Contracts Manager

Location: Ottawa, Canada

In fast changing markets, customers worldwide rely on Thales. Thales is a business where brilliant people from all over the world come together to share ideas and inspire each other. In aerospace, transportation, defence, security and space, our architects design innovative solutions that make our tomorrow's possible.

Contracts Manager

Ottawa, ON, Halifax, NS, or Victoria, BC- Hybrid

Regulatory Compliance Requirements

• Requires direct or indirect access to hardware, software, technology or technical data controlled under the Canadian Export Control List, the ITAR or the EAR.

• Requires a positive Controlled Goods assessment as you will have direct access to hardware, software, technology or technical data controlled under the Canadian Controlled Goods Program.

• Required to obtain and maintain a Security Clearance at the NATO Secret Level.

Position Summary

We have a current vacancy for a Contracts Manager who serves as a key business partner to program and functional teams, providing strategic contractual guidance throughout the bid, negotiation, execution, and closeout phases of complex defence and government contracts. The role is responsible for protecting the organization's commercial interests by ensuring contractual compliance, identifying and mitigating risks, maximizing opportunities, and supporting the negotiation of favourable contractual outcomes.

Throughout project execution, the Contracts Manager collaborates with project leadership and stakeholders to manage contractual obligations, advise on commercial and contractual matters, monitor risks and opportunities, support change management initiatives, and facilitate the timely resolution of issues. The role also contributes to dispute avoidance and resolution activities, including the preparation and management of contractual records and pre-litigation documentation when necessary.

Key Areas of Responsibility  

• Manage a portfolio of defence and government contracts of varying size, complexity, and risk throughout the full contract lifecycle;

• Draft, review, negotiate, implement, and administer contracts, amendments, arisings, and other contractual documents in accordance with company policies and procedures;

• Support the preparation of bids and proposal packages, from bid/no-bid assessment through contract award, implementation, and ongoing contract management;

• Prepare contractual assessments, risk analyses, and briefing materials to support internal governance and gate approval processes;

• Interpret contract requirements and advise project teams on contractual rights, obligations, risks, and compliance requirements;

• Participate in negotiations with customers on commercial terms, pricing, delivery schedules, scope changes, and contractual terms and conditions;

• Liaise with Procurement, Finance and other departments to ensure the adequate flow-down of prime contract terms and conditions to suppliers and subcontractors;

• Provide contractual guidance and negotiation support on complex subcontract negotiations where required;

• Build and maintain strong working relationships with customers, partners, and internal stakeholders to support successful program execution;

• Monitor the progress and status of assigned programs through participation in internal and customer-facing meetings, reviews, and governance forums;

• Report on key risks, issues, commercial performance, and compliance matters to senior management and customers, as required;

• Implement and promote best practices, compliance policies, and ethical business conduct in accordance with Thales guidelines and applicable regulations;

• Support the resolution of contractual disputes, claims, change requests, and other commercial matters;

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the Contracts function by identifying process enhancements, improving efficiency, and promoting the adoption of best practices across the contract lifecycle;

• Support periodic internal and external audits, ensuring the maintenance of complete, accurate, and auditable contract records; and

• Proactively monitor contractual, commercial, and program risks, escalating issues as appropriate and recommending practical solutions and corrective actions.

Minimum Qualifications

• University Degree or equivalent experience;

• A minimum of 3 years’ experience working in a strategic business support function, including but not limited to Procurement, Legal, Finance, Contracts Management, etc.;

• At least 1 year of contract experience including: draft, review, negotiate, implement, and administer contracts, amendments, arisings, and other contractual documents in accordance with company policies and procedures;

• Prior experience presenting and communicating information to internal and external stakeholders on a regular basis

• Fluency in English;

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing or supporting large-scale complex contracts;

• Experience working with cross-functional teams in a major projects environment;

• Working knowledge of government procurement policies and procedures;

• Negotiation skills and ability to effectively reach negotiated compromises;

• Experience managing defence contracts under the Defence Production Act and Government of Canada procurement processes;

If you’re excited about working with Thales, but not meeting the requirements for this position, we encourage you to join our Talent Community!

Special Position Requirements

Physical Environment: Hybrid working environment (onsite and from home)

Travel: Potential travel may be required to different Thales and/or customer sites.

The reference Total Target Compensation (TTC) market range for this position, inclusive of annual base salary and the variable compensation target, is between Total Target Cash (TTC) $105,000- $135,000 CAD Annual.

This reflects how companies in a similar industry and geographic region generally pay for similar jobs. This range helps the Company make pay decisions as one data point among many. Where a position falls within this range is also dependent on other factors including – but not limited to – the employee’s career path history, competencies, skills and performance, as well as the company’s annual salary budget, the customer’s program requirements, and the company’s internal equity. Thales may offer additional benefits and other compensation, depending on circumstances not related to an applicant’s status protected by local, state, or federal law.

We use artificial intelligence–enabled tools as part of our recruitment process to support activities such as candidate discovery, résumé matching, and interview scheduling. These tools may help screen and assess applications and recommend potential matches based on the requirements within the job description.  All hiring decisions, including candidate evaluation, selection, and disposition, are made by human recruiters. Artificial intelligence does not make hiring decisions on our behalf.

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Thales provides an extensive benefits program for all full-time employees working 24 or more hours per week and their eligible dependents, including the following: 

• Company paid Extended Health, Dental, HSA, Life, AD&D, Short-term Disability, Cancer Care Program, travel insurance, Employee Assistance Plan and Well-Being program.

• Retirement Savings Plans (RRSP, DCPP, TFSA) with a company contribution and a match to a DCPP, with no vesting period.

• Company paid holidays, vacation days, and paid sick leave. 

• Voluntary Life, AD&D, Critical Illness, Long-Term Disability.

• Employee Discounts on home, auto, and gym membership.

Thales is an equal opportunity employer which values diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. Thales is committed to providing accommodations in all parts of the interview process. Applicants selected for an interview who require accommodation are asked to advise accordingly upon the invitation for an interview. We will work with you to meet your needs. All accommodation information provided will be treated as confidential and used only for the purpose of providing an accessible candidate experience.

This position requires direct or indirect access to hardware, software or technical information controlled under the Canadian Export Control List, the Canadian Controlled Goods Program, the Canadian Industrial Security Program, the US International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or the US Export Administration Regulations (EAR). All applicants must be eligible or able to obtain authorization for such access including eligibility to the Canadian Controlled Goods Program and able to obtain a Canadian NATO Secret clearance.