Legal Counsel/Contract Manager

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.

Thales in NCE is looking for a highly skilled and motivated Legal Counsel/Contract Manager. You will be involved in managing contractual risks, negotiations, claim management, contract management and compliance in a highly diversified, international and technically challenging environment of a large Group with different stakeholders in military as well as civil projects.

Key responsabilités : 

• Support the various business activities of Thales in the NCE region (North and Central Europe), particularly in the bid and project phase, for all internal and external compliance and contract management matters and actively support negotiations.
• Particular focus will be on the bid support and overall cooperation with Thales Global Business units and Business Lines for the European EU Readiness 2030 project and SAFE (Security Action for Europe).
• Participate in analysing requests for proposals, negotiations and drafting of contractual documents (with clients, partners, suppliers etc.)
• Monitoring of contract performance and execution, i.e. risk monitoring and control incl. participation in project reviews
• Act as focal point for customers, suppliers and partners (internal and external) for all these matters. Ensure that contractual, commercial, financial and technical risks to the business are minimised and the company’s operating needs are met all along the project lifecycle (both in bid phase and during contract performance)
• Establish and maintain contract baseline and contracts records incl. necessary documentation for proper contract management in the projects and preparation of possible litigation (pre-litigation documentation)
• Monitor contract performance and key milestones, ensuring timely renewals and compliance with obligations in close co-operation with the Project Managers
• Understand and manage complex supply chains from a contractual perspective upstream and downstream
• Provide trainings to management and employees on contractual or compliance matters where requested
• Support the local Thales NCE legal entities in their corporate housekeeping as well as their compliance duties regarding Anti-Bribery and Corruption, Data Protection, Trade Compliance etc. in close cooperation with the NCE LC&C Director (incl. corresponding trainings)
• Participation and contribution to the Thales LC&C REARM Network
• Act as Compliance Correspondent in the NCE region for subjects such as e.g. GDPR, Antitrust in close cooperation with the NCE LC&C Director and Group Compliance Experts
• Depending upon skills & background of the candidate, support to the NCE LC&C Director in Trade Compliance tasks
• Building, maintaining and sharing contract management know-how related to the specific areas of business for Thales in NCE

Skills Requirement:

• 5-8 years minimum professional experience as a contract manager or inhouse legal counsel or lawyer in a law firm or in a large enterprise
• Track record of experience with large and complex projects in an international, industrial and dynamic commercial environment
• Ability to work independently, as well as being a strong team player within a multidisciplinary and multicultural network
• High level of commitment to service delivery also in challenging and complex circumstances
• A strong personality with a high awareness of commercial issues incl. financial topics who performs with excellency also under pressure
• A business-oriented mindset with the ability to balance legal risks with business objectives
• A good negotiator with strong interpersonal and social skills
• Well organised and structured with attention to details even in complex situations
• Flexible and open to change with a strong will to develop him/herself further
• Pro-active attitude to increase performance
• Willingness to travel within NCE countries when required

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