Contracts Manager – Canadian Defence Programs

Contracts Manager – Canadian Defence Programs

Full-Time Permanent Ottawa, ON, CA

3 days ago Requisition ID: 3101

PAL Aerospace is seeking a dynamic and experienced Contract Manager to join our team to lead the management of PAL's two large Canada Defence and Security Contracts – Fixed Wing Search and Rescue (FWSAR) and Future Aircrew Training ( FAcT ) . Directly responsible to the S r. VP Global Support and responsive to the Directors of FWSAR and FA c T , thesuccessful candidate willberesponsible formanaging contract execution , negotiating amendments, ensuring compliance with terms and conditions, change management, customer engagement, risk mitigation, and commercial support. This role is suited for a contracts professional who can operate independently, provide sound contractual guidance, and support multiple programs. This will requirestrong leadership skills, excellent communication abilities, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of industry and Government of Canada Procurement and Contract standards.

At PAL Aerospace, you’ll be part of a team where your expertise is valued, your career development is supported, and your contributions will have a lasting impact.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage signed contracts to ensure compliance with contractual obligations, internal requirements, and customer expectations.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for contractual matters, liaising with internal stakeholders, customers, vendors, and business partners.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with internal stakeholders, customers, vendors, and business partners to support effective contract management and program outcomes.
• Support contract execution, including interpretation of terms and conditions, contractual correspondence, amendments, and change documentation.
• Participate in or lead contract modifications, negotiations, and commercial discussions with customers.
• Collaborate with Program Managers and cross-functional teams to support program delivery, commercial alignment, and operational objectives.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate contractual, commercial, and performance-related risks.
• Monitor contract performance and proactively address potential issues, disputes, or areas of non-compliance.
• Maintain contract records, including agreements, amendments, correspondence, status reports, and supporting documentation.
• Provide contractual guidance to internal stakeholders and liaise with legal counsel on matters requiring legal interpretation or review.
• Contribute to contract management process improvements, reporting practices, and tools, including AI-enabled solutions where appropriate.
• Support business development and program growth activities, as required, by providing commercial and contractual input.
• Travel domestically on occasion, as required.

The ideal candidate brings the following qualifications and experience:

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, commerce, law, or a related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressive contract management experience, preferably supporting Government of Canada complex defence and security programs.
• Experience managing executed contracts, including amendments, contractual correspondence, compliance tracking, change management, and risk mitigation.
• Demonstrated ability to review, interpret, and negotiate contractual terms and conditions.
• Working knowledge of contract lifecycle management, procurement practices, and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Ability to communicate complex contractual or legal concepts to non-legal stakeholdersat all levelswithin the organization.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, organizational, and judgement skills.
• Financial and commercial acumen, including the ability to understand pricing, cost, and financial implications of contractual decisions.
• Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and build strong relationships with cross-functional teams, customers, vendors, and business partners.
• Collaborative, consultative approach with the confidence to provide clear contractual guidance and recommendations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; experience with contract management systems or AI-enabled tools would be considered an asset.

Security Responsibilities:

Incumbent must be able to obtain the required level of Government of Canada Personnel Security Clearance.

What PAL Aerospaceoffers you:

• Personal travel privileges with PAL and interline agreements with other airlines.
• Employee and Family Assistance Programs.
• Comprehensive health benefits including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• Defined Contribution Pension