Contracts Manager

About Kraken Kinetics

Kraken Kinetics designs and manufactures advanced kinetic solutions for the United States Armed Forces and its allies. Specializing in mission-tailored warheads and firing systems for unmanned and autonomous weapon platforms, Kraken Kinetics delivers production-ready solutions at speed to address urgent national security challenges. Our team brings decades of specialized Department of War experience across the full lifecycle of kinetic system development.

Position Summary

Kraken Kinetics is seeking a Contracts Manager who will own the full contract lifecycle, from proposal review and negotiation through performance, administration, and closeout. Reporting to the Head of Legal, this person holds delegated signature authority on contracts, modifications, and NDAs within approved thresholds, serving as the company's contractual decision-maker rather than a support role requiring executive countersignature. The position is located on-site at our Pinehurst, NC area facility.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Contractual Advisor: Primary contractual advisor to assigned programs, captures, and leadership, providing guidance on all contract-related matters. Exercise delegated signature authority on contracts and modifications within approved thresholds; serve as the company's contractual decision-maker. Provide strategic guidance on contractual risk, compliance posture, negotiation strategies, and business decision-making to senior leadership and program teams. Identify opportunities to improve processes, mitigate risk, and enhance overall business performance across the contracts portfolio. Brief leadership on contract status, upcoming milestones, obligations, and emerging regulatory changes with potential business impact.

• Contract Lifecycle Management: Lead negotiations and administration of all contracts and agreements, from award through final closeout. Review, redline, negotiate, and execute commercial purchase orders, subcontract agreements, and business arrangements. Maintain a centralized contracts repository with milestone tracking, deliverable schedules, and expiration alerts. Ensure contract terms and applicable regulatory requirements are flowed down appropriately to suppliers and subcontractors.

• Government Contracting Navigation & Compliance: Ensure compliance with applicable contractual requirements, company policies, and customer-specific acquisition policies across the portfolio — including any government flow down clauses embedded in commercial purchase orders. Help company navigate existing and emerging government contract requirements, advising leadership on what FAR/DFARS obligations apply to current work and what compliance infrastructure will be needed as direct government contracting grows. Manage System for Award Management (SAM.gov) registrations, annual representations, and all required certifications. Capture, Proposal & Business Development Support: Review solicitation requirements and draft compliant proposal sections, including contract terms, compliance matrices, and risk summaries. Advise leadership on contract type selection and associated risk. Participate in price-to-win strategy discussions.

• Cross-Functional Stakeholder Partnership: Build and maintain strong working relationships with government customers, industry partners, and internal stakeholders to support program execution and long-term business objectives. Partner with Program Management, Business Development, Legal, Finance, and Supply Chain teams to resolve complex contractual matters. Support Legal with engagements involving outside counsel on contract disputes, intellectual property, and matters. Train and advise Program Management, Operations, and Finance teams on contract requirements, obligations, and compliance responsibilities.

• Risk Management & Process Improvement: Identify and communicate contractual risks, ambiguities, and obligations to senior leadership with recommended mitigation strategies. Identify and implement opportunities to improve contracting processes, standardize templates, reduce cycle time, and enhance overall business performance across the portfolio. Develop and maintain contracts policies, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and template libraries.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Contract Management, Law, Supply Chain, or a related field. J.D. or M.B.A. preferred.

• Experience: Minimum 5 years of contract management experience. Experience managing the full contract lifecycle — drafting, negotiation, execution, administration, and closeout — for commercial purchase orders, subcontracts, and related business arrangements. Working exposure to government contracting, FAR/DFARS, or defense supply chain requirements. Strong working knowledge of FAR/DFARS is strongly preferred and will be weighed favorably in candidate evaluation. Experience working with or for a defense manufacturer, prime contractor, or Tier 1/Tier 2 subcontractor preferred. Familiarity with Cost Accounting Standards and DCAA audit processes preferred.

Salary

This full-time, on-site exempt position offers an annual salary range of $95,000 to $120,000 depending on qualifications and experience.

Security Requirement

This position requires special access to U.S. government information. You must be a U.S. citizen for consideration.

Benefits

• Generous PTO policy

• Comprehensive medical coverage (80% company-paid for employee + dependents)

• Vision & dental (100% company-paid)

• Short and long-term disability coverage (100% company-paid)

• Generous 401(k) retirement plan

• Company-paid life insurance

• Great teammates and well stocked snacks

LIFE IN MOORE COUNTY, NC (PINEHURST AREA)

Kraken Kinetics is based in Moore County, North Carolina, home to Pinehurst, a nationally recognized destination offering an exceptional quality of life. Employees benefit from a low cost of living, minimal congestion, and a strong sense of community, with easy access to larger metropolitan areas, including Raleigh-Durham. Whether you're looking to accelerate your career or put down long-term roots, the Pinehurst area offers a compelling alternative to traditional tech and defense hubs. We are committed to supporting relocation for the right candidates.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Kraken Kinetics is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and welcome applicants of all backgrounds.