Senior Contract Manager

Thales is a global technology leader trusted by governments, institutions, and enterprises to tackle their most demanding challenges. From quantum applications and artificial intelligence to cybersecurity and 6G innovation, our solutions empower critical decisions rooted in human intelligence. Operating at the forefront of aerospace and space, cybersecurity and digital identity, we’re driven by a mission to build a future we can all trust.

ABOUT THE ROLE / WHO ARE WE

We are seeking a Senior Contract Manager to take full contractual ownership of a major, complex, and long‑term program with a strategic Singaporean customer within the Airspace Mobility Solutions (AMS) Business Line.

Fully integrated into the project team, you will serve as the contractual focal point and authority, ensuring that the contractual framework is understood, operationalized, protected, and optimized throughout the entire lifecycle of the program. You will play a critical role in shaping contractual strategies, anticipating risks, managing claims and variations, and safeguarding Thales' interests in a highly dynamic operational environment.

You will report hierarchically to the Legal, Contract & Compliance Director of Thales International Division (DGDI) for Southeast Asia, supporting all Thales' businesses in Southeast Asia and Taiwan ("the Region"), and collaborate closely with operational, technical, financial, commercial, and leadership stakeholders across the Region.

Thales has been present and has grown from strength to strength in the Asian region for over 50 years, providing state-of-the-art solutions for customers in the avionics, secure communications and information systems, defense mission systems and strategy, research and technology, and digital security domains.

RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Contract Management Throughout Project Execution

• Establish, manage, and continuously update the contractual baseline from contract signature to project closure

• Ensure full contractual awareness across the project team, enabling correct application of obligations, rights, deadlines, and deliverables

• Anticipate deviations and manage them proactively through contractual notices, waivers, amendments, claims, clarification requests, and other contractual instruments

• Anticipate and drive the project's risk and opportunity strategy, in close collaboration with project leadership, including claim preparation, defensive measures, and value‑protection initiatives, proposing defensible, practical solutions

• Oversee all incoming and outgoing contractual communications with the customer, ensuring consistency, traceability, and strategic alignment

• Coordinate with the Litigation Department when disputes arise, including fact‑finding, documentation, evidence management, and support to legal strategy

• Handle contractual aspects of key subcontractors and suppliers or coordinate with dedicated contract management teams where applicable

2. Contractual Support for Offers, Variations & Extensions

• Identify opportunities to protect or improve the project's financial performance

• Support the capture and preparation of variations, extensions, new phases, or related offers connected to the program

• Recommend contractual structures that enhance competitiveness while respecting applicable regulations and internal governance

• Draft, revise, and negotiate contractual documents with customers, partners, and subcontractors

• Contribute to internal risk reviews, financial exposure assessments, and mitigation plans

• Prepare and present contractual sections of internal approval documentation, including clear recommendations to management

3. Governance, Leadership & Coordination

• Act as the reference point for all contractual matters within the project

• Provide strategic and operational contractual advice to internal stakeholders

• Participate in departmental initiatives such as improving templates, tools, and best practices, contributing expertise linked to complex project execution

4. Compliance Activities

Although the role is primarily focused on contract management, you will:

• Support relevant compliance processes for the program (e.g., third‑party screenings) in coordination with the Compliance Officer

• Escalate any potential non‑compliance issues where required

REQUIREMENTS

• Strong experience in managing complex, high‑value industrial or technology programs with the maturity to operate autonomously and proactively with senior internal and external stakeholders

• Advanced academic background in Law, Contract Management, Business, or a related field

• 15+ years of experience as a Contract Manager or Legal Counsel in a complex international industrial environment (e.g., aerospace, defence, transportation, infrastructure, systems integration, technology)

• Demonstrated capability to manage large, multi‑stakeholder, long‑cycle contracts with both strategic and operational dimensions

• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and synthesis abilities, with the capacity to translate complex contractual frameworks into actionable guidance

• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary and multi‑cultural teams and influence senior and executive stakeholders

• Strong interpersonal skills to resolve issues constructively while protecting the company's position

• Comfortable working with digital platforms and standard business tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, CLM systems, collaborative environments)

• Strong communication skills, intercultural awareness, and the ability to operate within diverse teams

• Ability to travel occasionally to Europe

At Thales, we’re committed to fostering a workplace where respect, trust, collaboration, and passion drive everything we do. Here, you’ll feel empowered to bring your best self, thrive in a supportive culture, and love the work you do. Join us, and be part of a team reimagining technology to create solutions that truly make a difference – for a safer, greener, and more inclusive world.