Business Development Bank of Canada

DIRECTOR, GROWTH & TRANSITION CAPITAL – DEFENCE (Toronto & Ottawa)

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

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business Administration, Commerce, or a related field.
  • 5+ years of experience in commercial banking, corporate finance, private credit, or investment analysis.
  • Expertise in credit analysis and risk assessment methodologies.
  • Proficient in financial modeling techniques, including cash flow and debt structuring.
  • Proven ability to structure tailored financing solutions and oversee client portfolios.
  • Demonstrated business development experience including prospecting and relationship-building.
  • Strong stakeholder management abilities with a focus on internal and external partnerships.

Responsibilities

  • Identify and evaluate financing and investment opportunities under BDC Capital criteria.
  • Navigate the complexities of the defence sector including procurement and compliance.
  • Build and maintain relationships with entrepreneurs, government stakeholders, and industry partners.
  • Provide strategic recommendations to clients regarding financing and market scaling.
  • Manage investment portfolios with a focus on risk monitoring and performance tracking.
  • Lead business development initiatives to grow BDC's market presence.
  • Collaborate with internal teams to deliver comprehensive financing and advisory solutions.

Benefits

  • Opportunity to contribute to the growth of Canada's defence industrial base.
  • Engagement in a mission-driven organization focused on small and medium-sized businesses.
  • Dynamic role combining investment expertise with relationship-focused business development.
  • Potential for visibility and recognition through public speaking engagements.
  • Collaborative work environment fostering teamwork and integrated solutions.
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).

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

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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