Defence Contracts Lead – Strategy, Negotiation & Compliance

Pal Airlines; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

PAL Aerospace is seeking a Contracts Manager to lead the management of two large Canada Defence and Security contracts—FWSAR and FAcT. The role reports to the Sr.

VP Global Support and coordinates with Directors to ensure contract execution, amendments, compliance, change management, and risk mitigation across programs. The ideal candidate has a Bachelor’s degree and at least five years in contract management within defence/government, strong negotiation skills, and the ability to work

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.

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 mitigation

Communication skills

Leadership

Regulatory compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Contract management systems

AI-enabled tools

Job description

PAL Aerospace is seeking a Contracts Manager to lead the management of two large Canada Defence and Security contracts—FWSAR and FAcT. The role reports to the Sr.

VP Global Support and coordinates with Directors to ensure contract execution, amendments, compliance, change management, and risk mitigation across programs. The ideal candidate has a Bachelor’s degree and at least five years in contract management within defence/government, strong negotiation skills, and the ability to work