DESCRIPTION J12 Solutions (J12) is seeking a Director of Contracts to establish and lead the companys contracts function as we grow from a small business to a mid-sized government contractor. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape and build the contracting infrastructure at J12, ensuring compliance, competitive positioning, and scalability. The ideal candidate is a strategic, hands-on contracts leader with deep expertise in federal contracting (FAR/DFARS), compliance, and government contract negotiations. This individual will work closely with senior leadership, finance, business development, and operations to drive contract success, optimize pricing strategies, and manage indirect cost structures. As the first contracts hire, this position is expected to develop policies, tools, and best practices that will scale with the company. The role will grow in scope, with opportunities for advancement as the company expands, especially if the candidate demonstrates strong leadership, expertise, and collaboration. PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES Serve as the primary point of contact for all government contracts, subcontracts, and teaming agreements.Manage the full contract lifecycle, including proposal development, negotiation, execution, compliance, modifications, and closeout.Develop and execute a strategy to help transition J12 from subcontractor roles to prime contractor positions.Develop and implement contracts policies, procedures, and systems to ensure compliance with FAR, DFARS, ITAR, and other applicable regulations.Establish and maintain contract files and documentation to support audits, DCAA/DCMA reviews, and corporate governance.Support capture and proposal teams by reviewing solicitation requirements and ensuring contract terms align with company capabilities and risk tolerance.Collaborate with finance and leadership to develop indirect rates, pricing strategies, and financial planning for contract execution.Lead all pricing related proposal efforts including developing rates and cost volumes.Build and maintain relationships with government contracting officers, subcontractors, and teaming partners.Lead efforts to prepare for and manage DCAA and DCMA audits.Advise leadership on compliance requirements related to contract staffing, indirect personnel, and corporate growth. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS Bachelors degree in Business, Finance, Acquisition Management, or a related field.7+ years of experience in government contract administration, compliance, and negotiation.Expertise in FAR, DFARS, ITAR, and DCAA/DCMA compliance.Must be a U.S. citizen and eligible for a security clearance.Willingness to relocate to or be based in Huntsville, AL. DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS Masters degree in Contracts, Acquisition Management, or related field.NCMA certification (CPCM, CFCM, or equivalent).15+ years of experience in government contracts administration, compliance, and leadership roles.Proven experience in a growth-stage federal contractor, ideally as the first contracts hire or in a small/mid-sized business setting.Experience leading contracts efforts for IDIQ contracts, OTAs, GSA schedules, and large federal procurements.Strong background in pricing strategy, indirect cost structures, and proposal development.Experience preparing for and managing DCAA and DCMA audits.Experience with Unanet and UKG is a plus.Strong negotiation, communication, and leadership skills.Ability to work independently and scale a contracts function in a fast-paced, high-growth environment. ABOUT J12 J12 Solutions is an Employee-Owned engineering services and technology solutions company. Were building the kind of engineering solutions company youve always wanted to work at: one with merit-based employee ownership; a culture that places a premium on both results and relationships; and the chance to do good technical work that matters for the best customers. We seek to attract the brightest engineering talent, empower them to make decisions, and challenge them to solve technical problems that positively impact the nations security, peace, and freedom. Learn more about us at J12Solutions.com. EQUAL OPPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER J12 Solutions is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.