Conair is the largest, privately owned, fixed-wing aerial firefighting company in the world, operating a fleet of 80 specialized aircraft to fight forest fires. We have been supporting government agencies around the globe for over 50 years, with a reputation of providing service excellence, making us an industry leader. We are aerospace engineering experts, creating 16 different airtanker types, converting hundreds of aircraft into airtankers. We are aviation maintenance experts, performing repair, maintenance and overhaul on our fleet. And we are operators, providing airtankers, crew and maintenance on contract over fire seasons to government agencies including Canada, the US, Australia and France. The culture at Conair is built on a teamwork, with a commitment to people, safety and service. We are proud of who we are, what we do and how we do it, protecting our world from wildfires.

What sets us Apart. At Conair, we have a true passion for our mission. Conair is at the forefront of defending our communities and resources against the increasing risk of wildfire. As a critical emergency response service provider, we take pride in delivering best-in-class aerial assets and services. We are looking for an individual that can help us continue to deliver a high level of service as our company continues to grow and expand.

About the Position. We are excited to create a new role for a full-time permanent Contracts Manager based in Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada. Hybrid remote work arrangements will be considered. We are looking for a candidate with strong experience managing commercial and operational agreements, procurement processes, regulatory requirements and governance policies. However, as this role is newly created, we expect that it will evolve over time depending on the skills and interests of the candidate. This role will report directly to the General Counsel and will work closely with internal departments and external stakeholders to ensure contracts are accurate, organized, and aligned with company requirements and operational needs. You will also have the opportunity to expand your skill set, working with Conair’s legal counsel on various projects including aircraft acquisition and sales, aerial fire-fighting service procurements, airtanker conversion programs and other high priority strategic projects.

In this role your duties will include the following:

• Internal Contract Support: Provide contract support to Conair’s internal departments, including Flight Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, Finance, Business Development, IT, Safety, Procurement and Special Programs.
• Liaise with External Stakeholders and Advisors: Engage directly with customers, vendors, sub-contractors and professional service providers (e.g. insurance, finance and legal advisors) regarding contract-related matters.
• Negotiation: Engage directly with external stakeholders and third parties to negotiate mutually agreeable, favorable pricing and terms.
• Drafting and Administration: Prepare, review, edit, and administer a variety of commercial agreements and related documentation, including: service agreements, NDAs, vendor contracts, software licenses, consulting agreements, intercompany agreements and operational documentation.
• Contracts Process Management: Manage contract execution, renewals, amendments, and document retention. Maintain contract trackers, databases, and document management system. Assist with developing templates, standard clauses, and internal procedures. Monitor key dates, deliverables, and compliance requirements under agreements. Support operational and administrative teams with contract-related inquiries and documentation.
• Governance: Assist with development, implementation and compliance of key governance policies and practices relating to data privacy, anti-corruption and sanctions, financial oversight (know-your-customer) and other regulatory and risk driven compliance regimes.
• Special Projects: Get involved in non-routine, high-impact initiatives which could include mergers and acquisitions (M&A), corporate restructuring, capital expenditure and major infrastructure rollouts, or IT/digital driven transformations.

We are looking for someone with:

• Strong attention to detail and ability to read, interpret, and draft legal and commercial agreements;
• Ability to take initiative and anticipate needs and act before being asked;
• Comfortable working in self-directed manner including managing your own workload, setting goals, and solving problems independently;
• Previous experience in contract administration, procurement, legal administration, or a similar role;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines and prioritize accordingly;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and document management systems;
• Experience working with confidential and sensitive information;
• Eagerness to learn new skills and take on projects that require
• Experience in aviation, industrial, engineering, or operational environments would be considered an asset.

Requirements:

• Post-secondary education in Business Administration, Paralegal Studies, Contracts Management, Procurement/Supply Chain, Finance, Legal or a related field would be considered an asset;
• Minimum 3–5 years of experience in contract administration, contract coordination, procurement, legal administration, or a similar role;
• Strong ability to read, interpret, and draft commercial and operational agreements;
• Valid driver’s license;
• Valid passport (able to travel within Canada & internationally);
• Ability to obtain and maintain airport security clearance, if required;

***Must be legally entitled to work in Canada (Canadian citizenship or permanent residency)***