Senior Contracts Manager

Senior Contracts Manager

About Us:

BlackSky is a real-time intelligence company. We own and operate the world's most advanced space-based intelligence platform and provide customers satellite imagery, automated analytics and high-frequency monitoring of strategic locations, economic assets and events from around the globe. BlackSky is trusted by the most demanding allied military and intelligence organizations and commercial companies to deliver foresight into critical matters that affect national security and the economy. BlackSky's data enables governments and businesses to see, understand and anticipate change as it happens, giving them the ultimate strategic advantage so they can act quickly. Our global team works with cutting-edge technology to make a difference around the world and prides itself on being people-first, customer-focused and fun.

As part of the Legal & Contracts team at BlackSky, the Senior Contracts Manager will support our satellite manufacturing function to ensure a successful contract strategy for projects through design, procurement, build and test, and operations. The Senior Contracts Manager will help guide the development of acquisition strategies, market research, RFPs and the negotiation of these documents with engineering production construction (EPC) contractor partners in accordance with evolving standards and directives. Additionally, the Senior Contracts Manager will be responsible for dispute prevention and the resolution of contractual claims, including drafting and preparation of the associated documentation (contractual letters, draft agreements/settlements, negotiations presentations and negotiating term sheets, etc.). This position reports to the VP of Legal and is strongly preferred to be in the Tukwila, WA or Seattle, WA region.  A strong work ethic and commitment to success is required.

Responsibilities: 

• Craft, evaluate, negotiate and execute a wide variety of different contracts covering a range of transactions
• Evaluate business and cost risks and identify and implement contractual levers to manage risks the life of the contract.
• Create and maintain relationships with suppliers and serve as the singular point of contact for matters concerning contracts for our manufacturing team.
• Maintain records for correspondence and documentation in relation to established contracts and those in progress within established contract management systems.
• Communicate and present information to stakeholders about all contract-related matters.
• Monitor contracts and move forward with close-out, extension or renewal according to what’s best for the company.
• Solve any contract-related problems that may arise with other parties and internally with the company itself.
• Support project team in evaluation of contractor proposals as contract subject matter expert.
• Establish ground rules for contract negotiation with project team and counterparty.
• Monitor contract performance in coordination with supply chain team, and recommend modifications as needed.
• Lead prioritization of key contract terms for negotiation according to unique project characteristics and collaborate with internal subject matter experts, including legal, finance, operations/supply chain and other to ensure a comprehensive review and approval of terms.
• Serve as key resource for accurately conveying commercial contract terms and negotiation points to various cross functional teams.
• Other job-related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, project management, finance, legal or other relevant areas of focus or equivalent years of relevant experience.
• At least eight (8) years of experience in contract management or contract administration.
• Experience with supply chain and product manufacturing environment, ideally within the aerospace industry.
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat, Sharepoint, and Microsoft Project.
• Strong negotiation skills including superior communication and presentation skills, both written and verbal.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including an ability to maintain calm and effective exchanges during stressful situations.
• Demonstrated success working to develop consensus from diverse opinions in a highly fluid and time constrained environment.
• Excellent organizational skills and comfortable with autonomy as well as the ability to work effectively in cross-functional team settings.
• Familiarity with U.S. government contractual flowdowns and export regulations.
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree or contracts certification (CCM, CPCM, or CFCM).
• Previous experience using Deltek/CostPoint and/or Plex.
• Public company experience, specifically with SOX and audit compliance related to contract management and reconciliation.

Life at BlackSky for full-time benefits eligible, US-based, employees includes:

• Medical, dental, vision, disability, group term life and AD&D, voluntary life and AD&D insurance
• BlackSky pays 100% of employee-only premiums for medical, dental and vision and contributes $100/month for out-of-pocket expenses!
• 15 days of PTO, 11 Company holidays, four Floating Holidays (pro-rated based on hire date), one day of paid volunteerism leave per year, parental leave and more
• 401(k) pre-tax and Roth deferral options with employer match
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Employee Stock Purchase Program
• Employee Assistance and Travel Assistance Programs
• Employer matching donations
• Professional development
• Mac or PC? Your choice!
• Awesome swag

The anticipated base salary range for candidates in Seattle, WA is $130,000-$155,000 per year. The final compensation package offered to a successful candidate will be dependent on specific background and education. BlackSky is a multi-state employer, and this pay scale may not reflect salary ranges in other states or locations outside of Seattle, WA.

BlackSky is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer All Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. #LI-Remote

EEO/AAP/ Pay Transparency Statements:

https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf

https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/OFCCP_EEO_Supplement_Final_JRF_QA_508c.pdf