Legal Counsel and Manager of Contracts

Location: Ottawa, Canada

In fast changing markets, customers worldwide rely on Thales. Thales is a business where brilliant people from all over the world come together to share ideas and inspire each other. In aerospace, transportation, defence, security and space, our architects design innovative solutions that make our tomorrow's possible.

For decades, Ottawa has been a global technology leader. Today, Canada's capital holds one of the brightest and most diverse technological ecosystems in North America. Voted as Canada's best place to live 2017 by Maclean's, Ottawa offers a low cost of living with a high quality of life. The Thales Ottawa office has been a major supplier and long-term trusted partner to DND, enabling the Canadian Armed Forces and the Canadian Coast Guard to achieve mission success.

This position is Hybrid Ottawa.

Position Summary

Thales is looking to hire Legal Counsel, Manager Contracts who will be responsible for reviewing various contractual and non-contractual mechanisms, identifying risk and providing risk mitigation recommendations, preparing compliance statements, and drafting and preparing contracts and related agreements. The successful candidate will work with the Director of Legal & Contracts / Compliance Officer to ensure legal compliance and governance procedures are implemented and followed, via review of the laws and policies, offering training, and proposing improvements to processes. The role will also work closely with the bids and proposals cycle, including drafting and negotiation of terms and conditions to ensure protection of company interests and the preservation of project profitability. The role is also highly embedded with our project teams, and will be required to provide real time solution-oriented legal advice to account / project / organizational leadership.

Key Areas of Responsibility

• Draft, structure, implement and consult on the management of contractual documents based on internal processes in order to establish and maintain good business relationships with customers; Participate in the preparation of bids and proposals packages following internal processes, from bid-no-bid decision to contract implementation and management.
• Conduct legal research and produce opinions on an as-required basis; Participate in the negotiation of key legal terms and conditions with customers; Liaise with Procurement, Finance and other departments to ensure the adequate understanding and execution of prime contract terms and conditions to suppliers and subcontractors; Continuously review contracts with respect to financial, legal and technical obligations and monitor changes in the program.
• Provide legal support including contract synthesis, intellectual property management, legal analysis and opinion; Provide timely and effective legal advice to senior stakeholders; Monitor risks, escalate issues and propose action plans or solutions.
• Prepare briefings to management and stakeholders on proposals and contracts status.
• May Ensure the coordination of information and participate in the treatment of litigation files; Ensure the Company respects its internal and external compliance requirements; Handle requests for access to information, and various governmental filings and requirements as they arise; and Assist Local Trade Compliance Officer in matters of export control, as required.

Minimum Requirements

• Law degree (LLB, JD) and current member of a provincial bar association in good standing.
• A minimum of five years of experience practicing commercial law for a law firm, government or corporation; Working knowledge of government procurement policies and procedures.
• Familiarity with hardware, software, technology or technical data controlled under the Canadian Export Control List, Canadian Controlled Goods Program, the Canadian Industrial Security Program, the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). All applicants must be able to meet the eligibility requirements outlined in the Canadian Controlled Goods Program and able to obtain a Canadian NATO Secret clearance

• Experience managing Defence Contracts under the Defence Production Act and Government of

Canada procurement processes.

What We Offer

Thales provides an extensive benefits program for all full-time employees working 24 or more hours per week and their eligible dependents, including the following:

• Company paid Extended Health, Dental, HSA, Life, AD&D, Short-term Disability, Cancer Care Program, travel insurance, Employee Assistance Plan and Well-Being program.
• Retirement Savings Plans (RRSP, DCPP, TFSA) with a company contribution and a match to a DCPP, with no vesting period.
• Company paid holidays, vacation days, and paid sick leave.
• Voluntary Life, AD&D, Critical Illness, Long-Term Disability.
• Employee Discounts on home, auto, and gym membership.

Why Join Us?

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Thales is an equal opportunity employer which values diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. Thales is committed to providing accommodations in all parts of the interview process. Applicants selected for an interview who require accommodation are asked to advise accordingly upon the invitation for an interview. We will work with you to meet your needs. All accommodation information provided will be treated as confidential and used only for the purpose of providing an accessible candidate experience.

This position requires direct or indirect access to hardware, software or technical information controlled under the Canadian Export Control List, the Canadian Controlled Goods Program, the Canadian Industrial Security Program, the US International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or the US Export Administration Regulations (EAR). All applicants must be eligible or able to obtain authorization for such access including eligibility to the Canadian Controlled Goods Program and able to obtain a Canadian NATO Secret clearance.