Director, Strategy

ATS Automation; Toronto; On-site; CAD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading automation company based in Toronto is seeking a Director of Strategy to work closely with senior management on developing and executing strategic initiatives. The ideal candidate will lead strategic planning and analyze market dynamics to identify growth opportunities. A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and proven corporate strategy experience are required, along with strong leadership and analytical abilities. This role includes opportunities for travel and working in a dynamic environment.

Benefits

Passion for innovation

Commitment to quality

Global growth opportunities

Qualifications

• Proven experience in Corporate Strategy or Corporate Development.
• Strong expertise in Machinery, Robotics, Engineered Products, or Industrial segments.
• International business experience with language skills in German or Italian is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic planning process across the organization.
• Analyze market dynamics to identify strategic opportunities.
• Build strong relationships and influence key stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership and influence

Analytical skills

Financial acumen

Strategic thinking

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business, economics, or related field

Master’s degree or MBA

Job description

Job Summary

The Director, Strategy will work closely with the VP, Global Strategy and the entire C-Level on the development and execution of the company’s core strategy: Through data-driven analyses, a deep understanding of the industry dynamics, and thorough strategic thinking, you’ll help answer the two most important questions in strategy: “Where to play?” and “How to win?” You will then support the Strategy Execution, especially driving the continuous improvement of the organization’s strategic planning processes. This includes identifying growth opportunities through both organic initiatives and mergers & acquisitions (M&A).

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic planning process, ensuring we optimize for the “Global Optimum”, which includes aligning strategic corporate guardrails with indiviudal business unit goals.
• Analyze market dynamics, industry trends, and the competitive landscape to identify and evaluate strategic development opportunities in our core markets (pharma, medtech, biotech, food & beverage, consumer packaging, industrial/automotive, nuclear), including M&A and partnerships.
• Develop a robust capital allocation framework that allows leadership to make data-driven investment and strategic decisions, including early-stage business incubation, innovation projects, and outside opportunities (M&A, JVs).
• Conduct detailed financial, technical, and operational due diligences to support investment decisions.
• Prepare and present research, assessments, and recommendations on strategic opportunities to senior management and the Board.
• Lead other "special projects", including cross-business initiatives and the improvement of the company’s strategic planning process.
• Build and maintain strong relationships across the organization, influencing without authority and partnering with key stakeholders.
• Ensure continuous improvement by integrating lessons learned from each strategy cycle.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business, economics, or a related field required.
• Master’s degree or MBA (preferred).

Experience

• Proven experience in Corporate Strategy or Corporate Development or top-management consulting experience.
• Ideally strong expertise in Machinery, Robotics, Engineered Products, ETO or other Industrial segments.
• International exposure, with experience conducting business in multiple regions, including Europe. Command of German or Italian is a plus.
• Experience in project management (PMO) and leading cross-functional teams.
• Track record of identifying, cultivating, and executing strategic deals aligned with corporate growth objectives.

Leadership Attributes & Competencies

• Strong sense of 80/20 (“bang of the buck”), prioritization & pragmatism.
• Hypothesis-driven with strong commercial and financial acumen.
• Adept at influencing with and without authority and building effective partnerships.
• Proactive, results-driven, and able to deliver high-quality outcomes under time pressure.
• Analytical, intellectually honest with a focus on root-cause analysis and problem solving.
• Hands‑on team player (in person and remote), capable of working in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively at all levels of the organization.
• Demonstrates personal integrity and models company values.

Additional Requirements

• Willingness to travel within/to Toronto (20%) and internationally (10%) as required.

Join the Winning Team at ATS Automation, a great place to automate your future! Take your place among the best in the business, and grow your career with the Corporate division at ATS Automation. Join an environment where a passion for innovation is combined with an uncompromised commitment to quality.

We attract some of the most talented and motivated individuals from a range of fields, with our global offering and growth opportunities as we expand on a global scale.

ATS is in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disability Act (AODA), 2005 and will, upon request, assist those who may require specific accommodations due to a personal disability. We would ask that those who require assistance to notify our offices as soon as possible if accommodation is necessary.