Contracts Manager

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.

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