As External Relations Manager, you will be the primary relationship owner between Q-Block Computing and its external stakeholders — federal government departments, defense and security agencies, prime contractors, system integrators, and enterprise customers. Reporting to the CEO, you will lead the development of engagement strategies, track and pursue procurement opportunities, cultivate partnerships that generate revenue, and advise Q-Block's leadership on the political, policy, and procurement environment shaping the company's market.
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Job Description
Q-Block Computing is seeking an External Relations Manager to join our growing team in Ottawa, Ontario. Q-Block Computing builds advanced quantum hardware for sensing, communication, and computation — technologies that matter to Canada's national defense, security, and critical infrastructure. This role is the connective tissue between Q-Block's technical capabilities and the government departments, defense organizations, and enterprise partners that need them.
The ideal candidate brings a strong foundation in government relations, an instinct for identifying commercial opportunities within the policy landscape, and the confidence to represent a deep-tech company to senior stakeholders across government and industry.
Job Summary
As External Relations Manager, you will be the primary relationship owner between Q-Block Computing and its external stakeholders — federal government departments, defense and security agencies, prime contractors, system integrators, and enterprise customers. Reporting to the CEO, you will lead the development of engagement strategies, track and pursue procurement opportunities, cultivate partnerships that generate revenue, and advise Q-Block's leadership on the political, policy, and procurement environment shaping the company's market.
Responsibilities
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Lead Q-Block Computing's engagement with federal government departments and agencies, with a primary focus on the Department of National Defence (DND), Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), and Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED).
Build and maintain productive, lasting relationships with senior government officials, departmental program managers, procurement officers, and political staff.
Monitor, analyze, and interpret political, legislative, regulatory, and procurement developments relevant to quantum technology, defense innovation, and Canadian industrial policy — translating these into actionable recommendations for leadership.
Identify and pursue commercial opportunities across government procurement channels (RFIs, RFPs, RFQs) and enterprise sales pipelines in the defense, security, and critical infrastructure sectors.
Cultivate business relationships with defense prime contractors, system integrators, and technology partners to develop joint pursuit strategies and teaming arrangements.
Support the preparation of compelling capability briefs, proposals, unsolicited proposals, and policy position papers in collaboration with Q-Block's technical leadership.
Represent Q-Block Computing at industry conferences, trade shows, government consultations, and stakeholder forums, building 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, ensuring compliance with the Lobbying Act.
Maintain a structured pipeline of government and enterprise opportunities from early identification through contract award, using CRM tools to track status and forecast outcomes.
Provide regular strategic briefings to the CEO and board on the external relations pipeline, political environment, and emerging risks and opportunities.
Qualification
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, or business development in a government-facing environment, preferably in Ottawa.
Demonstrated track record of building and maintaining effective relationships with government officials, industry partners, or senior stakeholders.
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.
Skills
Strong understanding of federal government decision-making, procurement processes, and the policy cycle; familiarity with the Defence and Security Procurement Strategy, ITB/VSP policy, and innovation procurement programs (BCIP, IDEaS) is a significant asset.
Demonstrated ability to analyze political and regulatory developments and provide clear, strategic advice to leadership.
Commercial instinct: ability to read the procurement landscape, identify funded opportunities, and translate government priorities into actionable business development strategies.
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.
Knowledge of or strong interest in the Canadian defense and security industrial landscape, including key prime contractors, system integrators, and departmental priorities.
Understanding of or genuine curiosity about quantum technologies, advanced electronics, or deep-tech hardware.
French language proficiency is a significant asset.
Experience with GC procurement portals (CanadaBuys, SAP Ariba) and CRM tools (Salesforce, HubSpot) is an asset.
Entrepreneurial mindset: comfortable operating with autonomy in a fast-paced environment where priorities evolve and initiative is rewarded.
Benefits
Extended health care benefits (inc. dental and vision)
Life insurance
Equal Opportunity
Q-Block Computing is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity. If you require assistance and/or reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please feel free to notify us.
Canadian citizens and permanent residents are strongly encouraged to apply. All interested candidates are encouraged to apply.
About Q-Block Computing
Quantum Computing10 employeesFounded 2020
Developing fault-tolerant quantum hardware for computation and sensing.
