Commercial / Contracts manager – Defense & Security Division
CAE · Abu Dhabi
Behind every success is a team of dedicated experts driving us forward. Our corporate functions don’t just support — they lead, shaping the company’s path and preparing clients and employees for the moments that matter. Be part of a team where your work makes a difference, with opportunities to grow, collaborate, and thrive.CAE’s Defense & Security business unit is a globally recognized training and mission systems integrator. As a high technology company, we are at the leading edge of digital innovation providing training and mission support solutions across multi-domain operations – air, land, maritime, space and cyber. We are committed to being our customer’s partner of choice to help elevate safety, efficiency and readiness so that our customers can achieve their best performance.
About the role
We are looking for an experienced Commercial / Contracts manager to act as contractual and commercial support in bidding for & managing contracts and providing commercially reasonable contractual solutions in conjunction with and support of the Defence and Security Strategy & Business Development and Programmes teams within the CAE EMEA region.
Responsibilities
Serve as a focal point of contact for customers (external and internal) regarding contractual matters by establishing good customer relationships and communications.
Perform review of customer proposed contractual agreements (NDAs, Teaming Agreements, TAAs, Contracts etc.) and provide CAE position as required in close conjunction with CAE legal counsel.
Proactive participation in business-winning Bid Teams, including:
Generating the Commercial Response to Customer RFPs in accordance with the agreed strategy, relevant input from other disciplines (e.g. prices; payment plan from Finance/Pricing; IP, LDs and liability from CAE legal) and Customer requirements;
Assisting Bids and Proposals Manager to generate Proposal Documentation (Commercial Volume, Risk and Opportunities Registers, Compliance Matrices etc.) matched to Customer requirements;
Undertaking a commercial/contractual review of the full suite of proposal documents provided by Bids and Proposals Manager;
Support the development and implementation of the negotiation strategy;
Participation in contract negotiations with Customers to fulfil business requirements in support of Sales/Business Development Lead and / or Programme Manager.
In close conjunction with CAE legal counsel, prepare and negotiate contracts and amendments to existing contracts and arrange for their approval.
Provide guidance on compliance to terms and conditions of customer contracts, identify the appropriate flow down of such terms and conditions to potential subcontractors.
Assist the Programme Management function by supporting subcontract negotiations as required.
Identification of potential contractual liabilities, risks, issues and disputes, arising with customers, suppliers, partners and third parties, and report to CAE legal accordingly and jointly produce mitigation plans.
Maintain contractual records, documentation of key correspondence, status and issue reports etc.
Support in ensuring compliance with all relevant Corporate Policies and Procedures relevant to bidding for and managing contracts.
Any other duties as may be required.
Minimum Qualifications
- At least 5 years of experience supporting bids and managing commercial contracts within the defence, aerospace or government procurement environment.
- Basic knowledge of contract law and MoD terms and conditions (e.g., DEFCONS, public procurement).
- Strong business acumen.
- Excellent organisational and coordination skills.
- Strong communication and presentation skills.
- Proven negotiation skills.
- Ability to work under pressure within bid/project teams and meet deadlines.
- Proficiency with MS Outlook, Word, Excel, and MS Project.
- Ability to operate within a hybrid work environment (3 days per week in the office).
- Willingness to travel up to ~25% within EMEA.
Preferred Qualifications
- Knowledge of data protection legislation.
- Experience working within defence or aerospace programs involving government stakeholders.
- Familiarity with subcontract negotiation processes.
- Experience collaborating with cross‑functional teams (Legal, Finance, BD).
About CAE
At CAE, our mission is clear: to help make the world a safer place. For nearly 80 years, we’ve driven innovation in simulation, training, and mission readiness to support critical operations worldwide. By leveraging advanced technologies, we empower our customers to operate smarter, faster, and more sustainably. Join a purpose-driven organization where bold ideas are encouraged, collaboration drives progress, and your growth fuels our shared success.
Position Type
RegularEqual Opportunity & Accommodations
CAE is committed to providing equal opportunities to all applicants, regardless of race, nationality, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, neurodiversity, veteran status, age, or other characteristics protected by law. We encourage applicants who may not meet every qualification to apply. Reasonable accommodations are available—contact your recruiter or email CAECarrieres-Careers@cae.com if needed.
Data Privacy
As part of our process, we may use AI‑supported tools to help review applications, with human decision‑making at every step. CAE thanks all applicants for their interest. However, only those whose background and experience match the requirements of the role will be contacted.