Defence Contracts Manager

KF Aerospace; Kelowna; On-site; CAD 93,000 - 116,000; Full time

Job summary

KF Aerospace is seeking a Defence Contracts Manager to oversee contract management and develop customer relationships, especially in the defence sector. The ideal candidate will have a strong aerospace and defence background, with 5-7 years of experience, and the ability to acquire necessary security clearances. The position offers a competitive salary with comprehensive benefits including health, dental, and pension plans.

Benefits

Health and Dental

Short & Long-Term Disability

Life Insurance

Health Spending Account

Personal (Wellness) Spending Account

Paid vacation and Personal time off

Pension matching plan

Employee & Family Assistance Program

Free financial advice

Bonus program based on organizational performance

Qualifications

• 5 - 7 years of experience in the aerospace and defence sector.
• Knowledge of Canada's industrial base in aerospace and defence.
• Capability to obtain Canadian security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Monitor government RFPs related to aerospace business.
• Collaborate with the executive team for new business capture.
• Manage contracts on government programs.

Skills

Communication

Analytical Thinking

Relationship Management

Detail-Oriented

Education

Post Secondary Education in Business Administration or Commerce

Job description

KF Aerospace is proud to deliver innovative aircraft services for corporate, commercial, and military customers worldwide. Launched in 1970 out of British Columbia’s beautiful city of Kelowna, KF has grown to specialize in a wide range of aviation services including maintenance and modifications, cargo operations, military pilot training and aircraft leasing. With facilities across Canada, KF is home to over 1,100 highly skilled individuals. Our passion for our craft fuels everyproject we touch.

JOB OVERVIEW

We have a current opportunity for a Defence Contracts Manager responsible for new business capture, proposal response, contract development, contract management and customer and government relations management, including Government Industrial and Technological Benefit (ITB) program management.

KF was recently awarded the Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program, a 20+ year contract with the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). KF is looking to expand its portfolio in defence with new in-service support programs expected to be released by the Government of Canada in the near future.

This role reports to the Vice President of Business Development.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Responsible to monitor potential government and large defence – related RFP releases related to KF’s aerospace business and liaise with future customers to understand their priorities and specific focus to allow KF to prepare to develop a successful win strategy.
• Responsible for new business capture support by collaborating the executive leadership team in the pursuit of new business, including developing strategies and relationships to attract new customers.
• Responsible for contract management on government programs.
• Act as the main commercial point of contact for government relations.
• Liaise with other departments and business partners to develop our ITB and Value Proposition (VP) response for a major procurement including : Evaluation of potential opportunities, ensuring ‘causality’ is tracked, enabling credit banking;Other activities required to fully develop and draft our ITB Plan as part of the current RFP. Work closely with multiple supply chain management (SCM) teams, Program Management, Contracts, suppliers / subcontractors, and finance to lead the development and preparation of VP responses for new procurement opportunities within the Canadian defence sector. Upon contract award(s), compliance and reporting systems will need to be developed and implemented to enable reporting on ITB transactions to ensure compliance with our ITB commitments.
• Monitor ITB results and ensure annual reporting is completed. This includes providing training, advice and guidance on topics related to our ITB Policy.
• Meet with Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED) Canada, relevant interest groups, and / or other defence companies to discuss and maintain currency with ITB requirements.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Post Secondary Education, with Business Administration or Commerce focus
• Strong knowledge of Canada’s industrial base and capabilities in all regions, particularly in the aerospace and defence sector
• 5 - 7 years of applicable experience in the aerospace and defence sector
• Capability of obtaining a Canadian security clearance, CGP, and ITAR clearance (mandatory)
• Willingness to travel up to 12 weeks per year both domestically and internationally

COMPETENCIES

• Three to five years of experience with large RFP development for government programs.
• Knowledge of the federal government procurement system and other international industrial offsets programs, in particular ITB plans.
• Capable of working with diverse groups in pursuit of future contracts.
• Must have solid communication, analytical and people skills, and be capable of leading and / or participating in meetings up to the most senior levels.
• Knowledge of business ethics and compliance principles.
• Highly effective relationship management skills.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated attention to detail.
• A result driven and customer focussed mind-set and thrives on collaborating with others.

BENEFITS

Full-Time staff benefits include (but are not limited to) :

• Health and Dental
• Short & Long-Term Disability
• Life Insurance
• Health Spending Account
• Personal (Wellness) Spending Account
• Paid vacation and Personal time off
• Pension matching plan and voluntary RRSP
• Employee & Family Assistance Program
• Free financial advice
• A bonus program based on organizational performance

LOCATION

The successful incumbent will be based in our Kelowna, BC office (preferred, but remote options will be considered).

SALARY

The wage band is KF level 13, $93,000-$116,000 annually. The expertise and technical skill level of the candidate is assessed during the selection process for placement within the band. Note : The salary range maximum signifies full job knowledge.