Director, Business Development
About the job
- A bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience is required.
- At least 5 years of sales experience in the Canadian defence industry with a proven record of sales and business development success, or equivalent government and business development experience, is required.
- A strong understanding of Canadian and allied defence procurement processes is required, with technical experience in C5ISRT, command, control and communication systems and products.
- Knowledge of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, is required.
- The role requires the ability to build and maintain trusted customer and stakeholder relationships.
- The role requires the ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team to secure new business.
- Strategic thinking and skills in capture management, competitive positioning, and stakeholder engagement are required.
- Leadership and team management capabilities are required.
- Financial and business acumen, and the ability to qualify business opportunities and execute in a matrixed environment, are required.
- Negotiation, communication, and presentation skills suitable for executive and government audiences are required.
- Commitment to Thales’ ethics and compliance standards is required.
- Applicants must be eligible or able to obtain authorization for access to controlled hardware, software, or technical information, including eligibility for the Canadian Controlled Goods Program and the ability to obtain a Canadian NATO Secret clearance.
- Lead business development and sales strategy to grow land, joint, and related digital transformation programs.
- Establish and maintain relationships with Canadian Armed Forces stakeholders and customers, prime contractors, and industry partners using a customer-centric approach.
- Plan captures from opportunity identification through handoff to the Capture Leader, including teaming, solution shaping, and value proposition development.
- Oversee competitive intelligence, market assessments, and long-range sales forecasts, working with internal stakeholders to support strategic decisions.
- Collaborate with engineering, product, and capture teams to align solution roadmaps with customer priorities and emerging technologies.
- Champion C5ISRT, command and control, and data-enabled capabilities across Thales Canada’s land and joint capability portfolio.
- Work with the business development and sales team and encourage a team approach to achieve revenue, order intake, and profitability objectives.
- Represent Thales Canada at industry forums and customer and government engagement events.
- Develop strategic alliances and partnerships as needed to achieve business goals.
- Analyze and influence customer requirements, standards, and specifications to position Thales products and solutions effectively.
- During Request for Information processes, act as Capture Leader; develop capture strategy, organize the multi-business-line bid team, assess make-team-buy options, and lead proposal efforts.
- During Request for Proposal bidding, support Capture Leaders in bid and proposal activities, focusing on price-to-win, competitive analysis, and industrial arrangements as required.
- Provide input for process improvement and analyze and influence customer requirements under Product Policy and Manage Bid processes.
- Manage assigned Thales Canada Defence & Security resources and consultants supporting early opportunity identification and capture, as well as assigned capture and bid budgets until a Capture Leader is assigned.
- Investigate new market opportunities with customers and establish strategies to win.
- Prepare recommendations and contribute to discussions and negotiations on Teaming Agreements.
- Develop comprehensive Capture Plans and ensure the quality of information and timing of Opportunities Review and gate presentations to senior management.
- Champion the development of the Thales Value Proposition and its effective communication to customers.
- Provide input to Business Line Product Line Managers to maintain product and service competitiveness.
- Qualify opportunities to meet established OI/GMOI targets.
- Provide leadership and direction to the Bids & Proposal department to ensure proposals meet customer requirements and maximize order opportunities.
- Demonstrated experience in software sales in a defence environment.
- Demonstrated product sales experience.
- Bilingualism in French and English.
- Experience with customer relationship management systems and digital tools, including Power BI.
About the company
Thales designs and delivers critical technology for aerospace, defense, and digital security, including electronics, software, and data-security systems used in air travel, credit cards, and modern military platforms. It combines hardware and software to create avionics, radar, cybersecurity, and secure communications systems that collect sensor data, run specialized software, and protect networks. It distinguishes itself through end-to-end solutions across defense, aerospace, and cybersecurity, ongoing deep-tech research in AI and quantum, and strategic acquisitions such as Gemalto and Imperva, plus its partial state ownership. Its goal is to provide reliable, secure, and connected technologies that support national security, public safety, and everyday life by solving complex security and connectivity challenges.
