Managing Director, Canada (m/f/d)

As the Managing Director Launch Site Canada, you will be the first person on the ground and the driving force behind establishing our Canadian launch site and operations. You will lead all launch related activities while simultaneously building and managing the Canadian legal entity, ensuring compliance, infrastructure readiness, and strong relationships with authorities and partners.

This is a rare opportunity to shape a national spaceport presence from day one. In the early years, your primary mission will be to build the foundation for future launch campaigns : securing regulatory approvals, developing infrastructure, establishing operational processes, and assembling a high performing team. You will lead the development of the site, prepare all systems and procedures for launch readiness, and ensure the Canadian entity is fully compliant, well governed, and aligned with our global organization. Once the site becomes operational, you will oversee launch campaigns, pad operations, and mission execution.

You will report to the Canadian Board of Directors and disciplinarily to the VP Mission & Launch Operations and work closely with global teams in Germany, Norway and Sweden across Launch Operations, Engineering, HR, Finance, Legal, and Infrastructure.

Your Role in Our Space Mission:

1. Launch Operations Leadership

Build Up Phase:

• Lead the development of the Canadian launch site from concept to operational readiness
• Build relationships with Canadian authorities to secure necessary launch, environmental, and operational approvals
• Define the operational architecture for future launch campaigns, including procedures, staffing plans, and safety frameworks
• Coordinate with global engineering and launch teams to ensure site design aligns with vehicle requirements
• Locally implement documentation, processes, and tools needed for future launch operations
• Oversee procurement, contractor management, and construction activities related to launch infrastructure
• Recruit and develop the initial launch site team

Operational Phase:

• Oversee all launch - related activities, including vehicle integration, pad readiness, payload integration, and lift-off chronology
• Develop detailed launch plans and campaign timelines in coordination with global launch teams
• Lead and grow a multidisciplinary launch operations team as the site scales
• Identify opportunities to shorten launch campaign timelines and improve operational efficiency
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date launch documentation aligned with global standards
• Monitor launch performance, conduct post-launch reviews, and drive continuous improvement

2. Managing Director Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Establish the Canadian entity and build a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement
• Foster strong alignment with the parent company and global stakeholders
• Represent the company in Canada as its senior executive and public face

Operational Management

• Serve as the registered Managing Director, ensuring daily operations comply with Canadian legislation and Board directives
• Oversee administrative operations until the Manager Infrastructure, Safety & Service is hired, after which you remain accountable for overall governance
• Implement lean, compliant, and product-centric processes aligned with global guidelines

Corporate Governance & Compliance

• Ensure the Canadian entity operates within Canadian corporate governance principles and regulatory frameworks
• Maintain transparent and accountable organizational structures and statutory reporting
• Implement internal controls and risk management systems
• Stay current on legislative changes and ensure organizational compliance
• Oversee lawful maintenance of accounts and sound financial management
• Collaborate with global Finance on budgeting, forecasting, and financial performance monitoring
• Support financial audits and ensure timely reporting
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and drive financial efficiency

Human Resources & Employee Relations

• Partner with global Talent teams to ensure compliant HR policies and processes
• Support constructive labor relations and communication with employee representatives

Stakeholder & Regulatory Engagement

• Act as the primary point of contact for Canadian authorities, regulatory bodies, and local partners
• Build strong relationships with suppliers, industry partners, and community stakeholders
• Represent the company at industry events, conferences, and public forums
• Provide regular updates to the Board on performance, risks, and strategic initiatives

Risk, Safety & Security Management

• Identify operational and organizational risks and develop mitigation strategies
• Implement robust HSE policies to protect employees, assets, and the community
• Oversee audits of third-party vendors to ensure compliance with safety and security standards
• Continuously enhance security measures to protect against threats and vulnerabilities

Qualification Checklist

• 10+ years in aerospace, launch operations, or complex industrial operations
• Proven leadership of multidisciplinary technical teams in high-reliability environments
• Experience establishing or scaling a new site, facility, or business unit
• Background working with regulators, government agencies, or permitting authorities
• Strong track record managing contractors, infrastructure projects, and operational budgets

Leadership & Management

• Executive-level presence with the ability to represent the company to authorities and partners
• Comfortable building a team and operational structure from the ground up
• Skilled at decision-making in ambiguous, fast-changing environments
• Strong stakeholder management and cross-functional coordination skills

Technical & Operational Skills

• Solid understanding of launch operations or comparable safety-critical processes
• Strong project management capabilities, including scheduling, budgeting, and contractor oversight

Governance & Compliance

• Understanding of corporate governance, statutory obligations, and internal controls
• Experience ensuring compliance with labor, financial, environmental, or safety regulations
• Ability to implement processes aligned with a parent company’s standards

Communication & Interpersonal Skills

• Excellent communicator with the ability to engage regulators, partners, employees, and the public
• Skilled in producing clear reports, presentations, and operational documentation
• High emotional intelligence and ability to build trust across diverse stakeholders
• High integrity, accountability, and sound judgment
• Entrepreneurial mindset with resilience and adaptability
• Passion for space, engineering, and building something from the ground up

Who we are

We are Isar Aerospace and we are at the forefront of New Space building a modern space business to enable faster, better and cheaper access to space.

Our mission is to help democratise space and use it for good in order to improve life on Earth now and for the future generations.

We are a fast-growing company aiming to provide sustainable and environmentally friendly launch solutions for small and medium-sized satellites and constellations into Low Earth Orbit. The company is privately funded by world-leading technology investors with strong commitment and support and our team is made of driven and talented people with a real passion for space innovation.

We're making rockets in a way that hasn't been done before disrupting a traditional industry. If you are up for the challenge, want to work on cutting-edge projects and be part of a team changing the world for better, come, join us and launch your career!

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Disclaimer

Isar Aerospace SE is an equal-opportunity employer committed to fairness and inclusivity. We do not prioritize any specific religion, gender, nationality, or background. Due to security clearance requirements, affiliations with countries listed under § 13 para. 1 no. 17 SÜG may affect the application process. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.