Director, Business Development

National Research Council Canada / Conseil national de recherches Canada; Montreal (administrative region); On-site; CAD 142,000 - 171,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Job summary

National Research Council Canada (NRC) is seeking an experienced Director, Business Development to advance the Aerospace Research Centre's strategic partnerships and growth. Based in multiple locations across Canada, the Director will lead business development, client relations, and collaborations with industry, academia, and government to secure external funding and drive innovation.

The role requires bilingual abilities, security clearance, and willingness to travel; relocation assistance

Qualifications

• Degree in science, business, or engineering from a recognized university.
• Extensive experience with aerospace ecosystem and stakeholders.
• Strong knowledge of government operations and funding mechanisms.
• Experience negotiating and managing IP and collaborations.

Responsibilities

• Lead business development for the Aerospace Research Centre.
• Develop strategic plans and engage with industry, academia, and government.
• Manage client relations and partnerships across national and international networks.
• Provide leadership and oversee resources to meet objectives.

Skills

Aerospace industry experience

Strategic partnerships

Client relationship management

Negotiation skills

Leadership and people management

Education

Bachelor's degree in science, engineering or business

Advanced degree in Aerospace Engineering (preferred)

Job description

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.

City: Montreal, Ottawa

Organizational Unit: Aerospace

Classification: MGT-1

Tenure: Continuing

Language Requirements: Bilingual Imperative CBC/CBC

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

Anything is possible at the NRC, named in 2026 one of Canada’s Top Employers for Young People, Top Employer in the National Capital Region and Forbes Canada’s Best Employers!

As Canada’s largest research and innovation organization, our world-renowned research pushes the boundaries of science and engineering to make the impossible, possible. Every day we explore new ideas through innovative research and help companies discover possibilities that impact Canada’s future and the world.

At the NRC, you’ll also discover new possibilities. Our supportive workplace fosters a culture of creativity, welcoming fresh perspectives and innovation at all levels. We value teamwork. You’ll collaborate across multiple fields and with the brightest minds to find creative solutions. Most importantly, you’ll discover what’s possible within you as you grow, make valuable contributions and progress in your professional journey. From ground-breaking discoveries to a life-changing career, discover your possible at the NRC.

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

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.

For information on certificates and diplomas issued abroad, please see Degree equivalency

Experience

• 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

Secret clearance

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

Bilingual Imperative CBC/CBC

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.

Assessment criteria

Technical competencies

• 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.

Behavioural competencies

• Inspirational Leadership (Level 3)
• Strategic Outlook and Alignment (Level 3)
• Drive for Results and Efficiency (Level 3)
• Leverage Collaborative Relationships (Level 2)
• Financial Management (Level 3)
• Client Relationship Management (Level 3)
• Industry Sector Knowledge (Level 3)
• People Management (Level 3)
• Business Acumen (Level 3)

Competency Profile(s)

For this position, the NRC will evaluate candidates using the following competency profile: Management Competencies (MG)

View all competency profiles

Compensation

From $142,179 to $170,588 per annum.

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 the requisition number (25565) to:
E-mail: [e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]

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