Company Size
10,001+
Company Stage
IPO
Headquarters
Meudon, France
Founded
1893
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Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- On July 23, 2026, Thales posted €12.5 billion orders and 22% organic growth.
- Ireland ordered five radars on October 2, 2026, reinforcing European air-defence demand.
- October 1, 2026 Frontier AI defenses and September 17 HexaForce expand higher-margin software revenue.
What critics are saying
- Germany terminated the F126 frigate contract in June 2026, creating a €450 million charge.
- If France or EU procurement slows, Thales loses politically protected backlog and pricing power.
- Cybersecurity faces Google, AWS, and Palo Alto; margin pressure intensifies by 2027.
What makes Thales unique
- Thales sells sovereign defence systems governments cannot quickly replace, like GM400α radars.
- Its €52 billion order book and 85,000 employees support multi-year critical infrastructure execution.
- Imperva, Gemalto, and eSIM platforms give Thales rare breadth across defence and digital security.
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Benefits
Remote Work Options
Paid Parental Leave
Professional Development Budget
Growth & Insights and Company News
6 month growth
-3%1 year growth
-3%2 year growth
3%French defense contractor Thales to open Japan maintenance base. Nikkei 2 hours ago 54 BankBit shares this Content always with CC License Screenshot generated in real time with SneakPeek Suite
French defence group Thales will set up a base in Japan to maintain and support defence equipment, Nikkei has learned. The base will handle maintenance and operational support.
Thales selected by Royal Air Maroc to digitalise flight operations with AvioBook Flight. October 8, 2026 * Thales is proud to support Royal Air Maroc's ambitious growth strategy with scalable, future-ready digital solutions that enhance operational excellence and long-term sustainability. * Under this 5-year agreement, pilots across Royal Air Maroc aircraft will be equipped with AvioBook Flight, the cutting-edge Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) solution, developed by AvioBook, a Thales Group company. * With AvioBook Flight, the airline will enhance operational efficiency, support fuel optimisation, and streamline pilot and ground staff workflows. MARRAKECH, Morocco, 08 Octobre 2026 -/African Media Agency(AMA)/ - Through this new contract, Thales will provide Royal Air Maroc with the most innovative Electronic Flight Bag technology platform in the industry. AvioBook Flight is the only fully-integrated Electronic Flight Bag solution on the market that streamlines and enhances efficiency across every phase of flight operations - before, during, and after each flight. AvioBook Flight's comprehensive software is designed to mitigate safety risks, enhance compliance, add technology redundancy and resiliency, and increase environmental sustainability, while enabling shorter turnaround times. Drawing on more than a decade of experience, AvioBook Flight is a proven solution that sets itself apart through seamless integration with back-office systems and functionalities tailored to meet users' real-world needs. AvioBook has extensive experience in the development of adaptable and flexible solutions, with previous implementations on 70 airlines around the world. This contract marks a new milestone in the long-standing partnership between Thales and Royal Air Maroc, notably in In-flight Entertainment, maintenance and cybersecurity. The announcement comes as Thales takes part in the Marrakech Airshow 2026, held from 7 to 10 October at the Royal Moroccan Air Force Base in Marrakech. At this 8th edition of the show, Thales is presenting its latest solutions for civil aviation, defence and cyber & digital, and meeting with its Moroccan customers and partners, reaffirming