Business Development Bank of Canada

DIRECTOR, GROWTH & TRANSITION CAPITAL - DEFENCE (Calgary & Vancouver)

Aerospace & Defense
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Finance, Business Administration, Commerce, or a related field.
  • Minimum 5 years of experience in commercial banking, corporate finance, private debt/private credit, or investment analysis.
  • Strong experience in credit analysis, financial statement analysis, and risk assessment.
  • Proven background in financial modeling, including cash flow modeling and debt structuring.
  • Demonstrated experience in managing a portfolio of clients or investments with risk monitoring.
  • Solid business development experience focused on prospecting, pipeline generation, and relationship building.
  • Strong stakeholder management capabilities with both internal and external partners.

Responsibilities

  • Identify, evaluate, and structure financing and investment opportunities aligned with BDC Capital criteria.
  • Operate effectively within complex defence sector environments with various compliance requirements.
  • Build and maintain relationships with stakeholders in the defence ecosystem including entrepreneurs and government entities.
  • Provide strategic recommendations to clients for growth and market positioning.
  • Manage an active portfolio of investments, focusing on risk monitoring and performance tracking.
  • Lead business development activities like prospecting and network expansion.
  • Represent BDC in the market, enhancing visibility through engagements such as public speaking.

Benefits

  • Opportunity to work exclusively with Canadian entrepreneurs across the defence sector.
  • Contribute directly to strengthening Canada's defence industrial base.
  • Collaborative work environment with a focus on innovation and scaling businesses.
  • Access to integrated financing and advisory solutions through internal collaboration.
  • Engagement in high-impact public speaking and visibility initiatives within the business community.
Full Job Description
POSITION OVERVIEW

BDC is the only bank dedicated exclusively to Canadian entrepreneurs, supporting the growth of small and medium-sized businesses across Canada.
As Director, Growth & Transition Capital - Defence, you lead investment and financing activities for companies operating within Canada's defence and dual-use sectors.

This role combines credit and investment expertise with relationship-driven business development to support high-potential companies.
Your work contributes directly to strengthening Canada's defence industrial base, supply chain resilience, and innovation ecosystem.

CHALLENGES TO BE MET

  • Identify, evaluate, and structure financing and investment opportunities aligned with BDC Capital criteria (e.g., cash-flow loan, mezzanine, quasi-equity, etc.).
  • Operate effectively within complex defence sector environments, including procurement frameworks, compliance requirements, and multi-stakeholder decision-making.
  • Build and maintain relationships with defence ecosystem stakeholders, including entrepreneurs, government entities, prime contractors, and industry partners.
  • Support client growth by providing strategic recommendations related to financing, market positioning, and scaling within regulated supply chains.
  • Manage an active portfolio of investments, including risk monitoring, performance tracking, and mitigation strategies.
  • Lead proactive business development activities, including prospecting, pipeline development, and network expansion.
  • Apply sector-specific knowledge (e.g., procurement cycles, certification requirements, contracting structures) to investment evaluation and decision-making.
  • Represent BDC in the market and strengthen visibility within the business community through initiatives such as public speaking engagements.
  • Collaborate with internal teams to deliver integrated financing and advisory solutions.
  • Contribute to market intelligence, sector insights, and investment strategy development.


WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

  • Bachelor's degree in Finance, Business Administration, Commerce, or a related field.
  • Minimum 5 years of experience in one or more of the following:
    • Commercial banking
    • Corporate finance
    • Private debt / private credit
    • Investment analysis
  • Experience in credit analysis, including financial statement analysis and risk assessment.
  • Experience in financial modeling (e.g., cash flow modeling, debt structuring).
  • Experience structuring financing solutions (e.g., loans, credit facilities, investment transactions).
  • Experience managing a portfolio of clients or investments, including risk monitoring.
  • Demonstrated business development experience (prospecting, pipeline generation, relationship building).
  • Experience assessing complex companies and developing tailored financing solutions.
  • Strong stakeholder management experience with internal and external partners.
  • Ability to communicate and influence stakeholders in financing and investment discussions.


Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience in defence, aerospace, security, advanced manufacturing, industrial technology, or dual-use sectors.
  • Knowledge of defence sector dynamics, including:
    • Procurement processes and cycles
    • Government contracting environments
    • Certification and compliance requirements
  • Experience working with government programs, prime contractors, or regulated industries.
  • Professional designation (e.g., CFA, CPA, MBA).
  • Bilingualism in English and French.
  • Valid driver's license and access to a vehicle (based on geographic requirements).

About Business Development Bank of Canada

The Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) is a federal Crown corporation that provides financing, advisory services, and capital to Canadian businesses. The bank was founded in 1944 and is headquartered in Montreal, Quebec. BDC offers a range of financial services, including loans, venture capital, and consulting services. The bank focuses on small and medium-sized businesses, and has a particular emphasis on supporting entrepreneurs and startups. BDC has offices across Canada and works with businesses in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, technology, and services.
Learn more about Business Development Bank of Canada
Size
2,000 employees
Industry

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