Director of Business Development

Morson Canada; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence contractor is seeking a Director of Business Development in Ottawa to spearhead growth in the National Defence sector. The successful candidate will have extensive experience in federal military infrastructure procurement and a proven track record with government clients. This role emphasizes strategic leadership, stakeholder engagement, and navigating complex governmental environments. The ideal candidate is expected to be results-driven, with excellent communication skills, and must be eligible for Government of Canada Secret Level Clearance.

Qualifications

• 10–15 years of experience in defence, federal government, or infrastructure sectors.
• 5+ years in a senior leadership role overseeing complex operations.
• Experience working with DND, CAF, PSPC, or DCC is preferred.
• Strong understanding of Canadian defence infrastructure priorities.

Responsibilities

• Lead business development for defence construction projects.
• Build and maintain relationships with government agencies.
• Navigate government contracting requirements for compliance.
• Develop competitive proposals in alignment with client goals.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Government procurement processes

Bilingual (English/French)

Communication skills

Negotiation skills

Job description

About the Role

We are seeking a strategic and relationship-driven Director of Business Development to lead growth initiatives in the National Defence sector. This role is well-suited for a seasoned professional with a deep understanding of federal military infrastructure procurement and a proven track record of working with government-based clients and stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the business development strategy for defence-related construction projects across Canada.

• Identify, pursue, and secure new project opportunities in the defence construction sector through close collaboration with internal teams and external stakeholders.

• Build, foster, and maintain strategic relationships with external consultants, key government agencies (including DCC, DND, PSPC, and other federal bodies), and industry partners to support long-term growth.

• Navigate complex procurement processes and ensure compliance with government contracting requirements.

• Lead strategic business development planning and execution for defence construction initiatives, guiding Qualifications and Proposals teams to deliver compelling, compliant, and competitive submissions aligned with client expectations and organizational goals.

• Act as a trusted representative of the Construction division at industry events, conferences, and stakeholder meetings (e.g., Canadian Construction Association, Naval Association of Canada) to enhance brand visibility and strengthen key relationships.

• Collaborate closely with proposal, estimating, and operations teams to develop winning strategies and submissions.

• Monitor market trends, policy changes, and funding announcements relevant to defence infrastructure.

• Establish, lead, and strengthen strategic relationships with external consultants supporting the defence portfolio, ensuring alignment with project goals, strong collaboration, and long-term value creation.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10–15 years of progressive experience in defence, federal government, or infrastructure-related sectors, with a focus on strategic leadership and stakeholder engagement.

• At least 5 years in a senior leadership role (e.g., Director, Chief of Staff, or equivalent) overseeing complex operations, cross-functional teams, or national-level initiatives.

• Proven success leading business development or strategic growth initiatives within the defence or public infrastructure space.

• Experience working with or within organizations such as DND, CAF, PSPC, or DCC is strongly preferred.

• Strong understanding of federal procurement processes and capital project delivery models in both public and private sector environments.

• In-depth knowledge of Canadian defence infrastructure priorities, including how military organizations plan, fund, and execute capital projects.

• Demonstrated ability to leverage trusted relationships with senior industry leaders to advance strategic initiatives and uncover new opportunities.

• Background in military service or federal government roles directly related to the defence sector, ideally in a senior leadership capacity (e.g., strategic operations, cross-functional leadership, Chief of Staff–type roles).

• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills with the ability to influence outcomes and build long-term partnerships.

• Bilingualism (English/French) is considered an asset.

• Eligibility for Government of Canada Secret Level Clearance is mandatory.

Preferred Attributes

• Strategic, big-picture thinker with a collaborative leadership style who brings others along and values shared success.

• Disciplined, detail-oriented, and structured; thrives in organized environments and executes effectively.

• Open to learning, adaptable to new industries, and operates with humility and professionalism.

• Comfortable navigating both public and private sector environments with a genuine passion for contributing to national defence and public infrastructure.

• Mission-driven, balanced, and motivated by work that supports Canada’s long-term strategic priorities.

  Please note, this is a real and current job vacancy. Morson Edge does not use artificial intelligence to screen or select candidates.