Chief Operating Officer

Job Title: Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Location: Ottawa, Canada

Reports To: President and Chairman

Position Overview

Leonardo Canada, Inc. ("Leonardo Canada") is seeking a Chief Operating Officer ("COO") to manage the P&L of Leonardo Canada's Electronic Warfare line of business. The Chief Operating Officer will report to the President and Chairman of Leonardo Canada.

The COO will be responsible for driving operational excellence, ensuring program delivery, and executing Leonardo Canada's pursuits within the highly regulated defense and electronic warfare ("EW") domain. The COO will oversee the day-to-day business operations, including production, program management, supply chain, quality assurance, while ensuring alignment with customer requirements and national security standards.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Operational Leadership

• Direct and oversee daily operations across engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and program execution to ensure efficiency, quality, and timely delivery of EW systems and solutions.
• Develop and implement operational strategies that support corporate goals, customer commitments, and government contracts.
• Drive process improvements to increase productivity, reduce costs, and enhance system reliability.
• Manage the Quarterly Business Review ("QBR") process, presenting performance, strategy updates, and future plans to Leonardo Canada President and Chairman.

• Manage risk management initiatives related to operations, cybersecurity, export control, and classified programs.

• Strategic Execution

• Execute Leonardo Canada's long-term growth strategies in electronic warfare and related defense technologies.

• Translate Leonardo Canada's strategic objectives into actionable operational plans, KPIs, and performance metrics.

• Support strategic partnerships to expand technical capabilities and market presence.

• Program and Project Management

• Exercise oversight of all commercial activities, including delivery of major defense programs, implementation of contracts, business development, and customer relationships.

• Monitor project budgets, schedules, and technical performance, ensuring adherence to contract deliverables and government regulations.
• Provide support to business functions (e.g., Operations, Commercial, Business Development, Procurement)
• Manage the coordination with the Integrated Mission Systems (IMS) Sector of Leonardo UK, Ltd.
• Manage the design and implementation of the Business Management System and all associated company policies and processes.
• Foster collaboration across engineering, R&D, and operations to accelerate innovation and product deployment.

• Build and mentor high-performing operational teams with a focus on accountability, safety, and mission readiness.

• Quality assurance

• Maintain rigorous quality assurance and testing processes to meet mission-critical performance standards.

• Serve as the operational point of contact for internal audits, security reviews, and government inspections.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Executive Experience: Proven track record of success in a senior executive or General Manager role with P&L responsibility, preferably within a complex multinational or regulated industry.
• Strategic Acumen: Excellent ability to develop, communicate, and execute multi-year business strategies that align with broader corporate objectives.
• Leadership and Management: Strong experience leading and motivating a diverse team across multiple functions, with proven capability in operational optimization.
• Financial Literacy: Sound financial management and planning skills, including budgeting, forecasting, and commercial negotiation/oversight.
• Controlled Goods: Prior experience or demonstrable knowledge in managing Controlled Goods regulations is an asset.
• Education: A relevant undergraduate degree is required; an MBA or advanced degree is highly desirable.
• Residency Requirement: As required for statutory representation, the candidate must either be a Canadian Citizen, Permanent Canadian Resident or hold/be able to achieve a suitable Canadian Work Permit.

Security Clearance

Given the nature of our work, it is a condition of employment that the successful candidate receive the required security clearances. Successful candidates must be eligible for Controlled Goods Regulations Program (CGRP) government clearances and International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). In addition, candidates must be able to obtain a Canadian Industrial Security Clearance to NATO SECRET level.

If you are unfamiliar with the process, you can find information about Security Clearance requests process on the Government of Canada website (search for "Security Clearance Request Process").

Good to know

• Group benefits are 100% Company-Paid from first day on the job (including dependents)
• Group RRSP (5% matched RRSP contribution) program
• Group Health, Dental, Vision, Employee Assistance Plan (LifeWorks), Out-of-Province travel, E-A-P
• Paid Personal Leave and additional Company Holidays
• Flex-time policy
• Remote and Office work flexibility
• Annual Incentive bonus program
• Employee Referral program
• Professional Development and Credentialing support - internal (Coursera) and external opportunities

Please apply as indicated.

Special needs of candidates with disabilities will be accommodated. Leonardo Canada, Inc. is dedicated to Employment Equity. Successful candidates must fulfill requirements for Canadian Controlled Goods Program (CGP) and Canadian Security Clearance. Leonardo Canada, Inc. supports the principles of employment equity and is an equal opportunity employer.