Director, Business Development

Automotive and Surface Transportation; Montreal (administrative region); On-site; CAD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension plan

Health and dental coverage

Disability and life insurance

Relocation assistance

Job summary

National Research Council Canada seeks a Director of Business Development for the Aerospace Research Centre. The role leads BD, client relations, and partnerships across Canada to advance research and external funding objectives.

Based in multiple locations, the Director guides strategic plans, oversees revenue generation, and collaborates with senior management to align with national priorities and innovation objectives.

Qualifications

• Degree in science, business administration or engineering from a recognized university.
• Preference for advanced Aerospace Engineering degree.
• Extensive experience with government operations and funding mechanisms.
• Strong networks in the aerospace sector and international stakeholders.
• Experience negotiating research collaboration and IP agreements.

Responsibilities

• Lead business development and client relations for the Aerospace Research Centre.
• Provide strategic leadership and collaborate with senior management.
• Develop strategic plans, programs, and partnerships aligned with national priorities.
• Identify opportunities, secure external revenue, and manage resources.
• Represent NRC in national and international forums and build external collaborations.

Skills

Aerospace ecosystem knowledge

Government operations knowledge

Business development experience

Negotiation of partnerships/IP

Leadership and program management

Strategic thinking

Client relationship management

Education

Degree in science, business administration or engineering

Advanced degree in Aerospace Engineering

Job description

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Priority may be given to the following designated employment equity groups: women, Indigenous Peoples* (First Nations, Inuit and Métis), persons with disabilities and racialized persons*.

* The Employment Equity Act, which is under review, uses the terminology Aboriginal peoples and visible minorities.

Candidates are asked to self-declare when applying to this hiring process.

OrganizationalUnit:Aerospace

Classification:MGT-1

Tenure:Continuing

Work arrangements:

• Due to the nature of the work and operational requirements, this position will require full-time physical presence at the NRC work location identified.
  At the NRC, we recognize that Indigenous candidates may have important connections to their communities and you may be eligible for an exception to this work arrangement. Alternative work arrangements may also be considered to accommodate candidates as required. To learn more about these options, please contact the NRC Hiring team using the contact information below.

Discover the possible

The role

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Director, Business Development to support the Aerospace Research Centre. The Director will share our core values of impact, accountability, leadership, integrity and collaboration.

Based in 5 locations across Canada, the Aerospace Research Centre builds collaborative project teams from a diverse scientific and engineering workforce with particular strengths in aircraft structures, materials, manufacturing, aerodynamics, propulsion, gas turbines, drones, and flight research. Projects are conducted to meet the requirements of external clients, internal investment programs, or both.

In alignment with the NRC's overall vision and mission, the Director will be recognized as a professional passionate about research and development, with a keen understanding of the Canadian aerospace innovation system and its importance for Canadians. The Director, Business Development will lead business development, and client relations supporting the NRC’s Aerospace Research Centre.

The Director supports the research centre in achieving its research, external funding, and collaboration objectives, and collaborates with other members of the senior management team including the Directors of Research and the Director of Operations in providing strategic leadership and support to the Director General of the research centre. The Director is responsible for providing the Director General with in-depth business and client intelligence for the development of business and strategic plans.

The Director translates research centre and program strategies into attainable objectives and plans for client outreach and stakeholder engagement, balancing long term strategies with operational requirements. The incumbent is accountable for demonstrating impact to the NRC’s stakeholders and for directing their team in securing external financial revenue at a level appropriate to support the research centre and its programs.

Screening criteria

Applicants must demonstrate within the content of their application that they meet the following screening criteria in order to be given further consideration as candidates:

Education

Degree in science, business administration or engineering from a recognized university. Preference may be given to candidates with an advanced degree in Aerospace Engineering.

• Extensive experience in the Canadian and international aerospace ecosystem, including active engagement with industry, academia, government, and international stakeholders, as well as a strong understanding of the scientific, regulatory, policy, and innovation environments that influence research, partnerships, and commercialization.
• Extensive experience with government operations, policies, regulatory frameworks, federal research priorities, and funding mechanisms relevant to public-sector research and innovation organizations.
• Significant scientific expertise in disciplines aligned with the Aerospace Research Centre’s research domains.
• Business development experience in the aerospace or related technology sectors, including identifying strategic opportunities, providing strategic advice, building and managing client relationships, and establishing partnerships with industry, academia, government, and international organizations.
• Significant experience negotiating and managing collaborative research and development, technology transfer, and/or intellectual property agreements.
• Proven success in leading complex initiatives, and managing human, financial, and project resources within a matrixed or multidisciplinary environment to achieve organizational objectives.
• Established business networks and professional relationships within the aerospace sector.
• Experience in a research and technology organization (RTO) is considered an asset.

Condition of employment

A thorough security clearance process will be applied.

For a Secret Clearance, verification of background information over a period of 10 years is required. Individuals must have lived in Canada for a sufficient period of time to enable the security screening process.

Must be able to travel.

Language requirements

Note: In the event that no qualified bilingual candidates are identified, NRC may consider unilingual candidates who will be required to commit to achieving these levels within two years.

Candidates will be assessed on the basis of the following criteria:

• Extensive knowledge of the Canadian and international aerospace ecosystem, including industry needs, innovation networks, government priorities, regulatory frameworks, and emerging market and technology trends.
• Ability to develop and implement strategic business and research directions, technical roadmaps, and collaborative programs aligned with organizational and national priorities.
• Expert ability to develop, negotiate, and manage strategic partnerships, collaborative research and development initiatives, and intellectual property agreements with public and private sector organizations.
• Advanced knowledge of business development, technology transfer, commercialization, and intellectual property management principles and practices, with a demonstrated ability to identify opportunities and achieve growth and revenue objectives.
• Strong understanding of federal government operations, policies, funding mechanisms, and decision-making processes relevant to research and innovation organizations.
• Ability to represent the NRC and the Aerospace Research Centre in national and international forums, and to establish strategic relationships that advance organizational objectives.
• Broad scientific and technical understanding of aerospace research and innovation, including current and emerging issues affecting the Aerospace Research Centre and its stakeholders.
• Inspirational Leadership (Level 3)
• Strategic Outlook and Alignment (Level 3)
• Drive for Results and Efficiency (Level 3)
• Leverage Collaborative Relationships (Level 2)
• Client Relationship Management (Level 3)

NRC employees enjoy a wide-range of competitive benefits including a robust pension plan, comprehensive health and dental coverage, disability and life insurance, office closure at the end of December, and additional supports to enhance your well-being throughout your career and beyond.

Notes

• In 2026, the NRC was chosen as one of Canada’s Top Employers for Young People, a National Capital Region Top Employer and Forbes Canada’s Best Employer.
• Relocation assistance will be determined in accordance with the NRC's directives.
• A pre-qualified list may be established for similar positions for a one-year period.
• Preference will be given to Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents of Canada. Please include citizenship information in your application.
• The incumbent must adhere to safe workplace practices at all times.
• We thank all those who apply, however only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

Please direct your questions, with therequisition number (25565) to:

Closing Date: 28 September 2026 - 23:59 Eastern Time

*If you are currently a term or continuing employee at NRC, please apply through the SuccessFactors Careersmodule from your NRC computer.