Director of Contracts

Company: Rhoads Industries, Inc.
Location: Chicago
Posted on: May 3, 2025

Job Description:

Founded and family-owned since 1896, Rhoads Industries is a total solution provider of industrial fabrication, mechanical/maintenance and maritime services. In addition to our field service and project skilled labor, Rhoads has expansive shipyard facilities and over 300,000 square feet of heavy manufacturing space located in The Navy Yard in Philadelphia. Rhoads' capabilities enable our customers to achieve superior results by deploying our diverse, highly skilled workforce and fabrication capabilities across commercial, government and maritime projects, all backed by state-of-the-art resources and a 100+ year legacy of leadership.As a member of the Rhoads team, you'll join a quickly growing team of energetic, skilled tradespeople and professionals who are committed to delivering exceptional products and services to our customers across every market we serve. We are building on our success across more than a century by continuing to grow an innovative company dedicated to building exciting careers. Come join our journey, and experience what it means to be Done Right with Rhoads.We are currently looking for a Director of Contracts to join our dynamic, fast-paced, and growing team. The Director of Contracts is responsible for the strategic and operational leadership of the contracts department within the Department of Defense (DoD) framework. This role entails overseeing all aspects of contract management, including negotiation, execution, compliance, and risk management. The Director of Contracts will ensure that all contracting activities align with federal regulations and organizational objectives while maintaining the highest standards of integrity and efficiency.What You Will Be Doing

• Strategic Leadership:

• Develop and implement the overall contracts strategy to support organizational goals.
• Provide leadership and direction to the contracts team, ensuring alignment with DoD and company objectives.
• Contract Execution & Management:
  • Oversee the full lifecycle of the contracts within the contracting department, from proposal development to contract closeout.
  • Ensure contracts comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and policies, including FAR and DFARS.
  • Track and communicate the key issues and status of contracts portfolio relative to contract requirements to leadership and present recommended solutions.
  • Negotiation:
    • Lead high-stakes negotiations with contractors, vendors, and government entities.
    • Secure favorable terms and conditions while mitigating risk to the organization.
    • Compliance and Risk Management:
      • Maintain up-to-date knowledge of DoD regulations, Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), and other relevant laws.
      • Conduct independent research and provide logical analysis on contractual positions and requirements facilitating senior leadership understanding and decision making.
      • Ensure all contract activities are in compliance with federal regulations and internal policies.
      • Identify potential risks in contracts and develop strategies to mitigate these risks.
      • Performance Monitoring:
        • Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to monitor the effectiveness of the contracts department.
        • Regularly review and report on contract performance to senior management.
        • Stakeholder Communication:
          • Serve as the primary point of contact for all contract-related matters.
          • Maintain effective communication with internal and external stakeholders, including government officials, contractors, and senior executives.
          • Skilled in analytical, written and oral presentations.
          • Policy Development:
            • Develop and update contracting policies and procedures to ensure best practices.
            • Ensure staff are trained on new policies and regulatory changes.
            • Team Management:
              • Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing contracts team.
              • Foster a collaborative and professional work environment.
              • Budget Management:
                • Develop and manage the contracts department budget.
                • Monitor expenses and implement cost-saving measures where appropriate.
                • Manage and resolve any disputes or issues that arise during the contract lifecycle.
                • Work with legal counsel as needed to address complex contractual issues.
                • Other: Perform other job-related duties as assigned.Your Background
                • Education
                  • Bachelor's degree - Preferred in Business Administration, Contract Management, Law, or a related field
                  • Master's degree or Juris Doctor preferred
                  • Qualifications
                    • 10+ years of relevant work experience
                    • Exposure to multiple contract types (e.g. CPFF, CPIF, CPAF, CPFF-LOE, T&M, FFP) and solicitation types (e.g. FAR Parts 8, 15, and 16) required
                    • Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship, now or at any time in the future.
                    • Experience supporting the Department of the Navy, specifically shipbuilding or ship repair contract actions preferred
                    • Demonstrated experience in managing multiple contract types (e.g. CPFF, CPIF, CPAF, CPFF-LOE, T&M, FFP) and solicitation types (e.g. FAR Parts 8, 15, and 16)
                    • Demonstrated experience with service contracts (e.g. FAR Part 22 and 37)
                    • Certified Federal Contracts Manager (CFCM) or Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM) certification is highly desirable.
                    • Extensive experience in contract management within the DoD or a similar federal environment.
                    • Strong knowledge of FAR, DFARS, and other relevant federal regulations.
                    • Proven leadership and team management skills.
                    • Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
                    • Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
                    • Proficiency in contract management software and Microsoft Office Suite.
                    • Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, if required.The Work Environment at Rhoads
                      • The performance of this position involves exposure to construction or industrial areas where the use of personal protective equipment such as safety glasses, hard hats, and hearing protection is required.What Rhoads Can Offer YouAt Rhoads Industries, our team is the foundation of our success. Along with a competitive salary, we offer a variety of additional benefits designed to support your well-being and promote a healthy work-life balance for you and your family.Benefits include:
                        • Competitive health insurance packages
                        • Health & wellness programs
                        • 401k matching
                        • PTOOur LocationWe are based out of The Navy Yard in Philadelphia, a reimagined industrial locale with more than 150 companies, 15,000+ people, 20 acres of parks, dining options, public art, and events throughout the year. Recognized as a leading model for repurposing military and industrial assets for a diversified modern economy, The Navy Yard has been dubbed "the coolest shipyard in America."For more information about Rhoads Industries and our opportunities please visit and follow us on .Rhoads Industries, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, and disability.
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Keywords: Rhoads Industries, Inc., Downers Grove , Director of Contracts, Executive , Chicago, Illinois