POSITION OVERVIEWReporting to the VP, Defence Supply Chain Development, the Domain Lead, Supply Chain serves as the relationship manager with Prime Contractors and Tier 1 suppliers within their domain of expertise. Supporting the VP's strategic and executive engagement, the Domain Lead combines deep supply chain expertise with technology- and AI-enabled insights to build trusted relationships, identify capability gaps and supplier development opportunities, and connect industry needs with scalable solutions that increase SME participation.
The Domain Lead is accountable for translating industry needs into actionable opportunities for Canadian SMEs with speed and discipline-identifying potential suppliers, assessing readiness, and coordinating the deployment of BDC financing, advisory, and ecosystem support solutions. Working closely with Prime Contractors, Tier 1 suppliers, and internal BDC partners, the Domain Lead drives execution of BDC's Defence Supply Chain Development Strategy within their sector and delivers measurable impact at scale.
CHALLENGES TO BE METIndustry and Supply Chain Engagement - Build relationships with supply chain, procurement, supplier development, and industrial participation teams within Prime Contractors and Tier 1 suppliers.
- Develop a detailed understanding of current and future supply chain requirements, sourcing challenges, and supplier qualification needs.
- Use digital tools and AI-enabled analytics to maintain real-time market intelligence on sector-specific procurement programs, technologies, supplier requirements, and emerging opportunities.
- In collaboration with the Defence Strategy and Public Affairs teams, partner with ecosystem players to expand SME outreach and capacity-building
Opportunity Identification and SME Development - Proactively identify and prioritize supply chain opportunities and common capability gaps across Prime Contractors, using data and AI-enabled insights to strengthen Canadian SME participation and enable scalable, programmatic BDC interventions.
- Identify and engage SMEs that align with identified supply chain needs.
- Drive SME readiness initiatives with urgency, clear milestones, and accountability for improving competitiveness and qualification for defence programs.
Solution Deployment - Work with Financing, Advisory Services, BDC Capital, and ecosystem partners to align support with identified opportunities.
- Facilitate introductions and matchmaking between SMEs and Prime Contractors.
- Lead the rapid development, testing, and scaling of sector-specific supplier development initiatives, leveraging technology and AI solutions where they can accelerate execution and impact.
Strategic Intelligence - Provide ongoing insight on:
- Emerging supply chain requirements
- Procurement and sourcing trends
- New technologies and industrial priorities
- Barriers to SME participation
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR Industry Background - 15+ years in one or more of:
- Aerospace/ Naval domain within a Supply chain function for a Prime / Tier 1
- Defence sector: military or commercial experience
Critical Experience - Deep understanding of Prime / Tier-1 Supply chain capabilities, processes and buying behaviour
- Experience with major procurement programs
- Understanding of industrial participation requirements
- Large ecosystem leadership experience
- Tech-savvy and comfortable leveraging AI-enabled solutions to accelerate execution, scale impact, and improve decision-making.
- Strong sense of urgency and personal accountability, with a demonstrated ability to drive initiatives through to measurable impact.
