Manager, Defence Technology Adoption & Supply Chain Development

IORE•Dartmouth, NS

13d•Hybrid

About The Position

COVE is a global technology partner advancing high-impact solutions from seabed to space. COVE transforms innovation into market-ready technologies through testing, commercialization support, market expertise and access to critical infrastructure. Leveraging its networks and mission-driven platform, COVE connects investors, innovators, industry, and the research community to drive cutting-edge capabilities for commercial and defence applications. Based in Canada and operating internationally, COVE supports the full lifecycle of maritime and multi-domain technologies – from research and development to manufacturing, integration, and export – linking Canadian innovation to global markets. COVE has built a globally recognized innovation platform, with an ecosystem of more than 700 organizations spanning startups, multinational firms, researchers, Indigenous partners, and public sector collaborators. Through its programs, facilities, and partnerships, COVE enables real-world testing and validation, strengthens supply chains, and accelerates technology adoption in complex operating environments. With strong connections across the North Atlantic, the United States, and the Arctic, and as part of international networks including NATO’s Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA), COVE plays a key role in advancing technologies that support economic growth, environmental sustainability, and global security. As COVE experiences rapid expansion, it is actively seeking to expand its team to further bolster its transformational influence as a global technology partner in advancing high-impact solutions. COVE recognizes that its journey toward this goal hinges on the strength of its team – a group of individuals who collaborate, innovate, and continually strive for excellence. Join COVE as it embarks on this exciting journey of discovery and advancement. The Opportunity 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, the Manager leads high-impact innovation challenges that solve priority defence capability needs by accelerating the validation and operational adoption of emerging technologies. These initiatives 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.

Requirements

This role requires a seasoned defence innovation professional with a deep understanding of the CAF, DND, defence procurement, and Canada's defence industrial base. The successful candidate brings established credibility across government, industry, and the military, with demonstrated experience navigating complex stakeholder environments, building strategic partnerships, and advancing innovative technologies from prototype to operational capability.
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.

Responsibilities

Serving as a critical connector across Canada's defence innovation ecosystem, the Manager convenes 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.
Combining strategic leadership with strong execution, business development, and stakeholder engagement, the Manager will continue to strengthen COVE's impact as a national leader in defence technology commercialization, supply chain innovation, and capability development.
Lead the design, delivery, and continuous improvement of COVE's Defence Innovation Challenges that address priority capability gaps for the CAF.
Collaborate with military end users, DND, government partners, and prime contractors to identify operational challenges, emerging capability requirements, and technology priorities.
Translate operational requirements into challenge statements, competitive calls, evaluation criteria, testing frameworks, and technology transition pathways.
Facilitate technology validation, demonstration, experimentation, and pilot activities that accelerate the adoption of innovative technologies in the CAF.
Develop challenge documentation, application processes, evaluation frameworks, and program delivery.
Maintain ongoing engagement with participating companies and stakeholders to ensure results.
Monitor participant progress against technology validation, commercialization, procurement, and adoption milestones, implementing mitigation strategies where required.
Support the integration of successful technologies into procurement pathways, programs of record, and domestic and international defence supply chains.
Lead all aspects of program planning and execution, including work plans, budgets, schedules, milestones, risk management, stakeholder communications, and performance reporting.
Represent COVE at industry conferences, military engagements, trade shows, and ecosystem-building initiatives to expand partnerships and identify strategic opportunities.
Support the development of funding proposals, sponsorship opportunities, partnership agreements, and strategic initiatives that expand COVE's defence innovation programming.
Collaborate with COVE leadership to grow the Defence Innovation Challenges model into new capability areas, markets, and strategic initiatives while integrating with COVE's broader commercialization, workforce development, ecosystem development, and venture growth activities.
Prepare executive briefings, reports, presentations, and performance updates for leadership, funders, partners, and stakeholders.
Track program performance against KPIs, contractual obligations, budgets, and strategic objectives, using data and insights to drive continuous improvement.

Benefits

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.