Senior Contracts Manager

Contracts Manager

Cellula Robotics is a world-leading developer of long-duration autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), subsea energy systems, and marine autonomy solutions serving commercial, scientific, and defense customers worldwide. Operating across Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom, Cellula is delivering advanced autonomous maritime capabilities to government and commercial clients while expanding rapidly into international defense markets. Our growth strategy includes significant expansion in the U.S. defense sector alongside continued global commercial opportunities.

The Contracts Manager will be responsible for the full lifecycle management of customer, partner, subcontractor, supplier, and government contracts across Cellula's international operations.

The successful candidate will serve as the company's internal subject matter expert for contract review, negotiation, risk assessment, contractual compliance, and contract administration. They will work closely with Business Development, Program Management, Engineering, Finance, Supply Chain, Legal Counsel, and Executive Leadership to ensure Cellula's contractual obligations are effectively managed while enabling continued business growth.

This role requires experience supporting defense, government, and technology contracts and ideally familiarity with contracting frameworks in:

• Canada
• United States
• United Kingdom

Experience with defense procurement and export-controlled technologies is highly desirable.

Key Responsibilities

Contract Management & Negotiation

• Lead review, negotiation, and administration of customer, supplier, teaming, subcontract, NDA, and partnership agreements.
• Support proposal reviews and commercial risk assessments prior to bid submission.
• Negotiate contract terms with government agencies, prime contractors, commercial customers, and international partners.
• Develop and maintain standardized commercial templates and contracting playbooks.
• Manage contractual correspondence, amendments, modifications, claims, and change orders.
• Ensure contractual obligations are communicated and flowed down to internal stakeholders.

Defense & Government Contracting

• Support opportunities involving:
• U.S. Department of Defense
• Canadian Department of National Defence
• U.K. Ministry of Defence
• NATO and allied government customers
• Review solicitation requirements and contracting clauses.
• Assess and manage subcontract and prime contract flow-down requirements.
• Support compliance with government procurement rules and defense contracting requirements.
• Advise internal teams on contract performance risks and obligations.

Contract Risk Management

• Conduct contract risk reviews during capture, proposal, negotiation, award, and execution phases.
• Identify risks associated with:
• Intellectual property
• Warranties
• Indemnification
• Limitation of liability
• Export controls
• Insurance requirements
• Cybersecurity requirements
• Security obligations
• Prepare risk assessments and recommendations for executive review.
• Participate in bid/no-bid and management review processes.

Contract Administration

• Track contractual deliverables, milestones, notices, and obligations.
• Support contract change management throughout project execution.
• Monitor customer and subcontractor performance requirements.
• Assist Program Managers with contractual interpretation and dispute resolution.
• Ensure contract files and records are maintained in accordance with company procedures.

Export Compliance Support

• Partner with Cellula's Export Compliance Lead and Legal Counsel to ensure contracting activities align with export control requirements.
• Review contract clauses relating to:
• ITAR
• EAR
• Canadian EIPA/ECL requirements
• U.K. Export Control legislation
• Controlled technical data
• Technology transfer restrictions
• Assist in…