Director of Business Development - Contract

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

Job summary

A leading construction firm in Canada seeks a Director of Business Development to drive strategic growth in the National Defence sector. The ideal candidate will have 10–15 years of experience, including a minimum of 5 years in a senior leadership role. Key responsibilities involve developing business strategies, fostering relationships with key government agencies, and overseeing complex project procurements. Bilingualism is an asset, and candidates must be eligible for Government of Canada Secret Level Clearance.

Qualifications

• 10–15 years in defence, federal government or infrastructure sectors with strategic leadership focus.
• 5 years in a senior leadership role overseeing complex operations or initiatives.
• Experience with DND, CAF, PSPC, or DCC preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead business development strategy for defence construction projects.
• Identify and secure new project opportunities.
• Build relationships with government agencies and industry partners.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Business development

Communication

Negotiation

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.