Contracts Manager

ABOUT KRAKEN KINETICS Kraken Kinetics designs and manufactures advanced kinetic solutions that enable modern warfighting capabilities for the United States Armed Forces and its allies. We specialize in mission-tailored warheads and firing systems for unmanned and autonomous weapon platforms, delivering 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—from concept and design through testing, manufacturing, and operational deployment. Built on a foundation of work that helped lead the DoW into the era of kinetic drones, Kraken Kinetics combines commercial agility with deep technical expertise to deliver DEFINITIVE LETHALITY ™ when it matters most. POSITION SUMMARY Location : On-site at our Pinehurst, NC area facility 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 core focus is managing commercial contract activity with excellence, while also helping the company navigate the path toward government contracting under FAR/DFARS. This individual joins an established, functioning contracts operation, with room to improve processes and utilize new tools. The right candidate operates independently, earns cross-functional trust, and brings practical judgment to improve what's already in motion. As Kraken Kinetics grows, there is meaningful potential for this position to expand into a supervisory or senior role. 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. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and collaboratively as part of a team, supporting proposal preparation and a portfolio of contracts. Strong working knowledge of commercial contract law, UCC principles, and standard commercial terms and conditions. Familiarity with government contracting fundamentals — FAR/DFARS flowdown clauses, representations and certifications, and compliance obligations common in defense supply chain purchase orders. Proficiency in contract management software; experience with ERP-integrated contract modules a plus. Strong negotiation skills with the ability to represent the company professionally with commercial customers, prime contractors, and government personnel. High attention to detail with demonstrated ability to multi-task, prioritize competing work activities, and deliver results in a fast-paced environment Excellent written and verbal communication skills SALARY Kraken Kinetics is committed to offering a competitive compensation package to attract and retain top talent. 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 US Citizen Security Statement: This position requires special access to U.S. government information. You must be a U.S. citizen for consideration Benefits included : 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. Watch what it’s like to live here: [ Video Link] 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.