Corporate Security Officer (CSO) , Canada
Saab · 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. Empowered by its 30,000 talented people, Saab constantly pushes the boundaries of technology to create a safer and more sustainable world. Saab designs, manufactures and maintains advanced systems in aeronautics, weapons, command and control, sensors and underwater systems. Saab is headquartered in Sweden. It has major operations all over the world and is part of the domestic defence capability of several nations.
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. Saab Canada supports the management and delivery of capabilities that support Canada's defence and security objectives.
As Saab Canada continues to grow, we are seeking an experienced and trusted security leader to join our team.
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. Reporting to the President of Saab Canada Inc., you will work closely with business leaders in Canada and Sweden to ensure security considerations are integrated into Saab’s strategic planning, growth and operational activities.
This position requires a strong security mindset, relevant Canadian experience and the ability to balance security requirements with operational needs and Saab Canada's long-term growth ambitions.
The position will be based in Ottawa, Ontario, with occasional travel within Canada and internationally as required.
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
- Ensure the proper handling, storage, transmission, safeguarding, and destruction of protected and classified information and assets
- 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
You will succeed in this role if you have:
- 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.
- Demonstrated experience working with Canada's Industrial Security Program and related security requirements.
- Knowledge of Controlled Goods Program regulatory requirements.
- Knowledge of ITAR, EAR, and export control regulations.
- Strong knowledge of personnel, physical, information, and industrial security principles.
- Experience developing and implementing security policies, procedures, governance frameworks, and risk mitigation strategies.
- Experience engaging and building trusted relationships with senior executives, government stakeholders, customers, and external regulatory authorities.
- 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.
- Experience conducting security audits, compliance reviews, and security investigations.
- Experience working with bilateral Security Agreements and Project Security Instructions (PSIs).
- Knowledge of ISO 27001 and other recognized security standards.
- Understanding of Saab's business, products, values, and operating model.
- Professional certifications such as CPP, PSP, CSMP, CISSP, CISM, or equivalent
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.
- Innovation at the Forefront: Work with advanced technologies and contribute to solutions that push the boundaries of what is technically possible.
- Global Collaboration & Connections: Partner with colleagues across Canada and around the world, including our headquarters in Sweden and international subsidiaries.
- Supportive Culture: We value diversity and believe everyone brings unique perspectives and contributions to our team.
In addition, you will be joining a company where security is viewed as a strategic capability and a competitive advantage.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates are invited to submit a resume and cover letter outlining how their experience and qualifications align with the requirements of the position.
Saab Canada Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from individuals of all backgrounds. In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and other applicable legislation, accommodations are available upon request throughout all stages of the recruitment and selection process. Candidates requiring accommodation are encouraged to contact emma.macgillivray@humanihr.com