Senior Contracts Specialist

Macdonald, Dettwiler And Associates Corporation; Brampton; On-site; CAD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

MDA Space invites a Senior Contracts Specialist to join the Contracts team. You will lead the contracts lifecycle management from RFI to renewal, negotiating terms with external parties and ensuring compliance with ITB, CGP, ITAR and other government requirements.

Qualified candidates will have a post-secondary degree or diploma and 8+ years of relevant experience, with proven ability to draft, negotiate and manage complex agreements in the Space/Aerospace sector.

Qualifications

• Post secondary degree/diploma and 8+ years related or transferable work experience.
• Experience drafting, negotiating and managing complex and high profile transactions in Space/Aerospace/Defence or high-technology.
• Knowledge of SACC/ESA ITB/CGP/ITAR and US FAR/DFARS is an asset.
• Understanding of third party selection and onboarding processes.
• Basic program management knowledge including financial and risk management.
• Awareness of import/export legislation, Incoterms and customs rules is an asset.
• Strong communication and collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.
• Must obtain and hold security clearance at the reliability status level and pass CGP security assessment.

Responsibilities

• Review and negotiate external terms to minimize commercial risks to MDA.
• Plan and execute third party contracts, including change orders and invoicing, through closure.
• Coordinate governing terms (SOW, ITB, ITB, delivery schedule, ITB) and ensure compliance.
• Ensure stakeholders are aware of obligations to meet customer requirements.
• Analyze third party obligations and ensure they are discharged.
• Understand program costing and align contract terms accordingly.
• Advise on contractual transactions between MDA and customers/subcontractors/third parties.
• Assist with due diligence and compliance requirements.
• Report and attend customer, subcontractor and program reviews.
• Maintain complete records of contractual commitments.

Skills

Contract drafting

Contract negotiation

Contract management

Space/Aerospace knowledge

Trade compliance

Security clearance

Education

Post-secondary degree/diploma

8+ years related or transferable work experience

Job description

Building the space between proven and possible, MDA Space (TSX:MDA) is a trusted mission partner to the global space industry. A robotics, satellite systems and geointelligence pioneer with a 55-year+ story of world firsts and more than 450 missions, MDA Space is a global leader in communications satellites, Earth and space observation, and space exploration and infrastructure. The MDA Space team of more than 4,000 space experts in Canada, the US and the UK has the knowledge and know-how to turn an audacious customer vision into an achievable mission – bringing to bear a one-of-a-kind mix of experience, engineering excellence and wide-eyed wonder that’s been in our DNA since day one. For those who dream big and push boundaries on the ground and in the stars to change the world for the better, we’ll take you there.

The Position:

We are looking for a Senior Contracts Specialistto join the MDA Contracts team. In this role, you will lead the contracts lifecycle management process, providing proactive, methodical management of various agreements with external parties and/or contracts from RFI initiation through award, compliance, subcontracting and renewal to closure.

Job Responsibilities

• Review and negotiate all external terms and conditions with a view to minimize commercial risks to MDA.
• Manage the planning and execution of all third party contracts, including change orders, claims and invoicing, through to contract closure.
• Internally coordinate the application of governing terms, including technical SOW, delivery schedule, Industrial and Technological Benefits, quality requirements, and flow down of the customer terms and conditions, as applicable.
• Ensure internal cross-functional stakeholders are aware of all obligations in order to comply with customer requirements.
• Analyze and interpret third party obligations and ensure they are adequately discharged.
• Understand program costing and align contract terms as applicable.
• Advisor to the business on all matters related to contractual transactions, based on a detailed understanding of the scope of work between MDA and its customers, subcontractors and/or other third parties.
• Assist with due diligence and compliance requirements.
• Report and attend customer, subcontractor and integrated product/program reviews.
• Maintain accurate, accessible and complete records of the company’s contractual commitments.

Job Requirements (experience/skills):

• A post secondary degree/diploma and/or 8+ years related or transferable work experience.
• Experience in drafting, negotiating and managing complex and high profile transactions within the Space, Aerospace, Defense or other high-technology industry.
• Familiarity with some or all of the following is an asset: the Government of Canada’s Standard Acquisition Clauses and Conditions (SACC), the European Space Agency General Clauses and Conditions, Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB), Controlled Goods Program (CGP), International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), as well as understanding of US government procurement processes (FAR/DFARS).
• Understanding of third party selection and onboarding processes.
• Basic knowledge of program management including financial and risk management.
• Awareness of import/ export legislation, Incoterms and customs rules is an asset.
• Communicate effectively and collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders at all levels within the organization.
• Sense of urgency with the ability to respond to rapidly changing priorities in a timely and efficient manner.
• Exceptional attention to detail and strong organizational skills, with the ability to follow through and deliver results.
• Possess tact, diplomacy and the ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality.
• Successful candidates must obtain and hold security clearance at the reliability status level, and pass security assessment for the Controlled Goods Program (CGP)

MDA provides competitive compensation and benefits packages for its employees at all locations. As a team member of MDA, you and your qualified dependents are eligible to participate in a benefit plan that ensures a comprehensive level of protection through competitive health care including; extended healthcare and flexible drug plans, dental and vision benefits, disability income protection, life insurance, group retirement savings plans; and an employee and family assistance program.

MDA is an equal opportunity employer prizing diversity and inclusion. We are committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity. If you require assistance and/or reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please feel free to notify us.

The compensation range for this position is $100,000 - $130,000 annually. The specific compensation offered will be based on the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate.