Commercial / Contracts manager Defense & Security Division

Cae Aviation; Abu Dhabi; Hybrid; AED 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

CAE Aviation in Abu Dhabi is seeking a Contracts Manager to lead commercial and contractual activities across bids and programs in the defence and aerospace sectors. You will partner with legal, finance and business development to review proposals, negotiate terms, and secure compliant, win-ready arrangements.

The role requires at least 5 years in bids, strong negotiation and communication skills, and the ability to travel up to 25% in EMEA.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in bids and managing commercial contracts in defence/aerospace/government.
• Basic knowledge of contract law and MoD terms (e.g., DEFCONs).
• Excellent organisation and coordination skills.
• Strong negotiation and communication abilities.
• Ability to travel up to 25% within EMEA.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a focal point for customers for contractual matters and establish relationships.
• Review proposed contractual agreements and provide CAE position with legal counsel.
• Support bid teams in generating Commercial responses and related documents.
• Assist in creating Proposal Documentation, Commercial Volume, Risk and Opportunities Registers.
• Conduct commercial reviews of proposal documents and support negotiation strategies.
• Negotiate contracts and amendments in collaboration with CAE legal and customers.

Skills

Contract management

Bid management

Negotiation

Stakeholder management

Communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Travel readiness

Defense/aerospace domain knowledge

Tools

MS Outlook

MS Word

MS Excel

MS Project

Job description

Responsibilities

• Serve as a focal point of contact for customers external and internal regarding contractual matters by establishing good customer relationships and communications
• Perform review of customer proposed contractual agreements NDAs Teaming Agreements TAAs Contracts etc and provide CAE position as required in close conjunction with CAE legal counsel
• Proactive participation in business-winning Bid Teams including Generating the Commercial Response to Customer RFPs in accordance with the agreed strategy relevant input from other disciplines e g prices payment plan from Finance Pricing IP LDs and liability from CAE legal and Customer requirements
• Assisting Bids and Proposals Manager to generate Proposal Documentation Commercial Volume Risk and Opportunities Registers Compliance Matrices etc matched to Customer requirements
• Undertaking a commercial contractual review of the full suite of proposal documents provided by Bids and Proposals Manager
• Support the development and implementation of the negotiation strategy
• Participation in contract negotiations with Customers to fulfil business requirements in support of Sales Business Development Lead and or Programme Manager
• In close conjunction with CAE legal counsel prepare and negotiate contracts and amendments to existing contracts and arrange for their approval
• Provide guidance on compliance to terms and conditions of customer contracts identify the appropriate flow down of such terms and conditions to potential subcontractors
• Assist the Programme Management function by supporting subcontract negotiations as required
• Identification of potential contractual liabilities risks issues and disputes arising with customers suppliers partners and third parties and report to CAE legal accordingly and jointly produce mitigation plans
• Maintain contractual records documentation of key correspondence status and issue reports etc
• Support in ensuring compliance with all relevant Corporate Policies and Procedures relevant to bidding for and managing contracts
• Any other duties as may be required

Requirements

• At least 5 years of experience supporting bids and managing commercial contracts within the defence, aerospace or government procurement environment.
• Basic knowledge of contract law and MoD terms and conditions (e.g., DEFCONS, public procurement).
• Strong business acumen.
• Excellent organisational and coordination skills.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Proven negotiation skills.
• Ability to work under pressure within bid/project teams and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency with MS Outlook, Word, Excel, and MS Project.
• Ability to operate within a hybrid work environment (3 days per week in the office).
• Willingness to travel up to ~25% within EMEA.
• Knowledge of data protection legislation.
• Experience working within defence or aerospace programs involving government stakeholders.
• Familiarity with subcontract negotiation processes.
• Experience collaborating with cross functional teams (Legal, Finance, BD).