Procurement & Government Contracts Specialist

**Job Description**

**Procurement & Government Contracts Specialist – Portfolio Venture Expert**

**Location:** Remote (Canada-preferred)

**Commitment:** Fractional | **Compensation:** Equity-First with Performance-Based Upside

**Why This Role Matters**

Most procurement consultants work for one company, managing one contract stream. This role is different.

As a **Procurement & Government Contracts Specialist** at **Nordiqon Venture Studio**, you'll help high-potential Canadian founders and startups access one of the country's most powerful but underutilized growth engines — **government procurement**.

You'll guide portfolio ventures through the process of becoming qualified government vendors, help them navigate RFPs, RFIs, and supply arrangements, and position them for non-dilutive growth through federal, provincial, and municipal contracts.

Nordiqon is Canada's first venture studio purpose-built for **immigrant, diaspora, and globally-minded founders.** We co-build bold, scalable ventures in:

HR Tech & Future of Work

Climate & Sustainability Tech

AI, SaaS & Automation

Digital Infrastructure & Public Services

This role is about turning innovation into revenue — helping founders convert government priorities into real contracts and recurring business.

**What You'll Do**

Identify and map government contract opportunities relevant to portfolio startups (federal, provincial, municipal)

Guide ventures through vendor registration (MERX, SAP Ariba, BC Bid, etc.) and eligibility frameworks (SME set-asides, CANCON, ISC, FedDev programs)

Support bid and RFP development — including capability statements, compliance checklists, pricing, and proposal review

Build a "Government Procurement Playbook" to streamline future startup onboarding

Coach founders on how to engage with procurement officers, primes, and agency innovation programs

Establish relationships with ISC, PSPC, NRC IRAP, and regional innovation agencies

Support ventures in pursuing pilot projects, standing offers, and early-stage innovation contracts

Advise the Studio on government funding and procurement trends shaping market access

**Who You Are**

7–10 years experience in public-sector procurement, government contracting, or supplier engagement (federal or provincial level)

Deep familiarity with Canadian procurement systems (e.g., PSPC, MERX, , ISC, BC Bid)

Proven track record helping SMEs or startups secure contracts or qualify for standing offers / supply arrangements

Strong understanding of CANCON, SME Set-Asides, and innovation-focused programs (ISC, FedDev Ontario, NRC IRAP)

Exceptional writing skills — able to guide founders through compliant RFP responses

Entrepreneurial mindset — comfortable in early-stage, dynamic environments

Passionate about helping founders access government markets and build scalable, compliant businesses

**Bonus:**

• Previous experience with Innovative Solutions Canada, NRC IRAP, or similar innovation procurement programs

• Consulting experience with public-sector agencies or economic development organizations

• Established network within PSPC, Shared Services Canada, or provincial procurement offices

**What We Offer**

Equity-first compensation in portfolio ventures you support, with additional upside tied to:

• Ventures qualified as approved government vendors

• RFP submissions completed

• Government contracts secured or pilot projects initiated

Opportunity to shape Canada's next generation of innovation-driven companies

Work across multiple sectors — AI, climate tech, HR tech, SaaS — creating shared procurement infrastructure

Flexible, fractional engagement — 10–15 hours/month per venture, scalable based on opportunity flow

Mission-driven environment — supporting founders building globally competitive, Canadian-rooted ventures

**Program Flow You'll Impact**

**Phase 1 — Qualification (Months 1–3):**

Register ventures as suppliers and identify relevant federal/provincial RFP streams.

**Phase 2 — Pilot & Proposal (Months 4–6):**

Submit RFPs/RFIs, assist with proposal drafting, and pursue early pilot opportunities.

**Phase 3 — Awards & Scale (Months 7–12):**

Help ventures win contracts, expand vendor listings, and secure recurring procurement revenue.

**Outcome:**

Government-validated, revenue-generating ventures with $100K–$500K+ annual procurement-based revenue and a clear path to scaling via public-sector demand.

**Success Metrics (What "Winning" Looks Like)**

3–5 ventures vendor-registered (MERX, Ariba, ISC, or equivalent) within 3 months

2–3 proposal submissions or pilot programs per venture by Month 6

At least 1 awarded government contract or supply arrangement per venture by Month 9–12

**How to Apply**

If you're ready to help innovative startups access government contracts and turn public procurement into a growth engine, apply directly or email ****.

Include:

• Your LinkedIn profile

• A short summary of your procurement experience and public-sector network

• One example of a successful RFP or contract you helped secure (value, duration, and your role)

**Nordiqon Venture Studio** is an equal-opportunity organization. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, with a focus on empowering immigrant, diaspora, and globally-minded founders and experts across Canada.

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