SENIOR BUSINESS ADVISOR, DEFENCE PROCUREMENT - BDC ADVISORY SERVICES

We are banking at another level.

Choosing BDC as your employer means working in a healthy, inclusive, and skilled workplace that puts forward the best conditions to bring together unique teams where employees are empowered to act. It also means being at the centre of ambitious economic and financial projects to see further and to do things differently, to fuel the success of Canadian entrepreneurs.

Choosing BDC as your employer also means:

• Flexible and competitive benefits, including an Employee Savings and Investment Plan where BDC matches part of your voluntary contributions, a Defined Benefit Pension Plan, a $750 wellness and health care spending account, to name a few   

• In addition to paid vacation each year, five personal days, sick days as necessary, and our offices are closed from December 25 to January 1

• A hybrid work model that truly balances work and personal life

• Opportunities for learning, training and development, and much more... 

Explore the BDC Way in our Culture Book

POSITION OVERVIEW

BDC has introduced a platform to provide $6B to boost Canada’s defence and security ecosystem. The platform is intended to deliver among other things, 3.5 billion in financing and advisory services to help Canadian businesses scale, diversify, and participate in the value chains of major defence contracts and national projects focused on sovereignty.

In this context, the Senior Business Advisor, Defence Procurement is principally focused on delivering subject matter expertise in Defence procurement, supply chain integration, and complex contracting, adapted to the realities of Canadian entrepreneurs.

In this role, the incumbent will assess entrepreneurs’ needs related to accessing and scaling within Tier 2 and 3 Defence supply chains. The role helps Canadian SMEs identify market opportunities, procurement pathways, and partnership models so they can participate credibly and compliantly in Defence programs.

Through thought leadership, content development, and delivery channels such as webinars, learning sessions, cohort workshops, and direct advisory mandates, the incumbent will demystify Defence procurement and support concrete implementation. Working in an agile, matrix environment, the incumbent will collaborate closely with Business Development teams, Centres of Expertise, Partnerships, Marketing and Communications, and other internal stakeholders to strengthen BDC’s Defence literacy and market positioning.

The incumbent may also contribute to the integration of Defence-sector considerations into advisory methodologies, including governance, risk management, and fiduciary controls related to Defence exposure.

CHALLENGES TO BE MET

• Act as a trusted subject matter expert, leveraging both deep Defence procurement, supply chain dynamics, and contracting frameworks knowledge and prior practical experience to inform client and stakeholder decisions.

• Provide expert guidance on Defence procurement processes, including DND/CAF, PSPC, SSC, complex contracting models, capital projects, and supply chain tiering.

• Support Canadian entrepreneurs in entering or scaling within Defence supply chains, including navigating OEM relationships, Tier 2–3 contractor dynamics, and Defence innovation pathways.

• Contribute to BDC outreach activities by developing and delivering Defence-focused learning and marketing content through national and regional virtual events.

• In collaboration with Business Development and learning teams, design and facilitate cohort sessions and practical tools to demystify Defence procurement and accelerate SME readiness.

• Provide direct advisory support to clients or guide external consultants delivering Defence-related mandates, ensuring quality, compliance, and alignment with BDC standards.

• Advise clients on supplier strategy, sourcing options, and trade-offs across cost, risk, and compliance in Defence procurement contexts.

• Draw on prior experience in complex negotiations or supplier relationships to help SMEs manage OEMs, Tier 2–3 contractors, and program risks.

• Ensure Defence-related advisory activities adhere to BDC governance, fiduciary controls, ethical standards, and risk management expectations.

• Contribute to market engagement by building and maintaining relationships within the Defence ecosystem, including industry associations, contractors, and government stakeholders.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• Bachelor’s degree in business, supply chain management, engineering, operations, public administration, or a related field.

• Advanced training or professional certifications related to procurement, supply chain, contracting, or Defence/government procurement are assets.

• A minimum of 7-10 years experience in supply chain subcontract administration role in a Defence Tier 1 supplier combine with of relevant experience in direct operational roles involving Defence or government procurement execution, supply chain management including supplier negotiations, complex contracting, capital projects, or advisory/consulting roles supporting government or Defence-sector clients.

• Experience with the Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) is considered an asset.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, COMPETENCIES AND REQUIREMENTS

• Thorough grasp of Defence procurement processes, supply chain frameworks, and regulations impacting Defence suppliers enables one to act as a subject matter expert when engaging with clients, colleagues, and senior stakeholders on issues related to Defence procurement, supply chain management, and contracting systems.

• Demonstrated understanding of the key differences between military and commercial procurement models, including requirements definition, risk tolerance, timelines, contracting complexity, and strategic objectives

• Ability to interpret intricate Defence governance and procurement frameworks and provide practical, actionable advice for SMEs. Capable of assisting SMEs with technical needs and facilitating contractual and technical flow-down ((e.g., Controlled Goods, security clearances, ITAR/EAR).

• Strong communication, facilitation, and presentation skills, with the ability to deliver content in both official languages.

• Strong client service orientation, with a focus on value creation, knowledge transfer, and best-practice sharing.

• Sound judgment related to governance, risk, and fiduciary oversight in complex and sensitive environments.

• Results-oriented, proactive, and comfortable operating in a fast-evolving, multi-stakeholder environment.

• Very occasional pan-Canadian travel, as required.

Proudly one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers and one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers, we are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, inclusive and accessible environment where all employees can thrive and feel empowered to bring their whole selves to work. If you require an accommodation to complete your application, please do not hesitate to contact us at accessibility@bdc.ca.

While we appreciate all applications, we advise that only the candidates selected to participate in the recruitment process will be contacted.