Industry Liaison and Industrial & Technological Benefits (ITB) Manager

Description Founded in 2000 by three former Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) CF-18 fighter pilots who identified an opportunity to improve military readiness training, Top Aces has since established itself as the world leader in contracted adversary air (ADAIR) services and joint terminal attack controller (JTAC) training. We pride ourselves on our unblemished safety record, having flown an industry leading 130,000+ hours of operational training without accident in support of customers worldwide, including Canada, the U.S., Germany, and multiple other NATO allies and international partner nations. Our vision is to be the most trusted provider of innovative defense training solutions, continuously elevating standards in an industry where "Experience Matters." This commitment to innovation and technology ensures we remain adaptable, training allied militaries to succeed against evolving threats. Top Aces’ dynamic team contributes to delivering on our purpose of training the next generation of combat leaders by living our values of Service, Integrity, Excellence, and Together every day! Join our team! Industry Liaison and Industrial & Technological Benefits (ITB) Manager The Industry Liaison and ITB Manager is responsible for developing, implementing and managing Top Aces' Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) strategy and industrial participation activities in support of major Canadian defense and security programs. The position serves as the primary interface between Top Aces, Canadian industry partners, Indigenous organizations, academia, government stakeholders, and key subcontractors to maximize Canadian industrial participation and ensure compliance with contractual ITB obligations. Working closely with Business Development, Program Management, Legal, Supply Chain, Finance and external partners, the Industry Liaison and ITB Manager will identify, develop and manage strategic industrial partnerships that strengthen Top Aces' competitive position while supporting Canada's defense industrial priorities. Key Responsibilities Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) Develop and execute ITB strategies for major defense procurements. Support the development of ITB Value Propositions during capture and proposal phases. Identify, qualify and manage ITB-eligible transactions and investments. Develop and maintain ITB credit forecasts, achievement projections and risk assessments, including identification of potential shortfalls and corrective actions. Establish internal processes, controls and governance practices to track, validate and document ITB activities. Coordinate preparation and submission of ITB plans, reports, compliance documentation and supporting records. Maintain auditable records supporting all ITB claims and credits. Liaise with government regarding ITB requirements and act as the focal point for ITB audits, verification activities and compliance reviews. Monitor evolving Canadian industrial policy, defense industrial priorities and ITB program guidance. Industry Engagement and Partnership Development Serve as Top Aces' primary industry liaison for strategic Canadian industrial partnerships. Develop relationships with SMEs, Indigenous businesses, defense contractors, technology firms, academic institutions and research organizations. Identify opportunities for collaborative development, workshare arrangements and technology partnerships. Facilitate industrial engagement activities, industry days and partner workshops. Negotiate and support teaming agreements, MOUs and partnership frameworks. Maintain a database of qualified Canadian suppliers and strategic industry partners. Indigenous Engagement Support development and implementation of Indigenous participation strategies. Engage Indigenous businesses and organizations to identify partnership opportunities. Work closely with Indigenous Partner Managers and program teams to maximize Indigenous economic participation. Assist in tracking and reporting Indigenous participation commitments, outcomes and supporting documentation. Capture and Proposal Support Contribute directly to bid strategies for major Canadian defense programs. Lead industry participation and ITB content development for proposals. Support competitive assessments of industrial participation approaches. Coordinate partner commitments, workshare agreements and letters of support. Develop industrial participation roadmaps and execution plans. Program Execution Ensure industrial participation commitments are incorporated into program execution plans. Coordinate across functional teams to align subcontracting, supplier development and industrial participation activities. Support development and negotiation of contractual provisions necessary to capture, document and validate ITB-eligible activities. Track, report and present achievement of contractual obligations and key performance indicators. Develop and maintain performance metrics related to ITB commitments and industrial participation objectives. Identify risks to ITB performance and develop mitigation strategies. Education and/or Work Experience Education Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Economics, Public Policy, Procurement, International Business or a related discipline. Master's degree or MBA considered an asset. Experience Minimum 5-10 years of relevant experience in Canadian defense, aerospace or government procurement environments. Direct experience with Canada's Industrial and Technological Benefits Policy. Experience developing or managing industrial participation, offsets, supply chain or partnership programs. Experience supporting major government procurements and proposal efforts. Knowledge of Canadian defense procurement processes and stakeholders. Experience with ITB credit modelling, reporting, audit support or compliance documentation considered an asset. Ability to perform all work in support of our Corporate Values of Excellence, Service, Integrity … Together. Knowledge and Skills Strong understanding of Canadian defense procurement and industrial policy. Knowledge of ITB requirements, Value Proposition assessments and industrial participation frameworks. Excellent relationship-building and stakeholder engagement skills. Strong negotiating and influencing skills. Exceptional written and verbal communication abilities. Financial and analytical skills sufficient to assess, model, forecast and document ITB transactions. Ability to manage multiple stakeholder relationships across complex programs. Strong organizational, project management and data management capabilities. Assets Experience working with Indigenous businesses and organizations. Existing relationships within the Canadian defense industrial base. Familiarity with DND, PSPC, ISED and Canadian Coast Guard procurement processes. Experience with contracting and/or pricing Bilingual (English/French). Occupational Health and Safety: Employees are responsible for: Working in compliance with Occupational Health and Safety acts and regulations Following safe work practices and procedures and using safeguards and personal protective equipment Reporting hazards (such as unsafe situations and activities) to their supervisor immediately. Security Clearance Requirements/ CGP / ITAR: Position requires Level II Clearance with the Canadian Government and the ability to gain access to the Canadian Controlled Goods Program By joining Top Aces, you will find: A work environment in which service, integrity, excellence and teamwork are highly valued; Opportunities for development and growth; Multidisciplinary and multicultural collaboration at a local and global level; A flexible schedule; Attractive benefit plan. Come share your passion with us! Here, you’ll be encouraged, empowered, and challenged to be your best self. Equal Employment Opportunity At Top Aces, all employees are welcome regardless of race, nationality, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability or age. The masculine form may be used in this job description solely for ease of reading but refers to men, women and gender diversity. #LI-LS1#LI-Hybrid Qualifications Skills Behaviors : Motivations : Education Experience Licenses & Certifications About us