Corporate Security Officer in Ottawa

Location: Ottawa, Ontario (Onsite with Hybrid Flexibility)

Position Status: Full-Time, Permanent

Vacancy Type: New Role

About Saab Canada Inc.

Saab is a leading defence and security company with an enduring purpose, to help nations keep their people and society safe. Saab Canada Inc., headquartered in Ottawa with operations in Halifax, Nova Scotia and presence in Medicine Hat, Alberta, is a growing defence and security leader delivering advanced capabilities, training and sustainment services to the Department of National Defence, Canadian Armed Forces, public safety and commercial customers across Canada.

Role Overview

As the Corporate Security Officer you will lead all aspects of security across the company. You will serve as Saab Canada's principal security authority and trusted advisor to the Canadian leadership team while maintaining close collaboration and alignment with Saab's global security organization. You will be responsible for establishing and maintaining a comprehensive security program covering personnel, physical, information, and industrial security, as well as crisis management and security risk management.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as Saab Canada's designated Company Security Officer (CSO)
• Lead and develop Saab Canada's security organization and management system
• Act as Saab Canada's primary security representative to Canadian government authorities, customers, and industry partners
• Ensure compliance with Canadian Industrial Security Program requirements
• Manage personnel security processes, including security clearances, reliability screening, and site access authorizations
• Partner with the Information Security team to support the proper storage, transmission, safeguarding, and destruction of protected and classified information and assets
• Ensure compliance with Canada’s Controlled Goods Program requirements and related governance activities
• Lead physical security, facility security, and secure area accreditation activities
• Develop and maintain security policies, procedures, instructions, awareness training programs, and executive security briefings
• Conduct security risk assessments and advise management on threat mitigation measures
• Lead investigations into security incidents, violations, and breaches, and oversee related corrective actions
• Develop and maintain crisis management, emergency preparedness, and business continuity programs
• Coordinate security audits, inspections, and self-assessments
• Support business development, capture activities, bids, proposals, and contracted programs involving protected and classified information
• Collaborate with Saab Group and Business Area Security stakeholders, and Saab entities worldwide to support international security arrangements
• Promote a strong security culture throughout Saab Canada

The Skills You Bring

• University degree in Security Management, Risk Management, Intelligence Studies, Law, Public Administration, or a related field. Equivalent experience will also be considered.
• Significant experience leading security programs within the defence, aerospace, government, or other highly regulated sectors.
• Experience serving as a Company Security Officer, Facility Security Officer, Security Manager, or in a comparable leadership role.
• Experience working with the Canadian Industrial Security Manual and Contract Security Program requirements.
• Experience in IT & Information Security best practices.
• Strong knowledge of personnel, physical, information, and industrial security principles.
• Experience developing and implementing security policies, procedures, governance frameworks, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills in English.
• High personal integrity, sound judgment, and alignment with Saab's values of Trust, Drive, and Expertise.
• Eligibility to obtain and maintain the Canadian Government security clearances required for the role.

The following would be considered strong assets:

• Experience working with NATO security requirements and international classified information protection frameworks.
• Experience supporting major defence acquisition programs and government procurement processes.
• Experience managing secure facilities, secure networks, and classified information systems.
• Knowledge of ISO 27001 and other recognized security standards.

What We Offer

• Meaningful Work: Be part of a company dedicated to making the world a safer place.
• Competitive Paid Time Off: Generous company-paid vacation days, wellness days, and public holidays observed.
• Comprehensive Benefits & RRSP Matching: Access a competitive health and dental benefits program and RRSP matching after your probationary period.
• Flexible Working Arrangements: While we value in-person collaboration, we offer flexible work-from-home arrangements and hybrid schedules, subject to business needs and company policy.
• Growth Opportunities: Develop your skills and advance your career in a dynamic and growing industry.
• Supportive Culture: We value diversity and believe everyone brings unique perspectives and contributions to our team.

Saab Canada Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from individuals of all backgrounds. In accordance with the AODA and other applicable legislation, accommodations are available upon request throughout all stages of the recruitment and selection process.