At STELIA North America, we are offering the opportunity for a career that is out of this world! We are looking for a dynamic leader to join our Programs Team in beautiful Lunenburg, NS. An affiliate of the Airbus Group of Companies, STELIA is an aerospace and defence company specializing in the design, development, and manufacturing of composite components and assemblies. Headquartered in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, and with a site in Mirabel, Quebec, we operate in more than 150,000 sq feet of facilities dedicated to operations, manufacturing and administration.
The Business Segment Director, Defense will lead the strategic growth, market expansion, and execution of our defense business segment. This role is responsible for driving business development initiatives, strengthening customer relationships, identifying new opportunities, and ensuring financial success across both new and existing programs. As a key member of the STELIA Leadership Team, the Business Segment Director serves as the senior leader for Program Management and Business Development within the segment, playing a critical role in shaping growth strategy, expanding partnerships, and aligning segment performance with organizational goals.
Key Accountabilities:
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Business Development
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Responsible for Business Segment strategy aligned with overall STELIA strategy.
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Develop and execute business development and capture strategies targeting aerospace, defense and space opportunities.
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Lead segment customer interfaces, strategic relationships, and industry partnerships with government stakeholders, OEMs, and contractors.
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Responsible for business / competitor intelligence, market analysis, and monitoring procurement and regulatory trends.
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Identify, assess, and qualify new opportunities including RFPs, RFIs, and RFQs.
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Lead bid / no-bid decisions, capture strategy, proposal development, and bid / quote execution in collaboration with Program Managers and cross-functional teams.
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Accountable for Business Segment revenue growth including in-year and FlightPlan (5y) sales forecasts.
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Lead negotiations for new contracts, contract changes, and strategic agreements.
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Represent the organization at industry events, trade shows, customer meetings, and defense-related forums.
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Support identification and pursuit of government funding, grants, and innovation opportunities.
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Program Delivery and Customer Service
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Accountable leader for segment financial performance including orders, revenue, profit, cash flow, and customer delivery performance.
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Foster close collaboration with Program Managers and cross-functional teams (engineering, operations, supply chain, quality and finance) to ensure alignment and successful execution
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Lead operational and commercial coordination across programs to ensure successful execution and customer satisfaction.
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Lead and support defense development and production programs across the full program lifecycle.
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Ensure effective program governance through established lifecycle, gate, review, and reporting processes.
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Lead business segment team activities, ensuring action identification, planning, execution, and issue resolution through Program Reviews and related meetings.
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Responsible for proactive identification, escalation, and mitigation of program risks, performance issues, and recovery plans.
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Serve as senior point of escalation for internal and external stakeholders, including customers and executive leadership.
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Responsible for effective and timely internal and external program communications.
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Typically act as Program Manager for select complex or early-phase programs within the portfolio.
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Continuous Improvement
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Accountable for recommending and implementing business segment improvement initiatives and operational efficiencies.
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Lead program remediation, recovery planning, and cost re-baselining initiatives as required.
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Drive continuous improvement across program execution, customer satisfaction, and financial performance.
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Formal Outputs
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Program Segment Summary (program reviews & executive reporting).
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Sales & New Business Forecasts (in-year and 5y).
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Revenue, Profit, and Cash Flow O&R.
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Capture plans, bid reviews, and formal Gate documentation.
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Customer and business development pipeline reporting.
You have:
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Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Marketing, or related field; MBA considered an asset.
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Extensive experience in Program / Project Management, Business Development, or customer-facing leadership roles within aerospace and defense.
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Proven success in capture management, proposal development, contract negotiation, and securing complex, high-value opportunities.
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Strong knowledge of government procurement and defense contracting processes is considered an asset.
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Demonstrated ability to drive revenue growth, develop strategic customer relationships, and identify new business opportunities.
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Proven leadership and ability to collaborate across cross-functional teams in a fast-paced environment.
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Strong financial, analytical, negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
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Strategic thinker with the ability to manage multiple programs/customers and navigate complex business environments.
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Familiarity with ERP systems and compliance frameworks (ITAR, Controlled Goods, Export Control) is considered an asset.
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Proficiency in M365 applications, including MS Project, is required.
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French language skills are considered an asset.
At STELIA North America, we know our people are our greatest asset. We welcome anyone who is passionate, positive, team oriented, improvement focused, and willing to grow and develop their career. If you join us, you will find an environment that is challenging and rewarding, and a culture that is flexible, inclusive, and welcoming.
We offer competitive total rewards package including:
Comprehensive Flexible Benefits including Health and Dental, Health Care Spending Account
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability • Life Insurance • Dependent Life Insurance
• Company Matched Pension Plan • Group RRSP • Group TFSA • Paid Personal Days
• 12 Company Holidays • Employee Family Assistance Program
• Out of Country Travel Insurance • Shares Purchase Plan • Free on-site parking
• Employee Social Events • Learning & Development Programs
