Director, International Event Operations

Canadian Association of Defence and Security Industries (CADSI); Ottawa; Hybrid; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

9% discretionary annual bonus

5% RRSP matching

Health and wellness benefits

Flexible hybrid work environment

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

CADSI seeks a Director, International Event Operations to lead strategy, planning and execution of the Canada Pavilion and global event portfolio. You will partner with federal/provincial governments, industry players, and suppliers to deliver high-impact programs such as Canada Market Briefing and Maple Hour, across multiple cities.

The role requires strong leadership, budget management, and the ability to travel internationally.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of progressive experience in large-scale events, trade shows, or programs.
• Experience coordinating international events and government/industry partnerships.
• Ability to manage budgets, contracts, suppliers, and timelines.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategy, planning, delivery and execution of CADSI’s international events portfolio.
• Manage Canada Pavilion and partnerships with government and suppliers.
• Oversee on-site logistics, venue, A/V, catering, and registrations.

Skills

Budget management

Project leadership

Vendor management

Cross-functional teamwork

Bilingual English/French

Education

Post-secondary in International Business/IR

Tools

Microsoft Office

Digital PM tools

Job description

Reports To: Associate Vice President, Event Operations

Term: Full-Time Permanent

YOUR MISSION

The Director, International Event Operations will lead the strategy, planning, delivery and execution of CADSI’s international engagement portfolio, delivering world-class experiences that showcase Canada’s defence, security, and cyber industries on the global stage. This role requires a strategic, collaborative, and detail-oriented leader to lead the Canada Pavilion program, manage strategic partnerships with suppliers and government stakeholders, and execute flagship initiatives such as the Canada Market Briefing, Maple Hour, and Canada Reception in various cities globally. Reporting to the Associate Vice President, Event Operations, the Director, International Event Operations will drive strategic and operational excellence, elevate Canada’s presence at key international events, and create meaningful opportunities for Canadian companies to connect, collaborate, and grow abroad.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Director, International Event Operations is responsible for the strategic planning, organization, and execution of CADSI’s international events portfolio under the Canada Program. This includes managing the Canada Pavilion at major global trade shows, coordinating trade missions, and delivering high-value programming such as the Canada Market Briefing, Maple Hour, Canada Reception and development of value-added sessions to CADSI membership, Canadian Armed Forces and Multi Level Government partners. The ideal candidate serves as a key liaison and senior operational lead between CADSI, the Government of Canada, provincial partners, and industry participants, ensuring Canada’s presence at international events is professional, collaborative, and impactful.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage relationships and contracts with key suppliers such as Show Services Providers and Kallman Worldwide (CADSI’s exhibit space sales partner).
• Negotiate and secure pavilion exhibit and reception space at major international events.
• Coordinate closely with federal and provincial government partners to ensure alignment, efficiency, and shared success.
• Deliver KPIs and sustain high levels of service in accordance with agreements and contracts.
• Lead all on-site operational elements, including logistics, pavilion management, and supplier coordination.
• Lead the end-to-end production of the Canada Market Briefing - a high-impact, half-day conference designed to inform and connect Canadian and international audiences, and high-profile networking events such as the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, CADSI’s Maple Hour, and the Canada Reception at various global defence shows.
• Develop agendas and programming in collaboration with CADSI leadership and government partners.
• Lead the strategic planning, coordination, and delivery of CADSI’s International Program, including pavilion participation at international trade shows and missions abroad. In accordance with CADSI leadership.
• Identify, invite, and manage speakers and panelists from the Canadian and host-country governments, industry leaders, and allied organizations.
• Manage all aspects of the event venue selection, A/V, catering, logistics, registration, and on-site execution with the support of the CADSI event operations team.
• Oversee the design, build, and branding of the Canada Pavilion, ensuring it meets CADSI’s quality standards and strategic objectives and meets the specifications of our partners requirements.
• Prepare detailed post-event reports on participation, outcomes, and media impact.
• Collaborate with CADSI’s Marketing and Communications team to promote the value of the international program it’s opportunities to members and the broader defence and security community.
• Coordinate the development of marketing materials, digital campaigns, and promotional content for pavilions and briefings.
• Plan and host webinars and virtual briefings to prepare Canadian companies for participation in international events.
• Coordinate with CADSI’s communications team on media relations and press engagement.
• Ensure consistent branding and messaging across all global event communications.

Government & Stakeholder Relations

• Engage with federal and provincial partners through working groups and joint planning committees.
• Act as CADSI’s key liaison with government departments, embassies, and international trade show organizers.
• Support coordination of ministerial visits, official delegations, and dignitary programs as part of the Canada Pavilion.
• Maintain positive, solution-focused relationships that strengthen CADSI’s reputation and influence globally.
• Develop and manage comprehensive budgets for CADSI’s international activities, ensuring fiscal responsibility and transparency.
• Lead the CanExport funding process, including applications, interim reports, and post-event submissions.
• Provide regular performance updates, financial summaries, risk assessments, and strategic recommendations to the Associate Vice President, Event Operations.
• Ensure all event expenditures and revenues align with CADSI’s annual operational plan (AOP) and board-approved budgets.

Strategic Development

• Contribute to CADSI’s International Business Development Strategy, including annual updates and recommendations to the CADSI Board.
• Identify new international event opportunities, partnerships, and emerging markets that support CADSI’s mission.
• Analyze global market and policy trends to shape CADSI’s future participation priorities.
• Support continuous improvement and innovation within CADSI’s event delivery framework.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Post-secondary education International Business, International Relations, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum 3 years of progressive experience in relevant large-scale event, trade show, or program management, ideally with international exposure.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex workflows, budgets, contracts, suppliers, logistics, timelines, and cross-functional delivery teams.
• Proven track record delivering high-profile conferences, pavilions, trade missions, or government-industry programs.
• Experience preparing and managing grant or contribution funding (e.g., CanExport) considered an asset.
• Strong knowledge of government-industry collaboration and Canada’s defence and security ecosystem.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; bilingualism (English/French) is a strong asset.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and digital project management tools.
• Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, lead through ambiguity, and meet tight deadlines.
• Willingness and ability to travel internationally as required.

Compensation and Benefits

This is a full-time, permanent position with a competitive compensation package $100,000, inclusive of 9% discretionary annual bonus, vacation, health and wellness benefits, 5% RRSP matching, and professional development opportunities. CADSI offers a flexible hybrid work environment, ergonomic workstations, and a collaborative team culture focused on learning, innovation, operational excellence, and professional growth.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

CADSI is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and accessible workplace. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including women, Indigenous peoples, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQ+ community.

About CADSI

CADSI is the voice of Canada's defence and security industries, representing more than 1,700 companies nationwide. These industries employ over 81,000 Canadians and generate more than $17 billion annually for the Canadian economy. Through advocacy, business development initiatives, industry engagement, and world-class events, CADSI supports a strong, innovative, and globally competitive defence and security sector. Learn more atwww.defenceandsecurity.caor follow us on LinkedIn.

*CADSI does not typically use artificial intelligence (AI) as part of its recruitment process. In limited circumstances, AI may be used to assist with the screening, assessment, or selection of applicants.