Strategy Manager Jobs in Bellingham, WA (NOW HIRING)

At Janicki Industries, we turn complex ideas into real-world solutions through advanced engineering and manufacturing. Our teams design and build innovative structures, tooling, and systems that support industries including aerospace, space, defense, marine, and architecture.

Across every role, from engineers and technicians to operations and support teams, our people help solve challenging problems, push the limits of design and manufacturing, and create solutions that make a lasting impact.

We are looking for a Contracts Manager for our growing team.

This position is located in Sedro-Woolley, Washington State.

Department Summary:

The Contracts Manager serves as the contracts lead and primary business advisor for a designated aerospace and defense program business area. The position is responsible for managing all phases of the contract lifecycle, including proposal development, contract formation, negotiation, administration, change management, closeout, and dispute resolution.

Working closely with program management, business development, finance, supply chain, engineering, operations, government compliance, and legal counsel, the Manager of Contracts ensures the business area achieves program and financial objectives while maintaining compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and internal policies. The role requires deep knowledge of U.S. Government contracting practices, sound commercial judgment, and the ability to operate as a trusted partner to the business-area leadership team.

The Manager of Contracts also plays an important role in developing contracting strategies, shaping negotiation positions, identifying and mitigating risk, and strengthening Janicki’s contractual posture with Government and commercial customers. The position may include supervision of contract personnel assigned to the business area and contributing to the development of scalable contract processes that support organizational growth.

Roles & Responsibilities:

• Serve as the principal contracts representative for the assigned program business area, providing strategic guidance on contractual rights, obligations, regulatory requirements, business risks, and recommended actions
• Lead contract activities across the full lifecycle, including solicitation review, proposal development, negotiation, award, administration, change management, and closeout
• Develop and implement contracting strategies that support program execution, customer requirements, financial objectives, and appropriate risk management
• Interpret contract terms, communicate requirements to program and functional teams, and ensure disciplined, compliant execution consistent with FAR, DFARS, and other applicable regulations
• Identify, assess, and communicate significant contractual risks, emerging issues, and required escalations to business‑area and executive leadership
• Coordinate cross‑functional integration with program management, finance, supply chain, engineering, operations, legal counsel, government compliance, and customer counterparts to support program performance and resolve contractual matters
• Build and maintain constructive relationships with Government and commercial customers, prime contractors, contracting officers, and internal stakeholders; represent Janicki in negotiations, reviews, audits, and customer meetings
• Lead, coach, and develop assigned contracts personnel (if applicable), ensuring consistent contract practices, sound judgment, and continuous improvement across the business area.
• Maintain complete, accurate, and auditable contract records, coordinate required submissions, and support Government reviews, audits, and compliance assessments.
• Perform other duties as assigned and maintain cooperative, professional behavior in a fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environment

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, contracts, finance, law, supply chain, engineering, or a closely related field required

• At least 8 years of progressive contracts experience, including significant U.S. Government contracting responsibility

• Practical working knowledge of FAR and DFARS

• Experience supporting a Government contractor, major subcontractor, aerospace/defense company, or similarly regulated organization

• Experience reviewing solicitations, developing proposal exceptions, negotiating terms, and administering contracts through closeout

• Ability to interpret complex contract language and provide clear, practical guidance

• Demonstrated ability to identify, assess, communicate, and manage contractual and compliance risks

• Strong negotiation, analytical, writing, presentation, and interpersonal skills

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and make sound decisions in a fast‑paced environment

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and enterprise or contract‑management systems

• Due to our ITAR and EAR regulations, applicants must be U.S. citizens

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience serving as the contracts lead for a program, product line, business unit, or customer portfolio
• Experience supervising or mentoring contract professionals
• Aerospace, defense, advanced manufacturing, tooling, composites, or engineering‑services experience
• Experience negotiating complex subcontracts or purchase orders
• Knowledge of Cost Accounting Standards and Government cost and pricing requirements
• Familiarity with SAP systems
• Experience with REAs, claims, terminations, IP/data rights, Government property, cybersecurity requirements, or export controls
• NCMA certification (CPCM, CFCM, CCCM)
• MBA, JD, or another relevant advanced degree
• Current or prior U.S. security clearance, or the ability to obtain one if required

Detailed Wage Information 

Wage range for this role is between $115K – 170K, plus a discretionary bonus, 401(k) matching, vacation, and health benefits. Employees can also receive additional pay for off-shifts, off-site work, and access pay. The range provided is Janicki’s estimate of the base compensation for this role. Actual amount offered will be based on job-related and non-discriminatory factors such as experience, location, education, training, skills, and abilities 

Benefits 

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance with employer contribution 
• Disability insurance, as well as Life/AD&D insurance 
• HSA (Health Savings Account) with employer contribution and FSA (Flexible Savings Account) 
• 401k with employer matching 
• Paid time off and paid holidays (including two floating holidays) 
• Education reimbursement program 
• Several shift options 
• Premium pay for off-shifts  
• Premium pay for security clearance if applicable 

Not sure that you’ll be the perfect fit for this role? You should still apply! We’ll review your application for other opportunities. We are always on the lookout for talented people! 

By applying for this job, you are expressing interest in this position and could be considered for other career opportunities where similar skills and requirements have been identified as a match. Should this match be identified, you may be contacted for this and future openings. 

Janicki Industries is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Janicki Industries does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, marital or familial status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, age, retaliation, veteran/military service status, or any other legally protected status.  Janicki is proud to be a military-friendly employer. 

Applicants or employees wishing to view a copy of Janicki Industries’ Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process, should notify the Human Resources Department at (360) 404-1997. 

 As a federal government contractor and a recipient of federal funding, Janicki is required to abide by federal drug testing requirements (including preemployment drug testing for cannabis). Additionally, because of Janicki’s work on aerospace products and the high volume of safety-sensitive positions, Janicki takes the safety of its employees very seriously and requires that employees pass a pre-employment drug test prior to starting employment.