Senior Director, Defence & Strategic Investment
Calian
Sales & Business Development
Remote
About Calian
At Calian, we help organizations overcome obstacles, manage risks, and drive progress. Since 1982, we’ve grown from a small consulting firm into a trusted global company across defence, space, health, nuclear energy, public safety, and government.
We create innovative solutions that tackle complex challenges and help organizations and communities stay resilient, informed, and connected. If you’re driven by purpose and energized by solving real-world challenges, we want you on our team.
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.
#LI-JG1# #SF#
At Calian, we do not use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to screen or evaluate candidates. AI tools may support backend administrative tasks, but they do not influence hiring decisions. All evaluations and decisions are made by real people on our recruitment team and hiring managers. All applicants are reviewed and only those chosen for an interview will be contacted by our recruiting team.
How we hire
- Our hiring process is designed to help us get to know you and discover if you are the best fit for our team. It's also an opportunity for you to gauge if a role at Calian is the right fit for you.
Throughout the process, we’ll share details of the kind of work you’ll be doing, the projects you’ll be working on, the team you’ll be joining, and what it’s like working at Calian. Our biggest tip throughout the process is to just be your authentic self! - Our commitment to diverse, yet highly specialized solutions require many different skills and abilities. We look for the best talent that can contribute to Calian’s success as well as enhance our culture. We encourage you to apply to a role or join our talent community and sign up for job alerts that match your area of expertise and what you are looking for in your next opportunity.
During the recruiting process, you’re encouraged to notify us of any accommodations you may require. We’ll be happy to help.
- We give the same time and consideration to everyone who applies. Here are a few things you can do to ensure your application shines:
- Do your research on Calian, the department, and team you are looking to join
- Add a cover letter that explains why you are a good fit for this position
- Share a portfolio, personal websites, or links to your professional social media
- In your CV, highlight your key achievements - this is your time to brag
- Include dates! Share the timeline of your experience
- Stand out by tailoring your resume to each position you apply to
- Only apply to roles you’re genuinely interested in and that align to your experience
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- Be prepared! Do your research on Calian, the department, and team you are looking to join
- View the responsibilities for the role and find examples that demonstrate how you’ve completed these in your previous work experience
- Prepare a list of questions to ask us
- Dress business casual for your interview (virtual and in person)
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- We assess your skills and fit, you assess our fit for you
- We keep you updated and share expectations as we make progress in the recruiting cycle
- Feel free to reach out to your Talent Acquisition Specialist at any time during the hiring process