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# VP of Contracts (Government) – Huntsville, AL


Role Overview for VP of Contracts (Government) – Huntsville, AL
JRG Partners, a premier executive search firm specializing in connecting top-tier talent with leading organizations, is actively seeking a highly accomplished and strategic Vice President of Contracts to join a prominent client in the thriving defense and aerospace sector in Huntsville, Alabama. This pivotal leadership role demands an individual with an unparalleled understanding of government contracting, a proven track record of managing complex agreements, and the strategic acumen to navigate the intricate landscape of federal regulations and client relationships. As VP of Contracts, you will be instrumental in safeguarding our client’s interests, ensuring compliance, optimizing contractual performance, and driving strategic growth within the government market.
Huntsville, often dubbed ‘Rocket City,’ is a hub of innovation and a critical center for national defense, aerospace, and technology. This role offers an exceptional opportunity to contribute to high-impact projects that directly support national security and technological advancement. The successful candidate will be a visionary leader, responsible for overseeing all aspects of contract management, from proposal development and negotiation to administration and close-out, for a diverse portfolio of government programs.
This position requires a deep knowledge of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), and other relevant government procurement laws and regulations. You will lead a dedicated team of contracts professionals, fostering a culture of excellence, integrity, and proactive risk management. This is more than a management position; it is a strategic partnership role that will directly influence the company’s competitive advantage and long-term success in the government sector.
The ideal candidate will possess a strategic mindset, exceptional negotiation skills, and the ability to build and maintain robust relationships with government agencies, prime contractors, and internal stakeholders. You will serve as the primary point of contact for all contractual matters, providing expert guidance to executive leadership on contractual risks, opportunities, and compliance requirements. This role is critical to ensuring the company’s operational efficiency, financial health, and reputation for ethical and compliant business practices.
If you are a seasoned contracts executive with a passion for government contracting and a desire to make a significant impact in a dynamic and growing organization, JRG Partners invites you to explore this exceptional opportunity.
Key Responsibilities of VP of Contracts (Government) – Huntsville, AL
Strategic Leadership & Oversight
Provide executive leadership and strategic direction for all government contracting activities, ensuring alignment with company objectives and growth strategies. Develop and implement best-in-class contract policies, procedures, and systems to enhance efficiency and compliance.
Contract Negotiation & Administration
Lead and oversee the negotiation of complex government contracts, subcontracts, and task orders, including various contract types (e.g., FFP, CPFF, T&M, IDIQ, GSA Schedules). Ensure favorable terms and conditions while mitigating risks and ensuring compliance with all applicable regulations. Administer contracts from award through close-out, managing changes, modifications, and disputes effectively.
Regulatory Compliance
Serve as the authoritative expert on the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), DFARS, Cost Accounting Standards (CAS), International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Export Administration Regulations (EAR), and other relevant government procurement laws and regulations. Ensure the company’s contracting practices are fully compliant and proactively identify and address potential compliance gaps.
Risk Management
Identify, assess, and mitigate contractual risks, including financial, legal, and performance-related risks. Develop strategies to protect the company’s interests and ensure contractual obligations are met without exposure to undue liability.
Team Management & Development
Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of contracts professionals. Foster a collaborative and supportive environment that encourages professional growth, continuous learning, and adherence to ethical standards. Conduct performance reviews and manage staffing to meet departmental and company needs.
Proposal Support
Collaborate closely with business development, capture management, and proposal teams to provide expert contractual guidance during the bid and proposal phase. Review RFPs, RFQs, and other solicitations to identify contractual requirements, risks, and opportunities, ensuring competitive and compliant proposals.
Stakeholder Relationship Management
Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with government contracting officers, DCAA/DCMA auditors, prime contractors, subcontractors, and internal stakeholders (e.g., program management, finance, legal, engineering). Serve as the primary point of contact for high-level contractual discussions and issue resolution.
Audit & Review Management
Prepare for and support government audits (e.g., DCAA, DCMA), internal audits, and external reviews related to contract compliance and cost accounting. Ensure accurate and timely submission of all required documentation and responses.
