Corporate Security Officer (CSO) , Canada

Finance, Banking & Legal · Legal Services · Compliance & Regulatory

In short

Saab Canada Inc. is seeking an experienced Corporate Security Officer (CSO) for their Ottawa location. This role leads all aspects of company security, including personnel, physical, information, and industrial security, as well as crisis and risk management. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in defence or regulated sectors and a strong understanding of Canadian security programs.

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

Requirements

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.

Desired Qualifications

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

Benefits

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.

Skills

Risk ManagementIntelligence StudiesLawPublic AdministrationIT & Information SecurityPersonnel SecurityPhysical SecurityIndustrial SecurityCrisis ManagementBusiness ContinuitySecurity AuditsISO 27001CISSPCISM

#security#corporate security#defence#aerospace#government

About Saab

As a leading defence and security company, we offer solutions that range from the depths of the oceans to high in the sky, on land and in cyberspace, to keep people and society safe. Empowered by our 22,000 talented people, we constantly push the boundaries of technology to create a safer, more sustainable and more equitable world. We design, manufacture and maintain advanced systems in aeronautics, weapons, command and control, sensors and underwater systems. We are headquartered in Sweden and have major operations all over the world and are part of the domestic defence capability of several…

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