Our client is seeking a subject matter expert with in-depth knowledge of how government procurement operates to play a founding leadership role within the organization’s newly launched Government & Public Affairs division. As a key leader within the Government and Public Affairs team, you will provide enterprise‑wide leadership to position the organization as a trusted partner to governments by establishing organizational readiness, guiding complex public‑sector procurements, and shaping a multi‑year government growth pipeline aligned with long‑term strategic priorities. Working collaboratively with executive leadership and cross‑functional teams, you will design and steward policies, governance structures, and readiness frameworks that ensure alignment with public‑sector requirements while enhancing competitiveness. The role provides strategic oversight for opportunity capture, leads teams through high‑stakes procurement processes, and delivers decision‑ready insights, forecasts, and reporting that support informed investment and market‑entry decisions. The role offers significant autonomy, visibility, and influence, advancing mission‑driven objectives while enabling sustainable, long‑term impact.

The ideal candidate is a self‑starter and highly motivated executive who thrives in a fast‑paced environment and is eager to build, shape, and execute a comprehensive government readiness capability. You are a confident, influential leader with demonstrated success driving complex, cross‑functional initiatives in matrixed and evolving organizations, and combine strategic, analytical, and relationship‑driven thinking with a hands‑on approach. You bring extensive experience navigating Canadian federal and/or provincial procurement environments, ideally with time spent directly inside government procurement teams, and you are a proven closer with a track record of leading or materially influencing large‑scale public‑sector procurements, from early strategy through award. You have hands‑on experience standing up government‑ready capabilities and preparing organizations to deliver government‑funded programs in compliant, scalable, and operationally sound ways, and possess deep knowledge of public‑sector compliance, governance, and contracting, applying practical judgment in real‑world build environments.

Odgers does not use artificial intelligence (AI) to screen, assess, or select applicants for a position. This is a new position.

To Apply

Applications are encouraged immediately and should be submitted online.

We thank all those who express an interest, however only those chosen for further development will be contacted.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The Client is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with the Accessible Canada Act, 2019 and all applicable provincial accessibility standards, upon request, accommodation will be provided by both Odgers and our client throughout the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process to applicants with disabilities.

Odgers is deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all the work that we do. As part of our efforts to better understand our ability to reach as broad a pool of candidates as possible for our searches, our DEI team would like to encourage you to take a moment and access our Self-Declaration Form.