Senior Business Advisor, Defence Procurement - Advisory Services

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.

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.

• 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.

• 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 combined with 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.

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