Business Development Manager Defence

Invest Ottawa; Ottawa; Hybrid; CAD 72,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading economic development agency is seeking a Business Development Manager for the Defence Sector in Ontario, Ottawa. The role focuses on engaging with the defence industry, supporting expansion and investment initiatives. The ideal candidate has over 5 years' experience, a relevant degree, and excels in strategic partnership development. Competitive compensation ranging from $72,000 to $90,000, with a requirement for onsite presence at Bayview Yards at least 10 days per month. Commitment to diversity and inclusion is paramount.

Benefits

Inclusive workplace culture

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in business development or related field.
• Post-secondary degree in Business, Economics, or a related discipline.
• Experience in the defence, security, or related sectors is an asset.
• Strong understanding of international business environments.
• Ability to manage pipelines and client portfolios.

Responsibilities

• Lead business development and engagement activities for Ottawa’s defence sector.
• Manage relationships and pipelines for defence firms.
• Provide strategic guidance for market entry and expansion.
• Represent Invest Ottawa with senior executives and stakeholders.
• Collaborate with marketing on sector narratives and campaigns.
• Coordinate trade missions and sector-focused events.
• Share market intelligence and trends for strategic alignment.
• Lead initiatives including sector conferences and advocacy.

Skills

Business development

Strategic guidance

Stakeholder engagement

Data analysis

Relationship building

Market intelligence

Communication skills

Education

Post-secondary degree in relevant field

Tools

CRM systems

Job description

Business Development Manager – Defence (FTE)

INVEST OTTAWA –GLOBAL EXPANSION

The Business Development Manager – Defence Sector is responsible for leading Invest Ottawa’s engagement, attraction, and expansion efforts within Ottawa’s defence, security, and dual-use technology ecosystem. The role implements established business development strategies and contributes to investment attraction, company expansion, and ecosystem growth, while providing sector leadership, stakeholder engagement, and data-driven decision-making to support Invest Ottawa’s long-term economic development mandate.

• Corporate Pay Band D: $72,000- $108,000
• Hiring Salary Range: $72,000-$90,000
• Reason for opening: A brand-new position
• This position will be required to work onsite at Bayview Yards, minimum 10 days a month.

WHY THIS ROLE

Reporting to the Director, Stakeholder Experience & Strategic Engagement, the Manager oversees the Partnerships Strategist and provides leadership across complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives, including major ecosystem events, corporate milestone moments, and revenue-focused activations. The role will contribute to the evolution and coordination of Invest Ottawa’s event and partnership delivery model as the organization scales its impact.

WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING

• Leads business development and sector engagement activities for Ottawa’s defence sector establishing clear priorities, workplans, and performance expectations to drive measurable outcomes.
• Manages a portfolio of company relationships and active pipelines, supporting attraction, expansion, and retention of defence-focused firms in the region.
• Serves as a trusted advisor to companies, providing strategic guidance related to market entry, expansion planning, infrastructure, real estate, and government programs.
• Represents Invest Ottawa and the City of Ottawa with senior executives, investors, public officials, and ecosystem partners across local, national, and international settings.
• Collaborates closely with Marketing & Communications to shape sector narratives, campaigns, and messaging aligned with market signals and company needs.
• Supports and coordinates inbound and outbound trade missions, foreign investor orientations, and sector-focused events and initiatives.
• Shares market intelligence, sector trends, and insights internally to support alignment across Invest Ottawa teams and inform strategic decision-making.
• Leads or contributes to complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives, including sector conferences, advocacy efforts, and new Invest Ottawa programs.
• Applies creative thinking to design practical solutions to sector challenges related to talent, financing, infrastructure, and supply chains.
• Operates effectively in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment with shifting priorities and interdependent initiatives across government, industry, and academia.
• Applies critical thinking and data analysis to assess opportunities, incentives, and expansion proposals, escalating recommendations to the Director as appropriate.
• Makes day-to-day decisions related to sector engagement, client support, and opportunity prioritization within established strategies, policies, and budgets.
• Any other duties as assigned by the Director.

WHAT YOU HAVE ACCOMPLISHED/ GAINED THROUGHOUT YOUR CAREER

• Over 5 years of progressive experience in business development, economic development, sector engagement, investment attraction, or a related field.
• Post-secondary degree in Business, Economics, Public Policy, Engineering, International Relations, or a related discipline; an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Demonstrated experience working with or within the defence, security, aerospace, advanced manufacturing, or dual-use technology sectors is a strong asset.
• Proven ability to build and maintain effective relationships with senior leaders, industry partners, and government stakeholders.
• Experience managing pipelines, client portfolios, and CRM systems to track engagement, opportunities, and outcomes.
• Strong understanding of continental and international business environments and how companies scale, invest, and expand.
• Demonstrated ability to apply data, market intelligence, and qualitative insights to support sound decision‑making.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills in English, including presentations and external representation.
• Ability to operate effectively in high‑paced environments with competing priorities and limited parameters.

Do you have some of these skills but maybe not all? We still encourage you to apply as we would love to review your unique application and learn more about you!

At Invest Ottawa and Bayview Yards, we know that diversity, inclusion and a sense of belongingness are critical success factors for globally competitive organizations and are required to drive sustainable wealth creation and prosperity across our region. We prioritize the creation of an inclusive culture and infuse diversity into our programs, operations and governance. As an equal opportunity employer that doesn’t simply accept difference but celebrates, support and thrives because of it, we invite all qualified candidates to apply, and especially encourage those who identify as members of underrepresented groups.