Legal & 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.

For decades, Ottawa has been a global technology leader. Today, Canada’s capital holds one of the brightest and most diverse technological ecosystems in North America. Voted as Canada’s best place to live 2017 by Maclean's, Ottawa offers a low cost of living with a high quality of life. The Thales Ottawa office has been a major supplier and long-term trusted partner to DND, enabling the Canadian Armed Forces and the Canadian Coast Guard to achieve mission success.

**Ottawa, ON., (CAN.), Hybrid**

** Position Summary**

Thales requires a **Legal Counsel, Manager Contracts** who will be responsible for reviewing various contractual and non-contractual mechanisms, identifying risk and providing risk mitigation recommendations, preparing compliance statements, and drafting and preparing contracts and related agreements. As Legal Counsel, Manager Contracts, you will work with the Director of Legal & Contracts / Compliance Officer to ensure legal compliance and governance procedures are implemented and followed, via review of the laws and policies, offering training, and proposing improvements to processes. The role will also work closely with the bids and proposals cycle, including drafting and negotiation of terms and conditions to ensure protection of company interests and the preservation of project profitability. Finally, the role is highly embedded with our project teams, and will be required to provide real time solution-oriented legal advice to account / project / organizational leadership.

** Key Areas of Responsibility**

- Draft, structure, implement and consult on the management of contractual documents based on internal processes in order to establish and maintain good business relationships with customers. Participate in the preparation of bids and proposals packages following internal processes, from bid-no-bid decision to contract implementation and management.
- Conduct legal research and produce opinions on an as-required basis. Participate in the negotiation of key legal terms and conditions with customers. Liaise with Procurement, Finance and other departments to ensure the adequate understanding and execution of prime contract terms and conditions to suppliers and subcontractors.
- Continuously review contracts with respect to financial, legal and technical obligations and monitor changes in the program. Stay apprised of the evolution of all assigned projects through attendance at various internal and external meetings.
- Support and participate in periodic internal and external audits. Provide legal support including contract synthesis, intellectual property management, legal analysis and opinion. Provide timely and effective legal advice to senior stakeholders.
- Prepare briefings to management and stakeholders on proposals and contracts status. Monitor risks, escalate issues and propose action plans or solutions. May Ensure the coordination of information and participate in the treatment of litigation files.
- Ensure the Company respects its internal and external compliance requirements. May Handle requests for access to information, and various governmental filings and requirements as they arise. May Assist Local Trade Compliance Officer in matters of export control, as required.

**Minimum Qualifications**

- Law degree (LLB, JD).
- Current member of a provincial bar association in good standing.
- A minimum of five years of experience practicing commercial law for a law firm, government or corporation.
- Working knowledge of government procurement policies and procedures.
- Ability to organize and prioritize contractual and commercial risks and issues.
- Negotiation skills and ability to effectively reach and document negotiated agreements.

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

** Preferred Qualifications**

- Experience managing Defense Contracts under the Defense Production Act and Government of Canada procurement processes.
- Familiarity with hardware, software, technology or technical data controlled under the Canadian Export Control List, Canadian Controlled Goods Program, the Canadian Industrial Security Program, the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (EAR).

**What We Offer**

- 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 Assista