Contracts Director

Adient Aerospace is a Joint Venture between Adient and Boeing. Boeing brings a deep knowledge of Aerospace, and Adient is the world’s leader in automotive seating. At Adient Aerospace, it is our mission to deliver innovative seating design through precise operational excellence, resulting in a superior customer experience. We bring the right pieces together, in precisely the right way, at precisely the right time.

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Adient Aerospace is looking for a Contracts Director to join our team in Huntington Beach, California. This is an on-site role and must be based in Huntington Beach, CA. We look for highly proficient individuals who are collaborative, value diversity, enjoy working as a team, and share our passion to succeed. We invest in our employees with opportunities for professional development and we offer competitive benefits.

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Are you the right piece to complete our puzzle?

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Job Summary

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The Contracts Director acts as the subject matter expert supporting the Program Management team with all program lifecycle phases (contract negotiation to contract closeout). The Contracts Director will manage program scope, perform customer negotiations regarding changes including claims and disputes while maintaining strong customer relationships.

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SUMMARY OF JOB DUTIES - Essential Functions (Other duties and projects may be assigned or requested.)

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Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions

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• Maintain familiarity with customer configuration baseline and flow down process specifications, and other related documentation (i.e. SOW).
• Direct day-to day maintenance of the contract and adherence to signed contracts, as well as manage changes to the contract from a program and scope of responsibility perspective.
• Review and approve contractual documents for protection of the company's contractual/risk posture, company policy and to satisfy, contractual requirements.
• Support program management function with the facilitation, organization, and negotiation of the Program Change Request process for each program. 
• Provide guidance and direction based upon the requirements of the contracts advise program management of contractual rights and obligations.
• Institute robust change management discipline and culture to achieve targeted profit rates, as well as favorable terms and conditions to assist in meeting profit and cash goals. 
• Conduct periodic contract review with senior leadership.
• Review customer purchase order before accepting contract conditions.
• Manage change orders administration and approval with department leaders.
• Manage price and cost changes process.
• Maintain supplier GTA/NDA/purchase agreement.
• Communicate difficult concepts, use influence skills to consider options, provide different points of view. 
• Maintain a safe, secure and legal work environment, adhering to all Company policies and procedures. 
• Contribute to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed. 
• Protect the confidentiality of the Company’s information and products. 
• Perform other duties and projects as assigned or requested. 

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Education

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GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS – Education, Knowledge, and Experience

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• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Management, Law, Finance, or a related field is required 

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Experience

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• Minimum of 8 years’ experience in aerospace contract management within a manufacturing facility or project-based environment.
• Experience working with both EASA and FAA regulations associated with the aerospace industry.
• Minimum of 10 years’ experience reviewing, revising, and negotiating contracts. 

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Skills

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• Strong contract negotiation skills, particularly with OEMs and/or Tier 1 suppliers.
• Experience in managing and navigating complex contract processes, with a preference for commercial aviation contracts.
• Experience in intellectual property, particularly in the aviation and aerospace industry.
• Proficiency in handling intellectual property and commercial transactions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong ability to analyze and evaluate contracts and business proposals.

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Preferred Skills/Experience

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• Strong customer awareness with the ability to influence strategy development and execution while balancing business impact and policy adherence.
• High-level evaluative judgment skills to achieve desired outcomes.
• Customer-focused with a friendly and enthusiastic attitude toward achieving win-win resolutions for commercial and legal matters.
• Experience with defense and/or space contracts (e.g., BDS).

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Other

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• May be asked to work extended or irregular hours as required.
• Adient Aerospace is an “at-will” employer; employment is at the mutual consent of both the employee and the employer, and may be terminated at will for any reason, with or without cause, at any time during employment with the Company.
• As business conditions warrant a change in the operating necessities of the Company, all employees are expected to react productively, handle other essential tasks assigned now or in the future.

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CERTIFICATES AND LICENSE

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• N/A

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SUPERVISION PROVIDED TO THE POSITION

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• Direction is provided for assignments in terms of desired outcome (goals), timing and budget.
• Work is reviewed or measured in terms of meeting organizational objectives and schedules.

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LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITY

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• Manage team for adherence to organizational goals, operating policies, and budgetary guidelines
• Manage team performance and is responsible for training and coaching.

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PROBLEM SOLVING

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• Develop and provide solutions to complex problems based on established precedents, consistent with organization objectives.

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Language Skills

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• Ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing. 

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Compensation & Benefits

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Adient Aerospace offers competitive wages and benefits to recognize employees for their work. The base pay offered will vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, location, experience and take into account internal equity. 

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Salary Range Transparency: $155,000 - $175,000 annually

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Featured Benefits

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• Up to 20% bonus potential 
• Generous 401(K) matching with immediate eligibility and vesting
• 3 weeks of Paid Time Off 
• 12 paid holidays 
• Affordable health care plans for yourself and your family 
• And so much more! 

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Other Perks

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• On-site gym 
• Free electric car charging stations
• Potential for growth within organization 
• Supportive workplace environment with a team-oriented culture