Director of Contracts - San Luis Obispo - Trust Automation

Description

Trust Automation has over 35 years of experience in custom motors, linear drives, digital drives, and systems which meet the unique needs of its customers. Its product line includes motors, linear drives, digital drives, custom assemblies, and products to fit unique applications and ground-up system design and manufacturing solutions. We design, build and support control and power management systems for the most demanding defense, semiconductor, industrial automation, and medical applications.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Trust Automation is an equal opportunity employer and committed to attracting, hiring, developing, and retaining a skilled, productive, and diverse workforce, personnel with competencies and experience related to the regional and State population. Every employee has an "at-will" relationship with Trust Automation. This means that employment with Trust Automation is at the mutual consent of the employer and the employee and is subject to termination by either party at will, with or without cause or advance notice.

Job Summary

The Director of Contracts leads Trust Automation's newly established Contracts Department in support of the company's $400M IDIQ prime contract and all other government contracts, ensuring comprehensive contract oversight across the organization. This senior leadership role is responsible for establishing, managing, and overseeing all aspects of government contract administration, subcontract management, and regulatory compliance. The Director will build and lead a team of contracts professionals while ensuring full compliance with FAR/DFARS requirements and maintaining audit-ready contract files across all program activities.

Duties and Responsibilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities, who are otherwise qualified, to perform the essential functions.

Strategic Leadership & Department Development

• Establish and lead the Contracts Department from inception, developing policies, procedures, and workflows.
• Build and mentor a team of contracts professionals including Government Contracts Manager, Subcontracts Manager, and Contracts Administrator.
• Partner with VP of Finance to develop department budget, resource planning, and performance metrics.
• Serve as primary liaison with external consultants and legal counsel on complex contracting matters.
• Develop and implement contracts management systems, processes, and best practices to ensure compliance and efficiency.

Government Contracts Management

• Oversee all prime contract activities from award through closeout for the IDIQ and task orders.
• Ensure comprehensive understanding and compliance with FAR/DFARS regulations across all contract activities.
• Review, negotiate, and approve contract modifications, amendments, and change orders.
• Maintain ultimate responsibility for audit readiness across all government contracts and subcontracts.
• Coordinate with DCAA, DCMA, and other government oversight agencies during audits and reviews.

Subcontract Management Oversight

• Oversee subcontracting strategy and execution for services including installations, training, and surveys.
• Ensure proper flow-down of prime contract terms, conditions, and compliance requirements to subcontractors.
• Monitor subcontractor performance, deliverables, and compliance through subordinate managers.
• Approve major subcontracts and resolve escalated subcontractor issues.

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Collaborate with Program Management, Finance, Legal, Engineering, and Business Development teams.
• Support proposal development efforts by providing contracts expertise and pricing strategies.
• Ensure proper coordination between contracts, purchasing, and finance for subcontractor payments and tracking.
• Communicate contract status, risks, and opportunities to executive leadership.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Maintain comprehensive knowledge of government contracting regulations and ensure organizational compliance.
• Identify and mitigate contractual risks across the contract portfolio.
• Ensure all contract files are complete, organized, and audit-ready at all times.
• Stay current on FAR/DFARS updates and implement necessary process changes.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Contracts Management, or related field required; Master's degree preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in government contract administration.
• 5+ years in a leadership or management role overseeing contracts teams.
• Extensive experience with IDIQ contracts, task order management, and subcontract administration.
• Proven experience managing contracts in aerospace, defense, or manufacturing industries.

Technical Expertise

• Expert knowledge of FAR/DFARS regulations and their practical application.
• Deep understanding of various contract types (FFP, CPFF, T&M, cost-reimbursable).
• Experience with DCAA audits and maintaining audit-ready contract files.
• Strong knowledge of government subcontracting requirements and flow-down provisions.

Leadership & Skills

• Demonstrated ability to build and lead high-performing teams from the ground up.
• Self-starter with excellent organizational skills and ability to prioritize competing demands.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with executive presence.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency in contracts management systems and Microsoft Office Suite.

Clearance

• Active Secret security clearance required or ability to obtain.

Pay/Salary Information

Pay scale for this position: $160,000 - $190,000 annually.

By submitting your application, you acknowledge that you have read and understand the information provided within. You certify that the information contained in this application is correct to the best of your knowledge. You understand that to falsify information is grounds for refusing to hire, or for discharge should you be hired.