Director, Business Development

Anything is possible at the NRC named in 2026 one of Canadas Top Employers for Young People Top Employer in the National Capital Region and Forbes Canadas Best Employers!

As Canadas largest research and innovation organization our world-renowned research pushes the boundaries of science and engineering to make the impossible possible. Every day we explore new ideas through innovative research and help companies discover possibilities that impact Canadas future and the world.

At the NRC youll also discover new possibilities. Our supportive workplace fosters a culture of creativity welcoming fresh perspectives and innovation at all levels. We value teamwork. Youll collaborate across multiple fields and with the brightest minds to find creative solutions. Most importantly youll discover whats possible within you as you grow make valuable contributions and progress in your professional journey. From ground-breaking discoveries to a life-changing career discover your possible at the NRC.

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Director Business Development to support the Aerospace Research Centre. The Director will share our core values of impact accountability leadership integrity and collaboration.

Based in 5 locations across Canada the Aerospace Research Centre builds collaborative project teams from a diverse scientific and engineering workforce with particular strengths in aircraft structures materials manufacturing aerodynamics propulsion gas turbines drones and flight research. Projects are conducted to meet the requirements of external clients internal investment programs or both.

In alignment with the NRCs overall vision and mission the Director will be recognized as a professional passionate about research and development with a keen understanding of the Canadian aerospace innovation system and its importance for Canadians. The Director Business Development will lead business development and client relations supporting the NRCs Aerospace Research Centre.

The Director supports the research centre in achieving its research external funding and collaboration objectives and collaborates with other members of the senior management team including the Directors of Research and the Director of Operations in providing strategic leadership and support to the Director General of the research centre. The Director is responsible for providing the Director General with in-depth business and client intelligence for the development of business and strategic plans.

The Director translates research centre and program strategies into attainable objectives and plans for client outreach and stakeholder engagement balancing long term strategies with operational requirements. The incumbent is accountable for demonstrating impact to the NRCs stakeholders and for directing their team in securing external financial revenue at a level appropriate to support the research centre and its programs.

Applicants must demonstrate within the content of their application that they meet the following screening criteria in order to be given further consideration as candidates:

Degree in science business administration or engineering from a recognized university. Preference may be given to candidates with an advanced degree in Aerospace Engineering.

For information oncertificates and diplomas issued abroad please see Degree equivalency

• Extensive experience in the Canadian and international aerospace ecosystem including active engagement with industry academia government and international stakeholders as well as a strong understanding of the scientific regulatory policy and innovation environments that influence research partnerships and commercialization.
• Extensive experience with government operations policies regulatory frameworks federal research priorities and funding mechanisms relevant to public-sector research and innovation organizations.
• Significant scientific expertise in disciplines aligned with the Aerospace Research Centres research domains.
• Business development experience in the aerospace or related technology sectors including identifying strategic opportunities providing strategic advice building and managing client relationships and establishing partnerships with industry academia government and international organizations.
• Significant experience negotiating and managing collaborative research and development technology transfer and/or intellectual property agreements.
• Proven success in leading complex initiatives and managing human financial and project resources within a matrixed or multidisciplinary environment to achieve organizational objectives.
• Established business networks and professional relationships within the aerospace sector.
• Experience in a research and technology organization (RTO) is considered an asset.

Secret clearance

A thorough security clearance process will be applied.

For a Secret Clearance verification of background information over a period of 10 years is required. Individuals must have lived in Canada for a sufficient period of time to enable the security screening process.

Must be able to travel.

BilingualImperativeCBC/CBC

Note: In the event that no qualified bilingual candidates are identified NRC may consider unilingual candidates who will be required to commit to achieving these levels within two years.

Information on language requirements and self-assessment tests

Candidates will be assessed on the basis of the following criteria:

• Extensive knowledge of the Canadian and international aerospace ecosystem including industry needs innovation networks government priorities regulatory frameworks and emerging market and technology trends.
• Ability to develop and implement strategic business and research directions technical roadmaps and collaborative programs aligned with organizational and national priorities.
• Expert ability to develop negotiate and manage strategic partnerships collaborative research and development initiatives and intellectual property agreements with public and private sector organizations.
• Advanced knowledge of business development technology transfer commercialization and intellectual property management principles and practices with a demonstrated ability to identify opportunities and achieve growth and revenue objectives.
• Strong understanding of federal government operations policies funding mechanisms and decision-making processes relevant to research and innovation organizations.
• Ability to represent the NRC and the Aerospace Research Centre in national and international forums and to establish strategic relationships that advance organizational objectives.
• Broad scientific and technical understanding of aerospace research and innovation including current and emerging issues affecting the Aerospace Research Centre and its stakeholders.

• Inspirational Leadership (Level 3)
• Strategic Outlook and Alignment (Level 3)
• Drive for Results and Efficiency (Level 3)
• Leverage Collaborative Relationships (Level 2)
• Financial Management (Level 3)
• Client Relationship Management (Level 3)
• Industry Sector Knowledge (Level 3)
• People Management (Level 3)
• Business Acumen (Level 3)

For this position the NRC will evaluate candidates using the following competency profile: Management Competencies (MG)

View all competency profiles

From $142179to $170588per annum.

NRC employees enjoy a wide-range of competitive benefits including a robust pension plan comprehensive health and dental coverage disability and life insurance office closure at the end of December and additional supports to enhance your well-being throughout your career and beyond.

• In 2026 the NRC was chosen as one of Canadas Top Employers for Young People a National Capital Region Top Employer and Forbes Canadas Best Employer.
• Relocation assistance will be determined in accordance with the NRCs directives.
• A pre-qualified list may be established for similar positions for a one-year period.
• Preference will be given to Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents of Canada. Please include citizenship information in your application.
• The incumbent must adhere to safe workplace practices at all times.
• We thank all those who apply however only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.