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

The opportunity

Senior Manager – Supply Chain, Procurement (Defense Sector Focus)

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 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.

 

This job posting relates to an existing vacancy within our organization.

 

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.
• 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

 

Location

• Senior Manager will be ideally based out of Ottawa

 

What we offer

 

We offer a competitive compensation package where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business. In addition, our Total Rewards package allows you decide which benefits are right for you and which ones help you create a solid foundation for your future. Our Total Rewards package includes a discretionary bonus program, a comprehensive medical, prescription drug and dental coverage plan, a defined contribution pension plan, a great vacation policy plus firm paid days that allow you to enjoy longer long weekends throughout the year, statutory holidays and paid personal days (based on province of residence), and a range of exciting programs and benefits designed to support your physical, financial and social well-being. Plus, we offer:

• Support and coaching from some of the most engaging colleagues in the industry
• Learning opportunities to develop new skills and progress your career
• The freedom and flexibility to handle your role in a way that’s right for you

 

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

 

To help create the best experience during the recruitment process, please describe any accommodations you may need.

 

Inclusiveness at EY 

  

Inclusiveness is at the heart of who we are and how we work. We’re committed to fostering an environment where differences are valued, policies and practices are equitable, and our people feel a sense of belonging. We embrace diversity and are committed to combating systemic racism, advancing gender equity and women in leadership, advocating for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, promoting our neuroinclusion and accessibility initiatives, and are dedicated to amplifying the voices of Indigenous peoples (First Nations, Inuit, and Métis) nationally as we strive towards reconciliation. Our diverse experiences, abilities, backgrounds, and perspectives make our people unique and help guide us. Because when people feel free to be their authentic selves at work, they bring their best and are empowered to build a better working world. 

 

Learn about our commitment to Inclusiveness at https://www.ey.com/en_ca/about-us/corporate-responsibility/equity

 

 

At EY, we use artificial intelligence (AI) tools as one element of our recruitment process to enhance efficiency and improve the candidate experience. While AI supports us in our process, human judgment and decision-making remain integral in our candidate experience. We are committed to the responsible use of AI, and our practices are continuously reviewed and refined to ensure they align with ethical principles and regulatory requirements.

 

To all recruitment agencies: EY does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruitment agencies. Any resumes submitted without a prior agreement or request from our hiring team will not be considered. EY is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.