Contracts Manager – Canadian Defence Programs

PAL; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Travel privileges

Employee assistance programs

Health benefits

Pension plan

Stock purchase plan

Tuition assistance

Job summary

PAL Aerospace is seeking a seasoned contracts professional to manage government and commercial agreements, ensure compliance, and drive program outcomes. You will serve as the primary liaison for contractual matters with internal teams, customers, and vendors.

The ideal candidate has five-plus years in contract management, strong negotiation and analytical skills, and the ability to explain complex terms to non-legal stakeholders. Travel may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, commerce, or law; equivalent experience may be considered.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressive contract management experience, preferably Government of Canada defence programs.
• Experience reviewing, interpreting, and negotiating contract terms and conditions.
• Knowledge of contract lifecycle management, procurement, and regulatory compliance.
• Ability to explain complex terms to non-legal stakeholders at all levels.

Responsibilities

• Manage signed contracts to ensure compliance with obligations and expectations.
• Serve as primary point of contact for contractual matters with stakeholders, customers, vendors, and partners.
• Build strong relationships to support contract management and program outcomes.
• Support contract execution, including amendments, change documentation, and negotiations.
• Lead contract modifications and commercial discussions with customers.
• Collaborate with Program Managers to support delivery, alignment, and objectives.
• Identify and mitigate contractual, commercial, and performance risks.
• Monitor contract performance and address issues or disputes.
• Maintain contract records and provide guidance to internal teams.
• Provide input to improve processes and tools, including AI-enabled solutions.
• Support business development and growth activities as needed.
• Travel domestically on occasion.

Skills

Contract management

Risk assessment

Negotiation

Stakeholder communication

Analytical thinking

Financial acumen

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business, commerce, or law

Equivalent experience considered

Tools

MS Office

Contract management systems

AI-enabled tools

Job description

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 Aerospace offers 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 Plan.
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
• Employee Tuition Assistance Program.
• Opportunities for growth.
• PAL Days between Christmas & New Years.

PAL Aerospace is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment that celebrates and encourages diversity, equity, and inclusion whereby individuals are recognized, supported, and respected.

Candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Thank You.

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