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Job Description - Director, Defense Contracts (18537)

About Us: AAR Corp. (NYSE: AIR) is a global aerospace and defense aftermarket solutions company that employs more than 6,000 people across over 60 sites in over 20 countries. Headquartered in the Chicago, Illinois area, AAR supports commercial and government customers in more than 100 countries through four operating segments: Parts Supply, Integrated Solutions, Repair and Engineering and Expeditionary Services. AAR’s purpose is to empower people to build innovative aerospace solutions today so you can safely reach your destination tomorrow. The company’s mission is to go above and beyond to provide value-driven aerospace aftermarket solutions to meet the evolving needs of our customers worldwide. AAR constantly searches for the right thing to do for its customers, employees, partners and for society.

Director, Defense Contracts - 18537

Description

The Director of Defense Contracts will ensure compliance with contractual requirements in AAR Supply Chain, Inc. (“ASC”) contracts.

This position is based at our Corporate Headquarters in Wood Dale, IL, with a planned relocation to the Merchandise Mart (Chicago) in early 2027

What you will be responsible for:

• Review Customer contract requirements for ASC Defense Program contracts. Read, review, comprehend, and be able to communicate Government requirements and regulatory guidance from various sources (FAR, DFARS, DLA, etc.).
• Establish new, or improve current operating procedures and process flow charts
• Assist Program Managers and other internal functions e.g. Legal in identifying and proposing contract modifications and changes.
• Communicate effectively to Product Managers, orally and in writing, the requirements, provisions, clauses, and various factors surrounding the RFQ/RFP/IFB.
• Track, monitor, consolidate, and manage quotation files to meet due dates.
• Verify and remove invalid requirements, and keep records current.
• Develop contract training for Defense contracts personnel.
• Supervise and Develop Defense Contracts personnel.
• Negotiate prices with Customer personnel when required.
• Execute large and complex contracts with primes, subs, inter-company, on behalf of the organization utilizing defined processes and procedures.
• Monitor Defense Program contract awards for compliance, and make recommendations for improved performance where noted.
• Bid and proposal efforts.
• Represents the organization on large, complex, and important business relationships.
• Leads meetings with managers and customers.
• Supports customer reporting requirements and Program KPIs, as required.
• Identify and implement corporate and business unit goals at tactical and strategic levels and responsibly for the success of team dynamics
• All other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

What you will need to be successful in this role:

• Masters degree (M.A.) or equivalent; or twelve years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Bachelors required, Masters or Juris Doctor preferred
• Minimum 10 years government contract experience in government or industry supporting government.
• Experience (direct or indirect) with a Government agency is preferred.
• Prior experience in the defense industry is preferred.
• Managerial and leadership experience required; preferably 5-6 years of direct supervisory experience recommended
• ERP implementation prior experience is a plus

The rewards of your career at AAR go far beyond just your salary:

• Competitive salary and bonus package
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Generous paid time off program
• Professional development and career advancement opportunities

Physical Demands/Work Environment

• The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be regularly required to sit, stand, bend, reach and move about the facility.
• The environmental characteristic for this position is an office setting.
• Candidates should be able to adapt to a traditional business environment.

AAR provides accommodation in accordance with applicable laws through all stages of the hiring process. If you require accommodation for any part of the application and/or hiring process, please advise Human Resources.

Compensation

The anticipated salary range for this position is $125,000 to $160,000 annually. This range reflects the base salary for candidates who meet the requirements of the role, including experience, education, and location. In addition to base pay, this role is eligible for a bonus. AAR offers a competitive benefits package, including medical/dental/vision/life/and AD&D insurance, 401(k) savings plan with employer match, paid time off and holiday pay, as well as opportunities for professional development and growth.

AAR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.