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.

Commitment to Diversity: Keller Executive Search and its clients are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment where all individuals are valued and respected.

Reasonable Accommodations: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities and pregnant individuals. We engage in an interactive process to determine effective, reasonable accommodations.

Compensation Information: For client positions, compensation information is available in the job post. If not provided, it will be shared during the interview process in accordance with applicable laws. When required by law, salary ranges will be included in job postings. Actual salary may depend on skills, experience, and comparison to current employees in similar roles. Salary ranges may vary based on role and location.

Compliance with Laws: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients comply with federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all employment terms and conditions, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Workplace Harassment: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients expressly prohibit any form of workplace harassment based on race, skin color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status.

E-Verify Participation: Keller Executive Search and/or our clients may participate in E-Verify. Information about E-Verify participation will be provided during the application process where applicable.

Privacy and Pay Equity:

• California Residents: For more information about the categories of personal information we collect for recruiting and employment purposes, please review our Privacy Policy at .
• Colorado, Nevada, New York City, California, and Washington Residents: Compensation information is available in the job post or will be provided during the interview process if not initially available.
• Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to pay equity and conduct periodic pay equity analyses in accordance with applicable laws.

State-Specific Information:

• Rhode Island: We do not request or require salary history from applicants.
• Connecticut: We provide wage range information upon request or before discussing compensation.
• New Jersey: We do not inquire about salary history unless voluntarily disclosed.

Veteran Status: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients provide equal employment opportunities to veterans and comply with applicable state laws regarding veteran preference in employment. If you are a veteran, please inform us during the application process.

Genetic Information: In accordance with federal and state laws, both Keller Executive Search and our clients do not discriminate based on genetic information. We do not request or require genetic information from applicants or employees, except as permitted by law.

Use of Artificial Intelligence in Recruitment: Keller Executive Search and our clients may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in the recruitment and candidate evaluation process. These tools are used exclusively to support human decision-making by helping to review and assess candidate qualifications and materials. AI is never used to automatically reject, disqualify, or make final hiring decisions about candidates. All AI-assisted evaluations are reviewed by experienced recruitment professionals, and all hiring decisions are made by qualified human recruiters. Our use of AI is designed to enhance fairness, consistency, and efficiency while maintaining our commitment to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination principles.

Local Laws: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients comply with all applicable local laws and ordinances regarding employment practices in the areas where we operate.

Note: This job posting may be for a position with Keller Executive Search or one of our clients. The specific employer will be identified during the application and interview process. Employment laws and requirements may vary depending on the employer and location.

Keller is a recruitment agency that provides services to clients ranging from startups and non profits to multinational corporations. Keller emphasizes ethical search processes, attentive candidate care, and leadership placements that support long-term client outcomes.

To learn more about the firm and about our candidate services - please visit