SubContract Manager

Location: Singapore, Singapore

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.

In Singapore, Thales has been a trusted partner since 1973, originally focused on aerospace activities in the Asia-Pacific region. With 2,000 employees across three local sites, we deliver cutting-edge solutions across aerospace (including air traffic management), defence and security, and digital identity and cybersecurity sectors. Together, we’re shaping the future by enabling customers to make pivotal decisions that safeguard communities and power progress.

ABOUT THE ROLE / WHO ARE WE

We are seeking a Subcontract Manager to lead the contractual management of major subcontractors supporting the delivery of the CAAS NexGen Air Traffic Management System (ATMS), a strategic, long-term programme within the Airspace Mobility Solutions (AMS) Business Line.

Embedded within the Project team, you will serve as the contractual focal point for assigned subcontract packages, ensuring that subcontract obligations are effectively negotiated, administered, and managed throughout the project lifecycle. You will work closely with Procurement, Engineering, Project Controls, Commercial and Legal teams to develop subcontracting strategies, manage contractual risks, administer changes and claims, and ensure subcontractor performance aligns with the project's technical, commercial, schedule and quality objectives. The role is critical to protecting Thales' interests, maintaining robust subcontract governance, and supporting the successful delivery of this mission-critical systems integration programme.

You will report hierarchically to the Senior Contract Manager of NexGen, part of the Legal, Contract & Compliance Department of Thales international division (DGDI) for Southeast Asia, supporting all Thales’ businesses in Southeast Asia and Taiwan (“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.

WHO YOU ARE

• You hold an advanced academic background in Law, Contract Management, Business, Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Engineering, or a related discipline, equivalent to a Bachelor's degree qualification (EU/UK/SG/US or other comparable higher education systems).

• You have 8+ years of experience in Subcontract Management, Contract Management, Procurement, Commercial Management, or Legal Counsel roles within complex international industrial environments such as aerospace, defence, transportation, infrastructure, energy, EPC, systems integration, or technology sectors.

• You demonstrate capability to manage large, multi‑stakeholder, long‑cycle contracts with both strategic and have the maturity to operate autonomously and proactively with senior internal and external stakeholders

• You have 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.

• You may be required to travel from time-to-time.

WHAT WE CAN ACHIEVE TOGETHER

1. Subcontract Management Throughout Project Execution

• Establish, manage, and continuously update the sub contractual baseline from subcontract award to closeout, ensuring alignment with the main contract and project objectives.

• Ensure that all subcontract agreements appropriately incorporate flow-down obligations from the prime contract while protecting the organization's commercial and contractual interests.

• Ensure full contractual awareness across the project and procurement teams, enabling the correct application of subcontract obligations, rights, milestones, deliverables, and commercial terms.

• Proactively anticipate and manage subcontract deviations through notices, change orders, amendments, claims, requests for information (RFIs), waivers, and other contractual mechanisms.

• Identify, assess, and drive subcontract-related risks and opportunities in close collaboration with project, procurement, and commercial teams, including claim preparation, dispute avoidance, cost recovery, and value protection initiatives.

• Oversee all contractual communications with subcontractors and suppliers, ensuring consistency, traceability, compliance, and alignment with project and contractual requirements.

• Coordinate with the Legal and Contract Management teams when subcontract disputes arise, supporting fact-finding, documentation, evidence management, negotiation, and dispute resolution strategies.

• Monitor subcontractor compliance with contractual obligations, including scope, schedule, quality, HSE, insurance, bonds, warranties, and reporting requirements, escalating issues proactively.

• Ensure subcontract change management is effectively administered, including the evaluation, negotiation, documentation, and implementation of variations and commercial adjustments.

• Manage subcontract closeout activities, including final account settlement, resolution of outstanding claims, completion of contractual deliverables, and archiving of contractual documentation.

2. Subcontract Strategy, Tendering & Commercial Support

• Identify opportunities to protect or enhance project financial performance through effective subcontract management, commercial negotiations, and risk allocation.

• Support procurement and project teams during tendering activities by developing contractual terms, evaluating commercial and contractual deviations, and participating in bidder clarifications and negotiations.

• Ensure full contractual alignment between the prime contract and subcontracts by cascading applicable obligations, risks, and entitlements, while managing the back-to-back implementation of contract variations.

• Assess the impact of customer-initiated changes on subcontract scope and commercial terms and ensure corresponding subcontract amendments are negotiated and executed. Likewise, identify subcontractor-initiated changes or claims that may give rise to upstream variations, claims, or relief under the prime contract, ensuring timely notification, recovery, and protection of the project's contractual and financial position.

• Support the preparation, evaluation, and negotiation of subcontract variations, change orders, extensions, and additional work packages throughout the project lifecycle.

• Recommend subcontracting and commercial strategies that optimize competitiveness while ensuring compliance with the prime contract, applicable regulations, and internal governance.

• Prepare and present contractual and commercial recommendations for internal approval, including subcontract award decisions, variation approvals, claim strategies, and risk assessments.

3. Governance, Leadership & Coordination

• Act as the reference point for all contractual matters related to subcontractors and suppliers throughout the project, ensuring consistent interpretation and application of subcontract provisions

• 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

• Ensure subcontract management activities comply with corporate governance, delegation of authority, ethical standards, and applicable legal and regulatory requirements.

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 NexGen Contract Manager and the Compliance Officer.

• Escalate any potential non‑compliance issues where required.

WHAT WE OFFER

• A unique opportunity to manage the contractual dimension of a flagship, technically complex program in Singapore.

• 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.