Lead defence innovation programs at COVE in Dartmouth, NS, connecting operational priorities with Canadian technology through commercialization and stakeholder engagement. The Manager, Industry Development leads COVE’s Innovation Challenges Program and related commercialization initiatives. This position translates capability gaps into challenge statements, manages small and medium-sized business projects, and advances technology validation, adoption, and supply chain integration. Reporting to the Director of Partnerships & Industry Development, the Manager works across defence and industry networks.

Key Responsibilities
- Lead Innovation Challenges from operational needs through adoption pathways
- Translate technical requirements into measurable challenge outcomes
- Manage project statements, budgets, milestones, deliverables, and decision gates




- Connect Canadian SMBs with prime contractors and supply chains
- Resolve integration, funding, procurement, and validation barriers

Requirements:
- Degree in business, engineering, science, policy, or defence studies
- Five to seven years managing or executing programs
- Experience managing complex innovation, defence, or commercialization programs
- Eligibility to obtain and maintain Canadian security clearance
- Solid defence capability, acquisition, and systems engineering understanding Apply program leadership, defence expertise, and commercialization skills to advance credible technologies through COVE’s innovation ecosystem.

📌 Defence Innovation Program Manager (Cape Breton Island)
🏢 Polaryn Solutions
📍 Cape Breton Island