About the role

Director AI for Defense Canada leading Safran.AI’s operations in the Canadian Defense & Intelligence market. Cultivating relationships with key stakeholders and ensuring alignment with the defense ecosystem.

Responsibilities

As Director AI for Defense Canada, you will be responsible for establishing and leading Safran.AI’s practice within the Canadian Defense & Intelligence market.
Initially, you will define the go-to-market strategy for Safran.AI in Canada and cultivate lasting relationships with key stakeholders across government, industry, and academia.
Build and sustain trusted relationships with senior decision-makers across the Canadian Armed Forces, Department of National Defence, CSIS, and other relevant government agencies.
Represent Safran.AI at key industry events, defense exhibitions, and government forums in Canada and abroad as needed to build brand awareness and establish thought leadership.
Identify, qualify, and pursue opportunities across Canadian defense programs, including sole-source and competitive procurements.
Lead contract negotiations with government clients and prime contractors, ensuring agreements reflect Safran.AI’s strategic interests and long-term market positioning in Canada.
Develop and manage a network of strategic partnerships with Canadian defense primes, system integrators, AI champions, SMEs, and universities to strengthen Safran’s local industrial footprint and innovation pipeline.

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Defense Studies, or a related technical or strategic field.
Advanced degree (MBA, Master’s in Defense Management, or equivalent) is a strong asset.
Canadian Forces Staff College or equivalent senior military education is highly valued.
15+ years of combined experience in the Canadian Armed Forces and/or intelligence community, followed by a successful transition into the Canadian defense industry, with demonstrated impact in both environments.
Proven track record of building and scaling teams, winning complex defense contracts, and driving growth within a large industrial or technology company, with the agility of an entrepreneur.
Established network across DND, CAF, Public Services and Procurement Canada, and key Canadian defense primes; familiarity with Canadian security clearance frameworks is essential.
Deep understanding of AI/ML technologies and their application to defense and intelligence missions (GEOINT, ISR, C2, autonomous systems, etc.).
Bilingual (English/French) is a significant asset given Canada’s official language requirements; active Canadian security clearance (Secret or above) is required or must be obtainable.
Track record of influencing at the executive level (whether as a senior military officer, industry VP, or both) with a reputation for integrity, vision, and delivery.
Team-spirit. Agility and the ability to bootstrap when necessary.

Based in Canada, this position requires a high degree of availability for frequent travel (customer and partner meetings, conferences, workshops), representing approximately 50% of working time.
Remote working from another city in Canada is possible.