Client relations specialist Jobs in Ottawa, ON

Location: Ottawa, ON (on-site; travel within the National Capital Region and across Canada as required)
Employment type: Full-time permanent
Salary range: $85,000 – $115,000 CAD per year

About Q-Block Computing: Q-Block Computing builds quantum systems that operate in the real world. The company develops quantum timing, quantum-secure communications, and quantum computing platforms engineered for the performance, reliability, and environmental resilience that mission-critical applications demand — systems designed to be deployed, maintained, and trusted by operators who cannot afford ambiguity about whether the technology works.

The long-term vision is deeper than any single platform. Q-Block is pursuing a mission to decode Nature's foundational model — to build instruments of sufficient precision and coherence that they become tools for understanding the physical universe at its most fundamental level. Commercialization and science reinforce each other by design.

About this role: The External Relations Manager is the connective tissue between Q-Block's technical capabilities and the government departments, defense organizations, prime contractors, and enterprise partners whose missions those capabilities are built to serve. The role is both strategic and operational: it owns the company's relationships across the federal and defense ecosystem, reads the policy and procurement landscape clearly enough to translate it into actionable business moves, and carries opportunities from first conversation through to contract.

The successful candidate combines a grounded understanding of how Ottawa actually works with the commercial instincts to convert that understanding into revenue. They are comfortable briefing a program manager in the morning, a prime contractor's capture lead at lunch, and the CEO by the end of the day — and they are equally at ease translating quantum technology into terms that land with a non-technical stakeholder. The role reports directly to the CEO.

Responsibilities

• Lead Q-Block Computing's engagement with federal government departments and agencies, with primary focus on DND, CAF, and ISED, and extending to other defense, security, and innovation-procurement stakeholders as the portfolio grows.
• Build and maintain productive, durable relationships with senior government officials, program managers, procurement officers, military stakeholders, and political staff.
• Monitor, analyze, and interpret political, legislative, regulatory, and procurement developments relevant to quantum technology, defense innovation, and Canadian industrial policy; translate these into clear, actionable recommendations for leadership.
• Identify and pursue commercial opportunities across government procurement channels (RFIs, RFPs, RFQs, unsolicited proposals) and enterprise sales pipelines in the defense, security, and critical infrastructure sectors.
• Cultivate business relationships with defense prime contractors, system integrators, and technology partners; develop joint-pursuit strategies, teaming arrangements, and positioning approaches that strengthen Q-Block's competitiveness.
• Support the preparation of capability briefs, proposals, unsolicited proposals, and policy position papers in close collaboration with technical leadership, ensuring that commercial framing and technical substance reinforce each other.
• Represent Q-Block Computing at industry conferences, trade shows, government consultations, and stakeholder forums; build the company's profile within the Canadian defense and quantum technology communities.
• Coordinate advocacy efforts, including engagement with Members of Parliament, Senate committees, and federal advisory bodies, in full compliance with the Lobbying Act and associated codes of conduct.
• Maintain a structured pipeline of government and enterprise opportunities from early identification through contract award, using CRM tools to track status, qualification, and forecast outcomes.
• Provide regular strategic briefings to the CEO and board on the external relations pipeline, political environment, and emerging risks and opportunities.
• Contribute to a culture of ownership, clarity, and high standards across the external-facing work of the company.

Required qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Political Science, Public Policy, Public Administration, International Relations, Business, or a related field.
• 3–5 years of professional experience in government relations, public affairs, political consulting, defense business development, or a comparable government-facing environment, preferably based in Ottawa.
• Demonstrated track record of building and sustaining effective relationships with government officials, industry partners, or senior stakeholders.
• Strong understanding of federal government decision-making, procurement processes, and the policy cycle.
• Excellent written communication — capable of producing compelling briefs, proposal narratives, and strategic communications for government and executive audiences.
• Excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills — comfortable engaging with senior government officials, military officers, and C-suite executives.

Preferred qualifications

• Familiarity with the Defence Industrial Strategy, ITB/VSP policy, and innovation procurement programs (BCIP, IDEaS, Innovative Solutions Canada).
• Demonstrated ability to read the procurement landscape, identify funded opportunities, and convert government priorities into actionable business development strategies.
• Knowledge of the Canadian defense and security industrial landscape — prime contractors, system integrators, departmental priorities, and the rhythms of the procurement calendar.
• Understanding of, or genuine curiosity about, quantum technologies, advanced electronics, or deep-tech hardware; ability to hold a technical conversation at a capability level.
• Existing Government of Canada security clearance (Reliability Status or Secret).
• French language proficiency.
• Experience with GC procurement portals (CanadaBuys, SAP Ariba) and CRM tools (Salesforce, HubSpot).
• Entrepreneurial mindset: comfort operating with autonomy in a fast-paced environment where priorities evolve and initiative is rewarded.

Security and compliance requirements

• Must be eligible to obtain and maintain Government of Canada security clearance (Reliability Status at minimum; Secret preferred), if required for assigned programs.
• Must be eligible to comply with requirements of the Controlled Goods Program, if required for assigned programs.
• Must be willing to participate in background screening, documentation, and compliance processes associated with security-sensitive work.
• Existing Government of Canada security clearance is a significant asset.

Personal attributes

• Strategic judgment paired with execution discipline — able to see the landscape clearly and move opportunities through it.
• Political acuity and discretion; able to handle sensitive information with professionalism.
• Strong organizational skills; able to run a portfolio of relationships and opportunities in parallel without losing threads.
• Integrity and directness in dealings with government, industry, and internal colleagues alike.

Benefits

• Extended health care (including dental and vision)
• Life insurance

Equal opportunity

Q-Block Computing is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to treating all employees and applicants with respect and dignity. Accommodations are available on request during the application and recruiting process.

Canadian citizens and permanent residents are strongly encouraged to apply. All interested candidates are encouraged to apply.