Canada Defence Market Leader

Mott MacDonald is seeking a senior, commercially focused leader to establish and grow our Defence and national security business in Canada. Based in Ottawa, this role will define and execute the market strategy, build trusted executive relationships, develop and convert a high-quality opportunity pipeline, and position Mott MacDonald as a valued advisor and delivery partner. The successful candidate will combine deep knowledge of the Canadian Defence environment with the entrepreneurial drive to build a scalable business by connecting our Canadian capabilities with our global Defence experience.

Key responsibilities

• Market strategy and growth: Develop and execute the Canadian Defence market strategy, annual business plan, investment priorities, revenue targets and routes to market.
• Client leadership: Build trusted executive relationships with the Department of National Defence, Canadian Armed Forces, Defence Construction Canada, Public Services and Procurement Canada, NATO-related organizations and other priority stakeholders; lead selected strategic accounts and engagement plans.
• Pipeline and capture: Translate policy, investment plans and procurement programs into a qualified pipeline; prioritize opportunities and lead capture from early positioning through contract award, including win strategy, competitive assessment, value proposition and executive engagement.
• Partnerships: Build effective teaming relationships with Canadian and international firms, Indigenous businesses and communities, prime contractors, specialist suppliers and small and medium-sized enterprises.
• Integrated capability: Mobilize a differentiated Canadian offering across advisory, engineering, program management, infrastructure, digital, environmental and technical services, drawing on global Defence expertise where it strengthens the client proposition.
• Business readiness: Establish effective governance, account planning, forecasting, performance reporting and delivery readiness; work with corporate functions to address security, contracting, supply-chain, information-management and regulatory requirements.
• Delivery confidence: Ensure pursuit commitments are supported by credible teams, commercial strategies, project governance and risk controls.
• Market profile: Represent Mott MacDonald at relevant industry forums and strengthen the firm’s profile through targeted engagement and thought leadership.
• Leadership and team development: Align internal stakeholders, secure investment and recruit, mentor and develop the multidisciplinary capability required for sustainable growth.

This is a Canada-wide leadership role based in Ottawa, with travel across Canada and occasional international travel as required.

The ideal candidate is an entrepreneurial and collaborative leader with strong executive presence, sound commercial judgement and a record of converting market insight and senior relationships into sustainable growth.

Required qualifications and experience

• Typically, 20 or more years of senior experience in Canada’s Defence, national security, infrastructure, engineering, consulting or professional services market.
• Demonstrated success developing markets, building executive client relationships, leading major captures and delivering profitable revenue growth.
• Strong understanding of how Canadian Defence policy, capability priorities and funding are translated into procurement programs and delivery opportunities.
• Established relationships across relevant Canadian government, military, industry and delivery organizations.
• Experience developing account plans, qualified pipelines, capture strategies and multidisciplinary proposals.
• Ability to lead through influence, align senior stakeholders and operate effectively in an emerging market.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation and relationship-building skills.
• Eligibility to obtain and maintain Government of Canada Reliability Status and Secret security clearance.
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline, or equivalent senior-level experience.

Preferred experience

• Establishing a new market, business line or sector offering in Canada.
• Defence infrastructure, facilities, military engineering, program management, logistics, energy, resilience, digital or security-related services.
• Canadian federal procurement, the Contract Security Program, Controlled Goods Program, Security Requirements Check List and Industrial and Technological Benefits.
• NATO, Five Eyes or allied Defence organizations and adapting international credentials to Canadian requirements.
• Operational mobilization, including governance, commercial planning, resource planning, risk controls and secure delivery environments.
• Indigenous participation and reconciliation initiatives on major federal projects.
• Recruiting and developing multidisciplinary teams in a growth environment.
• A relevant master’s degree or professional designation.

Measures of success

• An approved Canadian Defence market strategy, account priorities and annual business plan.
• A well-qualified, strategically aligned pipeline with credible capture plans and forecasting.
• Trusted relationships with priority clients and a strong Canadian and international partner ecosystem.
• Initial contract wins that establish relevant Canadian credentials and support sustainable growth.
• A delivery-ready Canadian Defence capability with appropriate governance, security readiness and access to multidisciplinary resources.

When you join us as an experienced professional, you will bring your expertise to work that matters while continuing to grow your career. You will collaborate with talented colleagues across disciplines and geographies, contribute your perspective, and help shape better outcomes through technical excellence, innovation, and integrity.

Build on your experience while helping shape what comes next. At Mott MacDonald, you'll work alongside talented people on complex and rewarding projects that make a real difference. We value fresh perspectives, encourage collaboration, and provide opportunities to expand your skills, take on new challenges, and grow your career. Whether you're deepening your technical expertise, broadening your leadership experience, or exploring new opportunities across our business, you'll be supported by a team that is committed to helping you succeed.

Bring your expertise, curiosity, and drive to make a difference. If you are ready to join a collaborative consultancy where your perspective is valued, your growth is supported, and you are empowered to lead with integrity, we would love to hear from you.

Benefits & Rewards

The expected salary range for this position is from $190,000 - $234,000.

Multiple factors such as qualifications, overall experience, and position responsibilities will be used to determine the successful candidate's actual salary within the expected range.

In addition to base salary, Mott MacDonald offers performance-based bonuses and a comprehensive benefits package, giving employees a direct connection to our success.

The comprehensive benefits and rewards package is designed to support your health, wellbeing, and professional growth. Eligible employees have access to health and dental coverage, wellness resources, retirement savings, insurance and disability protection, paid time off, family leave support, and professional development opportunities. Benefits are subject to eligibility, plan terms, and change.

This posting is for an existing vacancy.

Collaboration at Our Core

At Mott MacDonald, we believe great ideas happen when we're together. Our hybrid approach centers on an in-office culture, with most of your time spent collaborating face-to-face and a minimum of three days per week in the office. We balance flexibility with connection, so you and your manager can choose how to meet clients, team, and personal commitments.

We seek to promote fair employment procedures and practices to ensure equal opportunities for all. We encourage individual expression in our workplace and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels they have the opportunity to contribute.

We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to providing employment accommodation in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA). Mott MacDonald Canada Limited will provide accommodations to job applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodations, please notify us and we will work with you to meet your needs.