Sr. Manager, Subcontracts

Work Arrangement

This is an onsite position.

Job Overview

The Sr. Manager, Subcontracts is responsible for leading and developing a team of Subcontract Administrators while overseeing the full lifecycle management of subcontract activities in support of company programs and operational objectives. This role provides strategic leadership, ensures compliance with contractual and regulatory requirements, and drives effective subcontract execution to achieve cost, schedule, quality, and performance goals.

Essential Functions

• Lead, manage, mentor, and develop a team of Subcontract Administrators and procurement professionals to manage subcontracts in support of multiple programs (development, production, and sustainment).
• Assign workload priorities, establish performance expectations, and conduct employee performance evaluations and coaching.
• Provide coaching and day-to-day guidance to buyers / subcontracts staff on compliant procurement practices and complex negotiations.
• Oversee the full lifecycle management of subcontracts from pre-award through closeout across multiple programs and business areas.
• Develop and implement subcontracting strategies aligned with organizational objectives and program requirements.
• Ensure compliance with FAR/DFARS, company policies, customer flow-downs, export controls, and other regulatory requirements across all subcontracting and purchasing activities.
• Review and approve solicitation packages, subcontract awards, modifications, negotiation strategies, and subcontract documentation.
• Provide guidance and oversight for complex subcontract negotiations, cost and pricing analyses, and risk assessments.
• Partner with Program Management, Contracts, Engineering, Supply Chain, Finance, and Legal teams to support successful program execution.
• Support proposal development activities including subcontractor sourcing, cost estimating, and basis of estimate preparation.
• Interpret prime contract terms and conditions and flow relevant clauses, specifications, and wage or regulatory determinations to suppliers at all tiers.
• Monitor subcontractor performance related to cost, schedule, technical compliance, quality, and delivery metrics, drive corrective actions and continuous improvement.
• Identify subcontract-related risks and lead mitigation and corrective action efforts.
• Establish and maintain subcontract files, documentation, and approvals in accordance with internal procedures, CPSR expectations, and audit requirements.
• Support or lead internal and external audits, CPSR preparations, site visits, and compliance reviews of subcontractors, including documentation and corrective action follow-up.
• Develop and maintain supply chain and subcontracting procedures, standard work, and training materials to strengthen compliance and governance.
• Support supplier performance management, strategic sourcing initiatives, and small business participation goals.
• Ensure effective communication and coordination between subcontract staff and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Prepare and present reports on subcontract status, key risks, compliance metrics, and supplier performance to program and functional leadership.
• Perform other duties as required.
• Regular and reliable attendance on a full time basis [or in accordance with posted schedule].
• Responsible for exhibiting professional behavior with both internal and external business associates that reflects positively on the company and is consistent with the company's policies and practices.
• Embodies AEVEX’s cultural values and aligns daily actions with department goals and company culture.

Qualifications and Competencies

• Strong leadership and people management skills with demonstrated experience leading subcontract or procurement teams.
• Extensive knowledge of subcontract management principles, procurement processes, and contract administration.
• Strong understanding of FAR, DFARS, and government contracting requirements.
• Familiarity with ITAR/EAR, cybersecurity requirements for suppliers (e.g., NIST/CMMC), and quality standards (e.g., AS9100).
• Demonstrated experience leading complex subcontract negotiations, price/cost analysis, and subcontract administration across multiple programs.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to influence and collaborate across all organizational levels.
• Strong ability to manage multiple priorities and support fast-paced program environments.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.
• Strong business acumen and ability to exercise sound judgment in contractual and supplier matters.
• Strong ability to build and maintain effective relationships with internal stakeholders, suppliers, and customers.
• Strong strategic thinking and ability to align subcontract management activities with organizational and program objectives.
• Ability to foster collaboration and communication across cross-functional teams and business units.
• Familiarity with military acquisition programs, proposal development, and government audit requirements preferred.

Leadership Competencies

• Directs and provides expert knowledge in the day-to-day function of the department.
• Identifies, recruits, and retains top-notch talent.
• Champions AEVEX’s culture and empowers employees to take responsibility for their jobs and goals.
• Coaches, mentors, engage and develop the team, including overseeing new employee onboarding and providing career development planning and learning opportunities.
• Sets performance standards and encourages employee engagement and results through delegation, continuous feedback, goal setting, and performance management.
• Maintains transparent communication. Appropriately communicates organization information through department meetings, one-on-one meetings, and appropriate email, and regular interpersonal communication.
• Provides oversight and direction to the employees in accordance with AEVEX’s policies and procedures.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and develop high-performing subcontract and procurement teams.
• Strong decision-making skills with the ability to balance operational, contractual, financial, and programmatic priorities.
• Ability to drive accountability, performance management, and continuous improvement within the organization.
• Proven capability to manage and prioritize multiple programs, competing deadlines, and evolving business requirements.
• Effective conflict resolution and negotiation skills with internal stakeholders, suppliers, and customers.
• Experience building a culture of compliance, integrity, customer service, and operational excellence.
• Demonstrated capability to lead organizational change, process improvements, and team development initiatives.
• Ability to influence and communicate effectively with executive leadership, program management, and external partners.
• Commitment to employee engagement, professional development, and succession planning.
• Strong ethical leadership and sound business judgment in high-visibility and high-risk environments.

Education / Certifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Contracts Management, Finance, or a related field required. Advanced degree preferred.
• Professional certifications preferred, such as:
• Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM)
• Certified Federal Contracts Manager (CFCM)
• Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)
• Project Management Professional (PMP)

Experience

• 7+ years of progressive experience in subcontract management, procurement, contracts administration, or supply chain management.
• 4+ years of direct leadership or supervisory experience managing subcontract administrators, buyers, or procurement professionals.
• Experience supporting U.S. Government, Department of Defense (DoD), aerospace, defense, manufacturing, or technology programs preferred.
• Experience managing complex subcontract agreements for hardware, software, engineering services, or integrated systems.
• Experience supporting fixed-price, cost-reimbursement, time-and-materials, and IDIQ contract environments.
• Experience working within AS9100, ISO 9001, or other regulated quality management systems preferred.
• Experience supporting aerospace systems, Group 2/3 UAS platforms, electronics, or defense programs is highly desirable.

Physical Requirements

Constantly required to sit, and to reach to use computers and other office equipment

Security Clearance

• Ability to obtain/maintain a Top Secret/SCI DoD clearance, U.S. Citizenship required.

About AEVEX 

AEVEX, headquartered in Solana Beach, California, supports the U.S. national security mission and partner nation needs around the world by providing full-spectrum aviation, remote sensing, and analysis solutions. The company's capabilities include custom design and engineering; rapid prototyping; sensor integration and sustainment; aircraft modification and certification; flight test instrumentation and support; mission operations service; advanced intelligence data processing, exploitation, and dissemination solutions; and tailored hardware and software mission-system tools. AEVEX uses agile and customized approaches to rapidly define, develop, and deliver specialized solutions for airborne special mission needs for the U.S. Government, partner nations, and commercial businesses. AEVEX has major offices in California, Florida, North Carolina, Ohio, and Virginia.

AEVEX provides a full suite of comprehensive benefits, including a 401(k)-retirement plan, comprehensive Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability and Life insurance group coverage with a portion of the premiums paid by the company, professional development funds, and an Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) with counseling, legal help, child and elder care support, among other benefits for qualified employees.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

AEVEX is an Equal Opportunity employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, religious creed, color, sex (including pregnancy, breast feeding and related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, military and veteran status, marital status, age, protected medical condition, genetic information, physical disability, mental disability, or any other protected status in accordance with all applicable federal, state and local laws.