Contracts Manager – Canadian Defence Programs

PAL Aerospace Ltd.; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Travel privileges

Employee assistance

Health benefits

Pension plan

Stock purchase plan

Tuition assistance

Growth opportunities

PAL Days

Job summary

PAL Aerospace Ltd. seeks a Contracts Manager to lead the management of two major Canada Defence contracts—FWSAR and FAcT—in Ottawa, ON. You will oversee contract execution, amendments, compliance, risk mitigation, and customer engagement to ensure program success.

The role requires at least five years in contract management within defence programs, strong negotiation and communication skills, and the ability to work independently with cross-functional teams. Regular travel may be required.

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 stakeholders at all levels within 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.

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.

Skills

Contract management

Negotiation

Risk assessment

Stakeholder communication

Program delivery

Analytical thinking

Cross-functional collaboration

Independent work

Financial acumen

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business administration, commerce, law

Tools

Microsoft Office

Contract management system

AI-enabled tools

Job description

Contracts Manager – Canadian Defence Programs

Full-Time Permanent Ottawa, ON, CA

6 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 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.