Sr. Manager - Business Development – Defence Systems

MDA; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 135,000 - 186,000; Full time

Job summary

49North Defence in Canada seeks a Senior Manager, Business Development for Defence Systems to drive market growth across naval, autonomous, and joint C5ISR programs. You will own capture strategies, engage key CAF stakeholders, and align ITB and ITAR compliant solutions with industrial benefits requirements.

Ideal candidates bring 5+ years in defence business development, strong systems understanding, security clearance readiness, and the ability to travel up to 30% for domestic and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or Business preferred.
• 5+ years in capture management or technical BD in naval or aerospace defence.
• Deep technical/operational understanding of naval mission systems.
• Familiarity with NSS, defence procurement life cycles and ITB/offset frameworks.
• Military experience strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead market expansion for naval combat systems, USVs/UUVs, autonomous aerial systems, and multi-domain C5ISR.
• Own capture lifecycle from opportunity identification to bid strategy and award.
• Engage with CAF DIA stakeholders and defence primes to secure programs.
• Collaborate with engineering to translate requirements into winning ITB-aligned solutions.
• Travel domestically and internationally up to 30%.

Skills

Bilingual EN/FR

Willingness to travel

Education

Bachelor's degree (Engineering/CS/Business)

Job description

Sr. Manager - Business Development - Defence Systems

Job Category: Business Development and Sales

49North is a Canadian defence company delivering secure, multi-domain C4ISR capabilities that provide decision advantage in complex and contested environments. A wholly-owned subsidiary of MDA Space, building on more than five decades of trusted Canadian defence delivery, 49North operates as a sovereign Canadian provider of mission-critical C4ISR systems, bringing disciplined prime-contractor execution to defence and security programs.

49North is rooted in the execution of large, complex, and mission-critical programs developed within 49NORTH. This legacy reflects a record of delivery where engineering rigour, operational reliability, and national trust are non-negotiable.

49North Defence strengthens Canada's sovereign defence capability by delivering integrated mission systems and multi-domain C4ISR integration, enabling trusted Canadian and coalition operations, assured interoperability, and sustained readiness.

Position Summary

The Senior Manager, Business Development - Defence Systems drives market expansion, shapes capture strategies and secures high‑value contract awards across Canada's multi‑domain defence sectors. This role focuses on aligning advanced technology portfolios with major federal procurement programs, including naval platforms, autonomous (UxV) systems, tactical and strategic joint C5ISR modernizations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Domain Growth: Lead market expansion focused on naval combat systems, uncrewed surface/underwater vehicles (USVs/UUVs), autonomous aerial systems, and joint multi‑domain C5ISR frameworks
• Capture Management: Own the full lifecycle from opportunity identification through bid strategy to contract award, specifically targeting multi‑million‑dollar modernizations and clean‑sheet naval/autonomous/C5ISR acquisition programs
• Stakeholder Engagement: Build trusted relationships with senior Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Defence Industrial Agency (DIA stakeholders across all domains
• Defence Ecosystem Collaboration: Partner with global defence primes, domestic suppliers and autonomous tech innovators to secure valuable tier‑one and tier‑two positioning
• Industrial & Technical Alignment: Work with engineering and program teams to translate complex operational requirements (such as AI‑driven autonomy, sensor fusion, and secure communications) into winning solutions that satisfy Canada's Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) and Value Proposition rules

Qualifications & Requirements:

• Education: Bachelor's degree (Engineering, Computer Science, or Business Administration preferred) or equivalent combination of operational experience and education
• Experience: 5+ years of progressive experience in capture management or technical business development within the naval or aerospace defence sector, with a proven track record in complex systems integration
• Domain Expertise: Deep technical and operational understanding of naval mission systems, autonomous vehicle deployment (air, surface, or sub‑surface), and joint tactical C4ISR networks. Military experience strongly preferred
• Procurement Knowledge: Strong familiarity with the Canadian National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS), defence procurement life cycles, and ITB/offset frameworks
• Skills: Exceptional ability to synthesize complex technical architectures into compelling business cases for military and civilian stakeholders
• Language: Bilingualism (English/French) is a strong asset
• Travel: Willingness to travel domestically and internationally (up to 30%)

We're a dream team of purpose‑driven, collaborative and passionate people, and we are constantly looking for others to join 49North to ignite new and innovative approaches to problem‑solving that push us forward.

Comments/Special Considerations:

Successful candidates must obtain and hold security clearance at the secret level, and pass security assessment for the Controlled Goods Program (CGP)/ITAR.

Benefits statement:

49North provides competitive compensation and benefits packages for its employees at all locations. As a team member of 49North, you and your qualified dependents are eligible to participate in a benefit plan that ensures a comprehensive level of protection through competitive health care including; extended healthcare and flexible drug plans, dental and vision benefits, disability income protection, life insurance, group retirement savings plans; and an employee and family assistance program.

Equal opportunity statement:

49North is an equal opportunity employer prizing diversity and inclusion. We are committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity. If you require assistance and/or reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please feel free to notify us.

Accommodations

49North is proud to provide accommodation(s) during the recruitment process. Should you require any accommodations, please indicate this on your application/cover letter and we will work with you to meet your accessibility needs.

The compensation range for this position is $135,200.00 - $185,900.00 annually. The specific compensation offered will be based on the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate.