AI Defense Director

About the role

Safran.AI - AI That Operates in the Real World A subsidiary of Safran Electronics & Defense, Safran.AI develops AI solutions applied to complex data such as high-resolution satellite imagery, FMV (Full Motion Video) streams, and acoustic signals. These solutions rely on algorithms capable of automatically detecting and identifying objects of interest in the defense, aerospace, and government sectors. Since joining Safran in September 2024, Safran.AI has also contributed to the group's transformation by applying AI solutions to Industry 4.0 initiatives. For example, AI-powered image analysis can assist inspectors responsible for examining critical components by helping them detect potential anomalies from digital images. With a workforce of 250 employees, you will work within passionate, multidisciplinary teams that bring together some of the industry's most recognized talents, all driven by a shared commitment to excellence and technological innovation. In the context of Safran.AI's international expansion, we are looking to base a Director AI for Defense Canada in Canada. What's at Stake in This Role As Director AI for Defense Canada, you will be responsible for establishing and leading Safran.AI's practice within the Canadian Defense & Intelligence market. This is a senior leadership role combining strategic vision, hands-on business development and, in the longer term, team building. Initially, you will define the go-to-market strategy for Safran.AI in Canada and cultivate lasting relationships with key stakeholders across government, industry, and academia, and then, if the business grows, build a local team capable of adapting Safran.AI's products to Canada's specific operational and regulatory requirements. The role will be locally anchored within SED Defense and Space in Canada, whose teams, infrastructure, and customer relationships you will closely collaborate with and actively mobilize in support of Safran.AI's mission. This role demands an entrepreneurial mindset, some autonomy, a deep understanding of the Canadian defense ecosystem, and the ability to operate effectively within a large, matrixed multinational organization. Canadian Defense & Intelligence market strategy: Define and execute Safran.AI's strategy for the Canadian Defense & Intelligence market, identifying priority domains, capability gaps, and competitive positioning. Analyze Canadian procurement cycles, regulatory frameworks, and defense investment priorities to inform Safran.AI's market approach and product roadmap adaptation. Stakeholder engagement & relationship management: Build and sustain trusted relationships with senior decision-makers across the Canadian Armed Forces, Department of National Defence, CSIS, and other relevant government agencies. Represent Safran.AI at key industry events, defense exhibitions, and government forums in Canada and abroad as needed (e.g., CANSEC, Ottawa Conference on Defence, etc.) to build brand awareness and establish thought leadership. Act as the primary point of contact for Canadian clients and partners, ensuring seamless coordination between local needs and Safran.AI's global engineering and product teams. Business development & revenue growth: Identify, qualify, and pursue opportunities across Canadian defense programs, including sole-source and competitive procurements, and coordinate proposal efforts with internal teams. Lead contract negotiations with government clients and prime contractors, ensuring agreements reflect Safran.AI's strategic interests and long-term market positioning in Canada. Drive revenue targets and track pipeline health, providing regular updates and strategic guidance to Safran.AI leadership, as well as Safran Defense & Space Canada and Safran group stakeholders (it should be noted that, initially, given the absence of a broader Safran.AI team in Canada, the ability to collaborate effectively with the rest of the group's local teams will be critical, including mobilizing local resources where appropriate). Industrial & academic partnerships: Develop and manage a network of strategic partnerships with Canadian defense primes, system integrators, AI champions, SMEs, and universities to strengthen Safran's local industrial footprint and innovation pipeline. Negotiate and structure teaming agreements and consortium arrangements that position Safran.AI as a credible, value-adding partner in major Canadian defense programs. Engage with leading Canadian defense research institutions (e.g., DRDC, universities with defense AI programs) to co-develop cutting-edge capabilities and position Safran.AI at the forefront of Canadian defense AI innovation. Business planning & strategic reporting: Develop a comprehensive Safran.AI Canada capture and business plan (covering market positioning, go-to-market strategy, financial targets, headcount roadmap, and investment requirements) and drive its approval with Safran.AI, Safran Defense & Space Canada, and Safran group leadershi

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