its commitment to the development of the Kingdom's aerospace ecosystem. Order Calendars "We are proud to provide Royal Air Maroc with our market-leading software solutions that align with the airline's ambitious digitalisation and expansion plans as they grow their fleet to 200 aircraft by 2037. We look forward to contributing to the airline's evolution, positioning high technology at the heart of its development." Frédéric Dru, CEO AvioBook, a Thales Group Company. "This agreement reflects Thales' long-standing commitment to Morocco and to supporting the Kingdom's ambitions. As Royal Air Maroc pursues its fleet expansion and strengthens its role as a leading carrier, we are proud to contribute with scalable digital solutions that enhance competitiveness, operational excellence and sustainability. Through innovation and local engagement, Thales remains fully aligned with Morocco's vision for a modern, resilient and globally connected aviation sector." Yan Levy, CEO of Thales in Morocco About Thales Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) is a global leader in advanced technologies for the Defence, Aerospace, and Cyber & Digital sectors. Its portfolio of innovative products and services addresses several major challenges: sovereignty, security, sustainability and inclusion. The Group invests more than €4 billion per year in Research & Development in key areas, particularly for critical environments, such as Artificial Intelligence, cybersecurity, quantum and cloud technologies. Thales has more than 83,000 employees in 68 countries. In 2024, the Group generated sales of €20.6 billion. About Thales in Morrocco Thales has been present in Morocco for over 40 years in the Defence, Public Security and Civil Aviation markets, through its headquarters in Rabat, T3DM factory, and cybersecurity center in Casablanca. Thales maintains close ties with SMEs and universities and is part of leading professional associations. Kenya ebola preparedness: WHO donates ppes, medical supplies and lab materials. PawaPay becomes one of the first licensed PSPs in Mozambique.
Romania signs $847M deal for 12 Airbus H225M helicopters. Romania has signed a purchase order with France's arms procurement agency for 12 Airbus H225M multi-mission helicopters. Valued at approximately 757 million euros ($847 million), the order is funded under the European Union's SAFE program and includes an initial logistics support package and personnel training. The deal will partially replace Romania's aging IAR-330 Puma fleet, which is used for conventional and special operations. The H225Ms will be configured for ground-attack missions and equipped to conduct attack, reconnaissance, surveillance, tactical protection, and specialized airborne assault operations during day and night. "We are honoured that Romania has chosen the H225M to strengthen its defence capabilities. This selection will also bolster Romania's industrial capabilities through our long-term partnership with IAR, Romania's sole helicopter manufacturer," Airbus Helicopters CEO Matthieu Louvot said. "We are proud to welcome Romania within the growing H225M community, establishing the H225M as a key asset of Europe's defence," he added. SAFE funding. The helicopter order is Romania's second project approved under the European Commission's SAFE program. The first covers the procurement of 12 Thales Ground Master 200 MM/A air-surveillance radars for approximately 247 million euros ($277 million). Part of Thales' Ground Master family, the GM200 MM/A is a 4D active electronically scanned array radar capable of detecting and tracking drones, aircraft, and missiles at ranges of up to 350 kilometers (217 miles). Thales will also establish a Radar Competence Centre to strengthen Romania's long-term industrial capacity and radar expertise, with the first system expected to be delivered in 2027.
