Growth & Partnerships Manager

**About Visual Defence**

Visual Defence (VDI) is a leading provider of technology solutions for the transportation and infrastructure sectors. The company provides solutions which leverage cameras to generate insights using cameras. The company is a leading artificial intelligence software provider and is well known for its technology, CITYROVER, which automates detection of incidents in the municipal and transportation sectors. The company is rapidly growing with extensive services provided world-wide.

Our accomplishments would not be possible without our biggest asset - our people. We always look for exceptional individuals to join our growing team and help us make and deliver products that make a positive impact in people’s lives.

**Why work with us?**

VDI is a well-known, Ontario-based company in business in Richmond Hill, Ontario since 2000. We are proud to offer extensive employer paid benefits including, but not limited to health, dental, life, and vision.

It is our belief that work/life balance is imperative to be cheerful and healthy thus, we have flexible working options and paid time-off benefits.

We believe that professional development opens up new possibilities, strategies, knowledge and skills for individuals. Extensive opportunities, room for growth and advancement, company sponsored learning programs and training plans are all part of our culture. We endeavor to keep all of our employees healthy and inspired. When you thrive, we thrive

We strive to bring our employees together That is what life and business is all about

VDI’s Social Committee brilliantly delivers on this and creates entertaining events that achieve this goal. We hope to see you at the next one.

Our office runs on collaboration, with an open door policy that serves to connect you to your colleagues.

We dress casually and have plenty of free on-site parking spaces.

**Position**

The Growth & Partnerships Manager is responsible for driving the company’s growth strategy by developing new business opportunities, forging strategic partnerships, and expanding revenue streams. This role blends business development with partnership management, focusing on both client acquisition and collaboration initiatives—locally and internationally.

A key aspect of this role is securing significant public and private grant opportunities—often valued in the millions—managing funded projects, and fostering strategic collaborations with public and private institutions, research organizations, industry partners, and government agencies.

**About the role**
- Identify and pursue new business opportunities, markets to drive company growth and grant opportunities from federal, provincial, municipal, and international sources.
- Develop and manage strategic partnerships with key industry players, organizations, clients, funding agencies, government stakeholders.
- Build a pipeline of partnerships that align with the company’s long-term objectives.
- Lead strategic partnerships in key sectors including mining, agriculture, and ocean technologies, in alignment with the company’s growth areas and innovation goals.
- Secure large-scale grants (million plus), end-to-end, including establishing relationships, structuring projects, creating pitch decks, writing proposals, and maintaining key relationships.
- Participate in trade shows, industry exhibitions, and conferences to promote collaboration, raise company visibility, and identify new partnership or funding opportunities.
- Monitor trends in innovation funding, government priorities, and technology policy relevant to Visual Defence’s mission.
- Coordinate internally with R&D, business development, and legal to align grant and collaboration efforts with business goals and intellectual property of the company.
- Monitor and report on partnership performance, providing insights for continuous improvement.

**Requirements**:

- Proven experience in business development, strategic partnerships, or growth roles.
- Track record in identifying, securing, and managing grant funding.
- Strong understanding of Canadian and international grant ecosystems.
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Public Policy, Business, Engineering, Science, or a related field.
- Familiarity or experience with the mining, agricultural, or ocean sectors is highly desirable.
- Experience representing companies at industry events, trade shows, and exhibitions.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong negotiation, relationship-building, and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Strategic thinker with a hands-on, execution-driven approach.
- Ability to work effectively across markets and cultures, including international partnerships.
- Experience working in or with tech-focused companies or innovation environments is a strong asset.

**Job Type**: Permanent

**Benefits**:

- Casual dress
- Company events
- Dental care
- Disability insurance
- Extended health care
- Flexible schedule
- Life insurance
- On-site pa