Contracts Coordinator (Bilingual)

Next Generation Manufacturing Canada (“NGen”) is the industry-led not-for-profit organization that leads the Canadian government’s ambitious investment in the Advanced Manufacturing Supercluster, matching federal funds and private investments to industry-led projects.

We promote technology adoption, skills improvements and greater collaboration between technology and manufacturing to help Canadian companies of all sizes navigate the global shift to advanced manufacturing. We use data to link companies, researchers, and investors so they can work together to invent new products or processes. NGen is a proud member of a national network of five Canadian, industry-led innovation superclusters.

By 2023, the federal government has committed to investing up to $950 million in its five superclusters to drive major economic, social, and industrial benefits for the country. The Government allocated an additional $750 million to the Supercluster program in its 2022 budget.

NGen celebrates Canada’s diversity and is committed to creating an equitable and inclusive work environment for all employees. We value working with talented individuals from all backgrounds because we believe that diversity promotes innovation and collaboration. NGen’s employees are selected on the basis of merit, qualifications, and business needs. Our strength as a team is based on mutual respect for each and every employee. Everyone is welcome in building a stronger advanced manufacturing sector in Canada.

There are three different areas of Contracting at NGen: Projects, Programs, and general business operations. The Contracting department is responsible for leading the process in all three different areas as described above.

With respect to projects, NGen provides companies with opportunities to apply for funding to develop collaborative R&D projects in a manufacturing setting. Once projects apply, assessed, and selected, they enter a Contracting Phase. The Contracting Phase is in the project development stage, where legal and project definition occurs. This phase requires high levels of collaboration among internal staff and project teams to provide appropriate feedback and sign-offs. The Contracting requirements for projects include, but are not limited to, an extensive project plan outlining specific deliverables, as well as reviewing and executing legal agreements that outline the terms and conditions of the funding. The Contracting process is imperative in nature and presents new challenges requiring individuals to think outside the box.

Programs include curated skills development courses and management training with an emphasis on advanced manufacturing.

General Business Operations include activities that NGen engages in to operate its business.

Supporting the Contracts Manager and VP of IP and Contracts with the processes and procedures that are associated with the Project Contracting Phase (as mentioned above) of our funding challenges. This includes:

Projects:

• Manages the entire Contracting process for multiple ongoing projects. This includes handling internal and external requests to complete the necessary technical requirements to transition to project monitoring.
• Professional communication with projects in the completion of their project definition documents. This includes presenting and advising on NGen’s current Project Lifecycle Process and appropriate usage and interpretation of templates/guides.
• Work independently and with appropriate internal staff and project teams to review documents and provide detailed project development feedback. This includes conducting multiple high-level reviews of submitted project information to ensure it meets the basic requirements and identifies any notable changes or issues.
• Set up, revision, and maintenance, of external facing template folders with up-to-date contracting documentation. This may include updating project information in multiple databases.

Programs:

• Responsible for client and supplier contract negotiation/maintenance.

General Business Operations:

• Manage internal staff requests for the development of new agreements or review of third-party agreements. This includes but is not limited to, conducting risk analysis for the business, and understanding the potential partnership in full.
• Assist with the management of non-project contract lifecycles, including validating execution versions, storing, and reporting on such contracts.
• Collect and verify applicable client information from internal systems to issue legal agreements/internal project-related templates.

Other Duties:

• Initiate and lead virtual communication sessions with internal and external stakeholders.
• Overall administrative support as needed. For example, setting up contracting kick-off meetings/IP review meetings as necessary.
• Advise on best practices and improve internal processes.

• A resident of Quebec, bilingual, native French proficiency (required).
• DEC in Paralegal Technology (required)
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, SharePoint, and Teams (required).
• Excellent time management and organizational skills (required).
• Strong communicator, both verbally and in written form (required).
• 3+ years of Legal experience in preparing, reviewing, and redlining contracts (asset).
• Familiarity with CRM Systems (asset).
• Prior work experience in manufacturing or technology (asset).

• An active learner and listener.
• Open to the opportunity to grow within this position.
• Passionate for technical work and have a genuine interest in NGen’s purpose.
• Professional, ethical, diplomatic.
• Team player; collaborative approach to problem-solving.

• Remote job flexibility.
• Comprehensive benefits package and group RRSP.
• Insight into cutting-edge Canadian Manufacturing developments.
• Engaging work culture, full of supportive and enthusiastic team members.

If you are interested in applying for this position, please email a resume and cover letter to recruiting@ngen.ca with the position title as the subject line.

Closing Date: Feb. 3, 2023