Contracts Manager

About the role

CAE is seeking an experienced Contracts Manager to provide commercial and contractual support for bids and contract management across the Defence and Security Strategy and Business Development teams in the EMEA region. The role will act as the primary point of contact for internal and external customers on contractual matters and will support the full contract lifecycle from proposal to negotiation and administration.

Key responsibilities

• Serve as focal point for customers on contractual issues, building strong relationships and clear communication.
• Review customer‑proposed agreements (NDAs, Teaming Agreements, contracts) and coordinate CAE’s position with legal counsel.
• Generate commercial responses to RFPs, collaborate with finance, pricing, IP and legal teams, and produce proposal documentation such as risk registers and compliance matrices.
• Support negotiation strategy development and participate in contract negotiations with customers.
• Prepare, negotiate and obtain approval for contracts and amendments, ensuring proper flow‑down to subcontractors.
• Identify contractual risks, liabilities and disputes, report to legal, and develop mitigation plans.
• Maintain contractual records, correspondence, status reports and ensure compliance with corporate policies.

Required profile

• Minimum 5 years of experience supporting bids and managing commercial contracts in defence, aerospace or government procurement.
• Basic knowledge of contract law and MoD terms (e.g., DEFCONS, public procurement).
• Strong business acumen, organisational, coordination and communication skills.
• Proven negotiation abilities and ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Willingness to travel up to 25% within EMEA and work in a hybrid environment (3 days onsite).

Required skills

• Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel
• Proficiency with Microsoft Project