Senior Director, Defence & Strategic Investment

Position Overview

We are looking for a senior leader to drive defence-focused industrial engagement and strategic investment across our Defence & Space business. Reporting to senior leadership, this role will help strengthen Canada’s defence innovation ecosystem by aligning industry partners, capital markets, and government funding opportunities.

This opportunity is ideal for an experienced defence professional with deep government and industry relationships and a strong understanding of how policy, partnerships, and investment enable scalable defence capability. You will serve as both strategist and operator, shaping market engagement, advancing complex opportunities, and representing Calian with credibility across government, industry, and investment communities.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute engagement strategies across Canadian and allied defence markets
• Support defence exports through EDC, CCC, BDC, and government trade mechanisms
• Track procurement priorities and emerging capability needs, translating insights into action
• Partner closely with Defence & Space business development and leadership teams
• Identify and advance high-value, complex defence opportunities and partnerships
• Lead capture strategies, win plans, and bid teams for major pursuits
• Drive cross-functional development of competitive, compliant proposals
• Represent Calian at CANSEC, CADSI, and international defence forums
• Lead pursuit of federal and provincial funding programs including IDEaS, SRF, and IRAP
• Develop funding leverage frameworks for R&D, commercialization, and capital investment
• Lead ITB / Value Proposition strategy, including Canadian content partnerships and technology transfer
• Maintain a strong ecosystem of SMEs, research institutions, and innovation partners
• Engage investors and financing partners to support defence growth initiatives
• Provide insight into blended funding models, PPPs, and capital structures
• Support evaluation of strategic partnerships, investments, and M&A opportunities

Qualifications

• 10–15 years of experience in the Canadian defence sector, government, or defence industry
• Strong knowledge of DND/CAF procurement, PSPC contracting, Treasury Board, and ISED policy
• Proven ITB / Value Proposition experience
• Deep understanding of government funding and innovation financing
• High financial literacy and comfort with investment discussions
• Established network across defence, security, and government stakeholders
• Experience structuring partnerships, investments, or technology transfer agreements considered an asset
• Background in investment assessment or portfolio management considered an asset
• Advanced degree in Business, Engineering, Policy, Defence Studies, or related field considered an asset
• Existing or eligible Government of Canada security clearance considered an asset

Additional Requirements

• Strategic, politically astute thinker
• Credible and persuasive executive communicator
• Collaborative, relationship-driven leader
• Comfortable operating in complex, high-stakes environments

Compensation

Compensation will be commensurate with experience, qualifications, and overall expertise.

Position Type

We have 1 available position.

What Happens Next?

• Notify Your Manager: Before applying, or immediately after, you are asked to inform your current manager of your application, in line with our Internal Transfer Guidelines Policy.
• Hiring Manager Notification: The hiring manager for the new role will be made aware of your application.
• 1:1 Interview: A Corporate Talent Acquisition Specialist will contact you to schedule a one-on-one interview following your application.
• Eligibility: Employees are generally expected to have at least 18 months of tenure with Calian, including 12 months in their current position, to be eligible for an internal transfer. For full details, consult the Corporate Talent Acquisition and Hiring Policy or contact your Talent Acquisition team.

Job Title: Senior Director, Defence & Strategic Investment
Requisition Number: 2398
Date: May 01, 2026
Location 1: Ottawa, ON
Remote: Yes
Business Unit: Defence and Space
Department: Defence
Job Type: Full-time
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