Reporting to the Manager of Strategic Growth Services, the Defence Sector Specialist supports economic growth and competitiveness within Niagara Region’s defence sector. The role focuses on strategy development, sector research, business support, investment attraction assistance, and partnership development aligned with federal defence procurement priorities, including the Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) policy.
The Defence Sector Specialist plays a key support role in the development and implementation of a Defence Sector Strategy for the Niagara Region ensuring alignment with Canada’s Defense Industrial Strategy. The successful candidate will work collaboratively with internal teams, senior government officials, industry partners, and an external defence sector lead generation consultant. The position supports existing defence-related businesses, assists with market access and procurement readiness, and contributes to attracting new defence-related opportunities to the region.
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Bachelor’s degree in business, Economics, Public Policy, Engineering, International Relations, or a related field.
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An equivalent combination of education, experience, and qualifications may be considered.
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Certified Economic Developer (EDAC) and/or Certified Economic Developer (IEDC) considered an asset.
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5–8 years of experience in economic development, business development, investment attraction, industry engagement, or a related field.
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Knowledge of the Defence sector, including defence manufacturing, aerospace and defence supply chains, advanced manufacturing, and dual-use technologies.
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Working knowledge of federal defence procurement frameworks, including public sector procurement processes, ITB policy, and supply chain participation is considered an asset.
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Familiarity with federal and provincial economic development, innovation, workforce, and export support programs relevant to defence-oriented firms.
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Understanding of marketing and promotional strategies used to position regions and sectors for investment attraction.
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Strong research and analytical skills to support sector mapping, opportunity identification, and strategy development.
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Demonstrated ability to build effective working relationships with industry, consultants, government agencies, and institutional partners.
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Strong written and verbal communication skills, including preparation of briefing notes, reports, and presentations.
Defence Sector Development & Strategy (30% of time)
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Supports the development, implementation, and ongoing refinement of the Niagara Region Defence Sector Strategy.
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Conducts research and analysis related to defence supply chains, procurement priorities, and regional business capabilities.
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Assists with sector mapping to identify local companies with current or potential defence market participation.
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Monitors federal defence priorities, procurement trends, and ITB requirements relevant to regional economic development efforts.
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Supports collaboration with federal partners, educational institutions, and industry stakeholders to advance sector objectives.
Investment Attraction & Lead Generation Support (25% of time)
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Supports defence-related investment attraction activities in alignment with federal procurement and ITB policy opportunities.
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Works closely with an external defence sector lead generator to support prospect identification, lead qualification, and follow-up.
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Assists in the preparation of sector profiles, investment materials, and business cases tailored to defence-related opportunities.
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Coordinates internal responses to qualified defence sector leads and support site visits, meetings, and follow-up activities.
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Maintains accurate records of leads, interactions, and outcomes via internal CRM applications
Business Support & Procurement Readiness (25% of time)
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Supports local defence-related firms and suppliers with procurement readiness initiatives.
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Assist businesses in navigating federal defence procurement processes, supplier registration programs, and ITB-related opportunities.
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Connects businesses with relevant federal, provincial, and industry support programs, including innovation, skills, and export supports.
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Facilitates connections to subject-matter experts, prime contractors, and industry associations where appropriate.
Marketing, Promotion & Sector Engagement (20% of time)
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Contributes to marketing and promotional initiatives positioning Niagara Region as a competitive location for defence and advanced manufacturing firms.
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Assists in development of sector-specific marketing materials and digital content aligned with defence market priorities.
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Represents Niagara Economic Development at defence-related industry events, meetings, and stakeholder engagements as required.
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Supports coordinated outreach with marketing, communications, and external partners to increase awareness of Niagara’s defence sector capabilities.
Perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned or required.
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Must maintain ability to travel in a timely manner to other offices, work locations or sites as authorized by the Corporation for business reasons.
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Regional staff strive to enable the strategic priorities of council and the organization through the completion of their work. Staff carry out their work by demonstrating corporate values.