Policy & Procedure Development
Drive the continuous improvement of contracts policies, procedures, templates, and training programs to ensure consistency, efficiency, and compliance across the organization.
Strategic Guidance
Provide strategic advice and recommendations to senior management and executive leadership on complex contractual issues, potential business opportunities, and the impact of regulatory changes on company operations and strategy.
Requirements for the VP of Contracts (Government) – Huntsville, AL
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Law, Finance, or a related field. A Master’s degree (MBA) or Juris Doctor (JD) is highly preferred. Professional certifications such as Certified Federal Contracts Manager (CFCM) or Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM) are a significant plus.
Experience
Minimum of 15+ years of progressive experience in government contracting, with at least 7-10 years in a senior leadership or management role overseeing contracts for a significant defense, aerospace, or government services contractor.
Regulatory Expertise
Demonstrated expert-level knowledge of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), DFARS, ITAR, EAR, CAS, GSA Schedules, and other relevant federal procurement laws, regulations, and agency-specific supplements.
Contract Types
Extensive experience negotiating and administering various contract types, including Firm Fixed Price (FFP), Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF), Cost-Plus-Incentive-Fee (CPIF), Time & Materials (T&M), Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ), and hybrid contracts.
Leadership & Management
Proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop a team of contracts professionals. Strong experience in organizational leadership, strategic planning, and change management.
Negotiation Skills
Exceptional negotiation and influencing skills, with a track record of successfully negotiating complex, high-value government contracts and resolving disputes effectively.
Communication Skills
Superior written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex contractual concepts clearly and concisely to diverse audiences, including senior executives, government officials, and legal counsel.
Analytical & Problem-Solving
Strong analytical skills with the ability to identify critical issues, evaluate risks, and develop innovative solutions to complex contractual challenges.
Security Clearance
Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance (e.g., Secret or Top Secret) is often required for roles within the defense sector. Existing clearance is highly advantageous.
Location Specific Experience
Familiarity with the defense and aerospace contracting landscape in Huntsville, Alabama, and strong professional networks within this ecosystem are highly desirable.
Integrity & Ethics
Unquestionable integrity, ethical conduct, and a commitment to upholding the highest standards of business practice.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client understands that attracting and retaining top talent requires a comprehensive and competitive benefits package. As the Vice President of Contracts, you will be offered a robust suite of benefits designed to support your professional growth, personal well-being, and financial security.
This includes a highly competitive base salary commensurate with experience and industry standards, coupled with an attractive performance-based bonus structure that rewards exceptional contributions to the company’s success. We believe in recognizing and celebrating the significant impact our leaders make.
Beyond compensation, you will have access to a comprehensive health and wellness program, including medical, dental, and vision insurance options for you and your family, with a focus on promoting a healthy lifestyle. A generous paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation, sick leave, and company holidays, ensures a healthy work-life balance.
The company also offers a strong 401(k) retirement plan with competitive company matching contributions, empowering you to plan effectively for your future. Opportunities for continuous professional development, including funding for industry certifications, executive training programs, and attendance at key conferences, are provided to ensure you remain at the forefront of the contracts management field. Additional perks may include relocation assistance for qualified candidates, life and disability insurance, employee assistance programs, and a vibrant, collaborative work environment that fosters innovation and mutual respect. This is an opportunity to join an organization that truly values its employees and invests in their long-term success.
How to Apply
If you are a highly qualified and motivated contracts executive ready to take on a leadership role that will shape the future of a dynamic organization in Huntsville, Alabama, we encourage you to apply. JRG Partners is committed to connecting exceptional talent with unparalleled opportunities. To express your interest and be considered for this critical position, please submit your resume and a compelling cover letter outlining your relevant experience and qualifications through our dedicated executive search portal. We look forward to reviewing your application and discussing how your expertise can contribute to our client’s continued success in the government contracting sector. For more details on our specialized recruitment services, please visit our Government Contracting Recruitment practice area page.