Legal Counsel & 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.

WHO ARE WE?

The Job Holder will be part of the Legal, Contract and Compliance Department of Thales international division (DGDI) for Southeast Asia, supporting all Thales IFE and AGS businesses in the Asia Pacific region (“the Region”).  Within DGDI, you report hierarchically to the Legal, Contract and Compliance Director for Southeast Asia.

WHO ARE YOU?

·       You hold an advanced academic background in Law, Contract Management, Business, or related field, equivalent to a Master’s degree level qualification (EU/UK/SG/US or other comparable higher education systems) including a Specialization in Law,

·       You have 10 years of demonstrated experience as a legal counsel or contract manager working in an international context, as part of the legal department of a multinational company,

·       Endowed with analytical and synthesis skills, you assess situations accurately and can easily propose pragmatic solutions,

·       You understand the stakes associated with a major international Group’s compliance program,

·       You master the techniques related to third-party review (third-party screening) and are able to conduct compliance analyses,

·       During your experience, you have developed strong proactivity towards stakeholders and good ability to manage priorities,

·       You enjoy sharing your experiences and best practices, with a collective and collaborative mindset,

·       You also have good listening and communication skills,

·       You are keen to work in diverse teams and have inter-cultural awareness and interest,

·       You have full mastery of IT tools, all types of data exchange platforms, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint,

·       You can travel on regular basis over the Region (once a month) and from time-to-time to Europe (once a year).

WHAT WE CAN ACHIEVE TOGEHTHER?

The position particularly covers both the InFlyt Experience (IFE) and Aviation Global Services (AGS) Business Lines activities in the Region. The Job Holder will lead the contract management function for the assigned portfolios and will provide day-to-day and strategic oversight of the Contract Manager currently supporting these activities. The role includes managing performance, ensuring contractual compliance, setting standards and processes, and ensuring timely and effective execution across the contract lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities:

-       Own contract lifecycle delivery for the perimeter

-       Lead negotiation strategy and provide commercial/legal recommendations

-       Manage contract risks and ensure governance processes are followed

-       Maintain auditable contract documentation and reporting

1. Contractual Support for Tender, Offers, Variations & Extensions

·       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

·       Ability to identify opportunities toprotect or improve projects’ financial performance

·       Support the capture and preparation ofvariations, extensions, new phases or related offers connected to existing program

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

·       Participate in the risk analysis process and the construction of mitigation plans with the help of operations (possibly estimating financial provisions for risks such as delay, if necessary),

2. Contract Management Throughout Project Execution

·       Establish, manage, and continuously update thecontractual 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 throughcontractual notices, waivers, amendments, claims, clarification requests, and other contractual instruments

·       Anticipate and drive projects’risk and opportunity strategy, in close collaboration with project leadership, including claim preparation, defensive measures, and value‑protection initiatives, proposingdefensible, 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

3. Claims, Disputes, Risk Management and Commercial Strategy 

·       Lead the preparation, evaluation, negotiation, and resolution of claims from or against customers, suppliers, subcontractors, and other contracting parties. 

·       Interface with executive management and customer representatives regarding significant contractual disputes, escalations, and claim resolution efforts. 

·       Provide contractual risk analyses, mitigation recommendations, and commercial strategies for new business opportunities, ongoing programs, and complex contractual situations. 

·       Advise executive and senior management regarding the contractual rights and obligations of Thales and its contracting parties, including associated liabilities, remedies, and commercial positioning. 

·       Analyze the strengths and weaknesses of Thales’ and the relevant contracting party’s positions and develop practical, defensible recommendations that support business objectives. 

·       Coordinate with the Litigation Department and external counsel when disputes arise, including fact-finding, documentation, evidence management, and support for legal strategy. 

4. Compliance, Governance, Leadership & Coordination

·       Act as thereference point for all contractual matters within the perimeter

·       Provide strategic and operational legal and contractual advice to internal stakeholders in particular by providing country legal intelligence and knowledge to the relevant global, regional, or corporate stakeholders

·       Support relevant compliance processes for the tenders and projects (e.g., third‑party screenings) in coordination with the Compliance Officer (Antitrust, Anticorruption, Personal Data Protection (incl. GDPR), Trade compliance & Duty of vigilance), in particular:

o  Escalate any potential non‑compliance issues where required

·       Interface with external counsels for analysis and management of specific legal issues in the framework of complex contractual and/or legal arrangements or claim/litigation procedures in the Region on a need-basis

·       Participate in departmental initiatives such as

o  improving templates, tools, and best practices, contributing to expertise linked to complex project execution

o  cross-functional working group for Legal, Contract and Compliance Department (contract management, IP, standard contracts, insurance…)

o  Contribute to the development and delivery of training to operational teams (compliance, contract management, …)

5.People Management

·       The position includes 1 direct report: Lead and manage the Contract Manager’s day-to-day activities, including prioritization of workload, assignment of contract tasks, and escalation of risks.

o   Set clear objectives and performance expectations for the Contract Manager; conduct regular 1:1 meetings and agreed check-ins.

o   Support capability development through coaching, knowledge sharing, and structured feedback on contract drafting/review quality.

o   Ensure the Contract Manager adheres to company contract governance processes (e.g., approval workflows, recordkeeping, version control).

o   Drive consistent contract interpretation and commercial decision-making aligned with company policy and risk appetite.

WHAT WE OFFER

·       High impact, visibility, and autonomy within the organization

·       Exposure to senior internal stakeholders and cross‑functional teams

·       A collaborative and international working environment

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.