Thales Australia and Deakin University partner on autonomous ground vehicles. Thales Australia named prospective anchor tenant for Western Defence Forge; Thales to deploy advanced air traffic control radar in the Faroe Islands - Oct 8, 2026 Thales Australia announced a partnership with Deakin University that will help shape the future of autonomous land systems in Australia. The collaboration combines Deakin's world-class autonomy, robotics and intelligent systems capability with Thales Australia's industry-leading experience in defence technology. Together, the organisations will accelerate the development of advanced automation to meet the evolving requirements of the Australian Defence Force. Deakin will work alongside Thales Australia and 3ME Technology to develop, test and validate autonomy solutions for BladeHAUL, Thales and 3ME Technology's new heavy-duty hybrid-electric uncrewed ground vehicle that builds on proven capabilities from the Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicle. It is designed to deliver superior payload capacity across a range of missions including logistics transport, mobile energy supply and surveillance. The partnership will focus on proving the platform's effectiveness, reliability and mission readiness in complex operational environments. Jeff Connolly, CEO, Thales Australia and New Zealand, said: "BladeHAUL provides an ideal platform to apply and test next-generation autonomy technologies in demanding environments. The work undertaken through this partnership will help build the expertise, skills and knowledge needed to support Australia's long-term defence and industrial objectives. This strategic partnership demonstrates the value of Australian industry and academia working side by side to solve complex challenges. By connecting cutting-edge education and research, engineering and practical application, we are creating an innovation ecosystem for new ideas to be developed, tested and delivered where they can have the greatest impact." Dr James Mullins AM, Director Defence and Security, Deakin University, said: "Deakin supports those who protect, safeguard and serve Australia, and the systems and capability on which they rely. Our expertise in autonomy, robotics and intelligent systems allows the development of technologies that can improve safety, reliability and operational effectiveness. Working alongside Thales and 3ME Technology, in collaboration with government and end-users, will ensure we build a leading collaborative innovation ecosystem that can develop, test and validate autonomous systems to reduce risk to personnel and strengthen Australia's sovereign capability." Thales Australia named prospective anchor tenant for Western Defence Forge Thales Australia is pleased to be named as one of five prospective anchor tenants for the Western Defence Forge, leveraging its expertise in enduring advanced manufacturing, guided weapons and explosive ordnance to work with the WA Government to deliver a new facility to forge 155mm artillery munitions and assemble missiles in Western Australia. The new facility will be specifically-designed to support exports to global markets while drawing on the existing Commonwealth-owned, Thales-operated guided weapons and explosive ordnance footprint in Benalla. Thales seeks to build on its position as a trusted partner of Defence and the Commonwealth to join the Western Australian Government's mission to drive investment, create skilled jobs, and strengthen Australia's sovereign industrial capability. Western Australia's strategic location as Australia's gateway to the Indian Ocean and South-East Asia makes it an ideal hub for defence production. With Defence's increasing focus on northern and western force posture, a resilient industrial presence in WA is becoming increasingly important. The State is also well positioned to export munitions to support global rearmament initiatives, serving as a key logistics point between hemispheres and contributing to allied supply chains across the Indo-Pacific and into Europe. The proposal includes development of a 155mm forging capability to help meet growing global demand for this critical munition, drawing on Thales' role as a Strategic GWEO Partner to the Commonwealth and decades of expertise in energetics. It would also introduce missile integration, test and acceptance functions based on proven Thales UK technology, including significant transfer of technology, knowledge and production capability for advanced air defence and counter-UAS solutions. Thales to deploy advanced air traffic control radar in the Faroe Islands Thales has been selected by DALO, the Danish Ministry of Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organisation, to supply and deploy an RSM NG secondary surveillance radar at the Sornfelli site in the Faroe Islands. This project highlights Thales' dual expertise in civil and military air traffic management, demonstrating its ability to address complex, shared airspace requirements. Although procured by a military authority, the radar will also support civil air traffic operations through integration with Air Navigation Services Providers Naviair and AVIANS systems, ensuring safe and continuous service across both domains. The RSM NG will replace an existing Thales RSM 970 radar. Building on decades of operational experience in ATC radars, the RSM NG represents the latest evolution in Thales' proven portfolio of secondary surveillance radars, combining high performance, compact design, and ease of deployment. Thales will complete delivery and installation within six months, one of the shortest timelines achieved for a program of this scale, while ensuring full operational continuity, with no disruption to air traffic control services. Fully compliant with ICAO and EUROCONTROL standards, this system meets the stringent requirements of both civil and military aviation. The "all-in-one" RSM NG radar integrates Mode S interrogation and ADS-B detection capabilities, delivering enhanced accuracy, reliability, and situational awareness. The radar will be connected to the AVIANS control centre, with system integration managed by Naviair and AVIANS. For editorial inquiries contact: editor kym bergmann at [email protected] for advertising inquiries contact: group sales Director simon hadfield at [email protected]. TAGS Deakin University Thales Australia Western Defence Forge