Manager / Senior Manager - Supply Chain, Procurement (Defense Sector Focus)

Manager / Senior Manager - Supply Chain, Procurement (Defense Sector Focus)

Location: Ottawa-based preferred for Senior Manager; Manager based out of Ottawa or Montreal.

Date: Mar 12, 2026

Requisition ID: 1692648

Overview

Governments and defense organizations rely on highly efficient, secure, and mission‑ready procurement and supply chain functions to sustain critical operations. We are seeking an experienced Manager or Senior Manager – Procurement and Digital Procurement (Defense Sector) to support major defense programs, complex multi‑tier supply chains, and modernization initiatives across the defense ecosystem.

You will work with defense and public‑sector leaders to drive transformation across procurement and supply chain functions — including procurement operating model design, category management, sourcing for defense‑specific goods and services, secure supplier relationship management, contract governance, P2P modernization, and digital enablement. You will contribute to building resilient, compliant, and agile procurement capabilities that support national security missions.

Our Procurement Transformation – Defense Sector practice supports clients in improving performance, operational readiness, and compliance within high‑risk, highly regulated environments. You will help defense clients transform procurement processes, strengthen supply chain assurance, and adopt digital technologies to support mission outcomes.

Your key responsibilities

• Strategic & Operational Leadership: Guide defense organizations through enterprise‑wide procurement and supply chain transformations — from strategy and capability design to deployment.
• Support Chief Procurement Officers and senior defense leaders in modernizing procurement operations in response to evolving mission needs, emerging threats, and digital modernization priorities.
• Provide trusted advisory on building secure, compliant, and resilient procurement practices aligned with defense‑specific regulations.

• Defense Procurement & Digital Transformation: Lead or support major procurement modernization programs, including secure P2P implementations, advanced analytics, and digital procurement platforms.
• Advise on supply chain assurance, vendor cybersecurity requirements, and controlled goods / ITAR‑related compliance considerations.
• Apply emerging technologies (AI/ML, RPA, blockchain, IoT, additive manufacturing) to improve readiness, resilience, and transparency in defense supply chains.

• Engagement Delivery: Lead sub‑workstreams and manage multi‑disciplinary teams across procurement, finance, cyber, supply chain, and program management.
• Design and implement procurement processes aligned with defense sector requirements.
• Serve as a key point of contact for clients, owning relationships and day‑to‑day delivery.

• Practice & People Development: Build internal knowledge related to defense procurement policy, secure supply chains, and public‑sector transformation.
• Provide coaching to junior staff and support capability development within the practice.

• Business Development: Support the growth of the Procurement Transformation practice within the defense and national security sector.
• Develop proposals and solutions addressing defense‑specific procurement challenges.

Skills and attributes for success

• Experience leading teams in complex, regulated procurement environments.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage senior defense officials.
• Strong situational judgment and ability to navigate sensitive or classified procurement contexts.
• Ability to thrive in fast‑paced, mission‑driven environments.

To Qualify for the Role, You Must Have

• Graduate or Post‑graduate degree in Business, Supply Chain, Public Administration, Engineering, or related fields.
• 5+ years (Manager) or 8+ years (Senior Manager) of consulting or industry experience in defense, aerospace, or government procurement.
• Experience with high‑value, complex, or classified procurements.
• Expertise in category management, sourcing, contract management, supplier risk, and P2P.
• Understanding of defense procurement frameworks and policies.
• Ability to obtain or hold a Government of Canada security clearance up to Secret level.

Ideally, You\'ll Also Have

• Familiarity with defense policy structures and sustainment frameworks.
• Experience working with public‑sector defense organizations or military clients.
• A willingness to travel to meet client needs; GPS practice is national, and travel may be required.

Preferred but not required

• CAF service experience potentially in the Logistics or Engineering branches, or former public servants with experience supporting the defense Supply Chain or federal government procurement

What we offer

• Competitive compensation with performance-based rewards and a Total Rewards program including medical, dental, pension, vacation policy, and paid holidays.
• Coaching from experienced colleagues and opportunities to develop new skills and progress your career.
• The freedom and flexibility to manage your role in a way that works for you.

Salary range (Ottawa): $104,500 to $154,500.

Are you ready to shape your future with confidence? Apply today.

Inclusiveness at EY: EY is committed to fostering an environment where differences are valued and everyone feels a sense of belonging. We embrace diversity and are dedicated to equity and accessibility initiatives.

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