Sr. Manager

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 empl