Director General, IRAP - Prairies, Quebec, Atlantic (3 Positions)

Discover the possible

Anything is possible at the NRC, named in 2025 one of Canada’s Top Employers for Young People, Top Employer in the National Capital Region and Forbes Canada’s Best Employers!

As Canada’s leading research and technology organization, our world-renowned research pushes the boundaries of science and engineering to make the impossible, possible. Every day we explore new ideas through innovative research and help companies discover possibilities that impact Canada’s future and the world.

At the NRC, you’ll also discover new possibilities. Our supportive workplace fosters a culture of creativity, welcoming fresh perspectives and innovation at all levels. We value teamwork. You’ll collaborate across multiple fields and with the brightest minds to find creative solutions. Most importantly, you’ll discover what’s possible within you as you grow, make valuable contributions and progress in your professional journey. From ground-breaking discoveries to a life-changing career, discover your possible at the NRC.

The role

Help bring research to life and drive your career forward with the National Research Council of Canada (NRC), Canada’s largest research and technology organization.
 
We are looking for experienced and dynamic Director Generals, for our Prairies, Quebec and Atlantic regions for the Industrial Research Assistance Program. The ideal candidates will  be people who share our core values of Integrity, Excellence, Respect and Creativity.
 
Working with clients and the innovation ecosystem, the National Research Council Canada provides strategic research, innovation support, scientific and technical services to develop and deploy solutions to meet Canada’s current and future industrial and societal needs.
 
The NRC Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP) is a critical component of the NRC with a clear mandate to support SMEs’ growth through innovation. The NRC IRAP has professional field staff that work with clients and give strategic advice to assist the firms with their overall development. The NRC IRAP also can provide financial support to these SMEs’ innovation projects.
 
As the Director General, you will be part of the NRC IRAP Senior Leadership Team and contribute to the ongoing strategic direction of the NRC IRAP. The successful candidate will lead and manage IRAP operations in one of the three regions, build positive relationships with critical participants in the innovation eco-system and address the specific needs of SMEs in the Region. 

Screening criteria

Applicants must demonstrate within the content of their application that they meet the following screening criteria in order to be given further consideration as candidates:

Education

University degree in science, engineering, business or relevant degree from a recognized university. Preference may be given to candidates with a combination of technical/scientific and business education. 

For information on certificates and diplomas issued abroad, please see Degree equivalency

Experience

• Extensive experience leading and developing high-performing, multidisciplinary teams in inclusive, collaborative, and matrixed environments, with a demonstrated commitment to employee engagement, talent development, and organizational excellence.


• Extensive senior leadership experience in innovation-driven organizations, with a demonstrated ability to build strategic partnerships, inspire commitment to a shared vision, and advance organizational impact through research, technology, commercialization, or innovation ecosystems.


• Experience establishing and executing strategic priorities, aligning people, resources, and partnerships to achieve organizational objectives and drive measurable outcomes.


• Extensive experience stewarding significant organizational resources, including complex budgets and investments, while balancing strategic priorities, managing risk, and ensuring responsible and effective use of public or corporate funds.


• Experience in leading consultative, senior staff and remote employees would be an asset.


• Experience in both private and public sector innovation environments would be an asset.

Condition of employment

Secret clearance

A thorough security clearance process will be applied. 

For a Secret Clearance, verification of background information over a period of 10 years is required. Individuals must have lived in Canada for a sufficient period of time to enable the security screening process. 

Must be able to travel.

Language requirements

• Bilingual Imperative (CBC/CBC) for Quebec and Atlantic


• Bilingual Imperative (BBB/BBB) for Prairies

Note: In the event that no qualified bilingual candidates are identified, NRC may consider unilingual candidates who will be required to commit to achieving these levels within two years.

Information on language requirements and self-assessment tests

Assessment criteria

Candidates will be assessed on the basis of the following criteria:

Technical competencies

• Knowledge of the Region and its R&D and innovation environment, players and strategic issues.


• Knowledge of SMEs and NRC IRAP’s role supporting SMEs in the Canadian innovation environment.


• A good understanding of management and change management practices and principles, particularly as they relate to matrix management and change leadership.


• An understanding of innovation policy and government of Canada priorities.


• Ability to lead diverse multidisciplinary organizations, engaging employees and interest holders in achieving strategic priorities while promoting innovation, excellence, and continuous improvement.

Behavioural competencies

• Management Competencies (MG) - Inspirational Leadership (Level 4)


• Management Competencies (MG) - Strategic Outlook and Alignment (Level 4)


• Management Competencies (MG) - Drive for Results and Efficiency (Level 4)


• Management Competencies (MG) - Leverage Collaborative Relationships (Level 5)


• Management Competencies (MG) - Financial Management (Level 4)


• Management Competencies (MG) - Service orientation (Level 5)


• Management Competencies (MG) - Self-awareness (Level 5)


• Management Competencies (MG) - Business Acumen (Level 4)


• Management Competencies (MG) - Industry Sector Knowledge (Level 3)


• Management Competencies (MG) - Action management (Level 5)


• Management Competencies (MG) - People Management (Level 5)

Competency Profile(s)

For this position, the NRC will evaluate candidates using the following competency profile: Management Competencies (MG)

View all competency profiles

Compensation

From $168,997 to $202,673 per annum. 

NRC employees enjoy a wide-range of competitive benefits including a robust pension plan, comprehensive health and dental coverage, disability and life insurance, office closure at the end of December, and additional supports to enhance your well-being throughout your career and beyond.

Notes

• In 2026, the NRC was chosen as one of Canada’s Top Employers for Young People, a National Capital Region Top Employer and Forbes Canada’s Best Employer.


• Relocation assistance will be determined in accordance with the NRC's directives.


• A pre-qualified list may be established for similar positions for a one year period.


• Preference will be given to Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents of Canada. Please include citizenship information in your application.


• The incumbent must adhere to safe workplace practices at all times.


• We thank all those who apply, however only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.