Canadian Blood Services Director, Risk & Resilience

Boyden; Canada; On-site; CAD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A national healthcare organization is looking for a Director, Risk and Resilience in Ottawa. This role involves leading the risk management and preparedness programs, advising senior leaders on complex decisions, and supporting incident management. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in risk management and a relevant university degree. Join this vital organization and contribute to healthcare in Canada.

Qualifications

• Significant leadership experience in risk management and organizational resilience.
• Deep understanding of enterprise risk practices and incident management.
• Risk and/or business continuity certifications considered an asset.

Responsibilities

• Lead the enterprise risk management program and resilience initiatives.
• Advise on risk governance and decision-making.
• Support incident management during disruptions.

Skills

Leadership in risk management

Business continuity planning

Organizational resilience

Exceptional communication

Education

University degree in a relevant discipline

Master's degree (asset)

Job description

Overview

Location : Ottawa preferred

Canadian Blood Services is an essential part of the country’s network of healthcare systems. Together, with donors, recipients, employees, partners and volunteers, Canadian Blood Services is Canada’s Lifeline, providing lifesaving products and services in transfusion and transplantation for Canadian patients, and safeguarding Canada's systems of life essentials in blood, plasma, stem cells, and organs and tissues.

Canadian Blood Services is seeking a strategic, collaborative, and forward-thinking leader to serve as its next Director, Risk and Resilience. Reporting to the Vice-President, General Counsel and Chief Risk Officer, the Director will lead the organization’s enterprise risk management program as well as the resilience and preparedness program. In this role, you will provide thought leadership and guidance on complex risk-based decision-making, risk communication, business continuity, and organizational resilience—ensuring CBS remains prepared and responsive in a dynamic and evolving risk landscape.

Responsibilities

• Act as a pan-organizational advisor to strengthen and embed CBS’ approach to risk and resilience.
• Lead the enterprise risk management program and the resilience and preparedness program.
• Collaborate with senior leaders, including the CEO, Executive Management Team, and Board of Directors, on risk governance and decision-making.
• Support and guide national incident management responses during periods of disruption.
• Advance organizational preparedness by managing hazard assessments, business continuity planning, and incident response exercises.
• Integrate risk thinking across business, technology, and operational domains in a digital-first and complex healthcare environment.

Qualifications

• University degree in a relevant discipline (a master’s degree is considered an asset).
• Significant leadership experience in risk management, business continuity, and organizational resilience—ideally within a complex, regulated, or healthcare-adjacent environment.
• Deep understanding of enterprise risk practices, resilience planning, and incident management.
• Strong ability to navigate multi-stakeholder environments, manage priorities, and translate complex challenges into clear, strategic guidance.
• Exceptional communication and facilitation skills; collaborative leadership that inspires teams, builds trust with senior leaders and external stakeholders, and champions a culture of continuous improvement and proactive risk stewardship.
• Risk and/or business continuity certifications are considered assets.

Application and Inclusion

Are you ready to embark on a meaningful and inspiring journey, where what you do matters? Be part of Canada’s lifeline. Because we can all be the reason, the connection, that keeps Canadians living. To apply for this position, please submit your resume via the blue "Apply" button.

Diversity and inclusion play a vital role in ensuring health equity for patients across Canada. Canadian Blood Services is committed to reflecting Canada’s population in its organization and fostering an environment where all employees can be their authentic selves, with equal opportunities to succeed and contribute. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those under consideration for the role will be contacted.