Manager, Defence Technology Adoption, Supply Chain Development

Iore

Manager leading defence technology adoption and supply chain development innovations at COVE. Collaborating with military and industry stakeholders to enhance Canada's defence capabilities.

Posted 7/5/2026full-timeDartmouth • 🇨🇦 CanadaSeniorLeadWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Reporting to the Director of Venture Growth, the Manager, Defence Technology Adoption & Supply Chain Development leads the design and delivery of COVE's mission-driven innovation challenges that accelerate the adoption of emerging technologies to address Canada's most pressing defence and security capability needs.
Working in partnership with the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), the Department of National Defence (DND), prime contractors, industry, and other key stakeholders.
Leads high-impact innovation challenges that solve priority defence capability needs by accelerating the validation and operational adoption of emerging technologies.
Create new opportunities for Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to enter and grow within defence supply chains, strengthening Canada's defence industrial base and operational readiness.
Serve as a critical connector across Canada's defence innovation ecosystem, convening military end users, DND organizations, procurement authorities, prime contractors, SMEs, innovators, and funding partners to identify operational capability gaps, connect innovative companies to defence opportunities, and accelerate the transition of emerging technologies from operational requirement through validation, procurement, fielded capability, and supply chain integration.
Combine strategic leadership with strong execution, business development, and stakeholder engagement to strengthen COVE's impact as a national leader in defence technology commercialization, supply chain innovation, and capability development.
Monitor participant progress against technology validation, commercialization, procurement, and adoption milestones, implementing mitigation strategies where required.
Represent COVE at industry conferences, military engagements, trade shows, and ecosystem-building initiatives to expand partnerships and identify strategic opportunities.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Defence Studies, Public Administration, Commerce, or a related field. Equivalent experience will be considered.
Minimum 7 years of experience in defence, security, aerospace, technology commercialization, innovation programming, business development, supply chain development, or a related field.
Experience managing complex programs, partnerships, or strategic initiatives involving multiple stakeholders.
Experience working with the Canadian Armed Forces, Prime Contractors, defence industry, government departments, public safety organizations, or related sectors.
Eligibility to obtain and maintain a Government of Canada security clearance is required.
Strong understanding of the Canadian defence and security landscape, including Industrial & Technological Benefits (ITBs).
Knowledge of defence innovation, dual-use technologies, emerging technologies, technology validation, and supply chain integration.
Understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing Canadian SMEs and emerging technology companies entering defence and security markets.
Proven ability to build trusted relationships and engage senior leaders across government, military, industry, academia, and the innovation community.
Ability to facilitate collaboration among multiple stakeholders with differing priorities and objectives, aligning groups toward common outcomes, in complex government and industry environments.
Strong program and project management capabilities, including planning, budgeting, risk management, execution, and performance measurement.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Opportunity to learn and make an impact by working for a dynamic, growing company on meaningful projects that find solutions to real-life problems.
Comprehensive paid time off including vacation, personal sick time, and additional days for family illness or medical appointments.
Hybrid work model with flexibility to work remotely 1 day/week.
Team wide bonding activities and casual work environment.
Tech focused office location, convenient via transit and bike paths.
Employee wellbeing including full medical & dental benefits and a health spending account.
Group RRSP matching program & Income Insurance Plans.
Maternity & parental leave top-up allowance.
Learning and growth opportunities.
Employee referral program.
Competitive salary.

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

Technology ValidationEmerging TechnologiesBusiness DevelopmentRisk ManagementPerformance Measurement

Soft Skills

Relationship BuildingCollaboration FacilitationStrategic Leadership