Leader, Defence and Security
Ottawa, ON, Canada · 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 Leader, Defence and Security to serve as a principal advisor to the President, Defence & Space, Chief Executive Officer, Executive Leadership Team, and Board of Directors on matters related to defence, security, government relations, industry positioning, and long-term growth.
In this executive role, you will provide strategic leadership and counsel to help shape Calian’s long-term direction within the defence and security sectors. Leveraging extensive experience, deep market knowledge, and trusted relationships across government, military, industry, and allied organizations, you will play a key role in identifying future opportunities, informing strategic decisions, strengthening external partnerships, and positioning Calian for sustainable growth.
As one of Calian’s most senior representatives within the defence community, you will act as a trusted ambassador, thought leader, and strategic advisor while helping align corporate priorities with evolving defence, security, and government requirements. This role operates primarily through influence, insight, and executive engagement rather than direct operational accountability.
Responsibilities
- Serve as a trusted advisor to the President, Defence & Space, CEO, Executive Leadership Team, and Board of Directors on defence, security, government, industry, and geopolitical matters.
- Provide strategic insight regarding defence policy, military modernization, procurement priorities, capability development, emerging technologies, and evolving customer requirements.
- Support enterprise strategy development, long-term planning, investment decisions, and corporate growth initiatives.
- Identify strategic risks, opportunities, and market trends that may impact Calian’s future position and growth.
- Contribute to Board and executive discussions through informed analysis, strategic perspectives, and industry insight.
- Partner with executive leadership to shape and evolve Calian’s long-term defence and security strategy.
- Identify future growth opportunities, emerging capability areas, and evolving customer priorities across Canadian and allied defence markets.
- Provide strategic guidance regarding investments, acquisitions, partnerships, and market positioning.
- Support the development of enterprise-wide strategies that strengthen Calian’s competitive advantage and long-term relevance within the defence and security sectors.
- Ensure alignment between market developments, customer needs, and corporate priorities.
- Develop and maintain trusted relationships with senior leaders across the Department of National Defence, Canadian Armed Forces, federal government, allied defence organizations, NATO, industry partners, and key defence stakeholders.
- Represent Calian at senior government, military, industry, and international forums.Increase Calian’s visibility, credibility, and influence within the Canadian and allied defence and security community.
- Serve as a senior ambassador for Calian, promoting the organization’s strategic priorities, capabilities, and long-term vision.
- Provide executive sponsorship and strategic guidance for major customer engagements, partnerships, and growth initiatives.
- Support thought leadership activities that strengthen Calian’s market reputation and industry influence.
- Advise executive leadership on Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB), Canadian content strategies, technology transfer opportunities, and defence industrial policy.
- Guide Calian’s participation within Canada’s evolving defence industrial ecosystem.
- Foster strategic relationships with industry partners, academia, research institutions, innovation organizations, and emerging technology companies.
- Provide strategic oversight and executive advocacy related to government funding opportunities, innovation initiatives, and capability development programs.
- Support the pursuit and advancement of federal and provincial innovation, research, commercialization, and investment opportunities.
- Maintain awareness of evolving government priorities, funding mechanisms, and industrial development initiatives that may support Calian’s strategic objectives.
- Support the evaluation of strategic investments, partnerships, acquisitions, and ecosystem opportunities that strengthen Calian’s long-term growth position.
- Perform other duties as required within the context of the role.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Public Policy, Defence Studies, International Affairs, or a related discipline.
- Graduate degree or equivalent executive education considered an asset.
- Minimum 25 years of progressive leadership experience within the Canadian Armed Forces, Department of National Defence, Government of Canada, defence industry, or related sectors.
- Experience operating at the most senior levels of military, government, industry, or public-sector leadership.
- Demonstrated success advising executive leadership teams, boards of directors, ministers, deputy ministers, senior military leaders, or equivalent executive stakeholders.
- Deep understanding of Canadian defence policy, military operations, procurement, capability development, defence industrial policy, and government decision-making processes.
- Extensive network of relationships across defence, government, industry, academia, and allied organizations.
- Proven ability to influence strategic decisions and support enterprise growth in complex and highly regulated environments.
- Proven ITB / Value Proposition experience.
- Existing or eligible Government of Canada security clearance.
Additional Requirements
- Hybrid work arrangement based in Ottawa, Ontario.
- Standard office environment.
Compensation
Compensation will be commensurate with experience, qualifications, and overall expertise.
Vacancy
We have 1 available position.
#LI-CH1# #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
Perks and benefits
- Competitive, company-paid benefits
- Generous time off package
- Stock purchase plan
- RRSP program
- Flexible work hours for eligible roles
- Programs to support employee health and well-being