Client Engagement Advisor

Priority will be given to the following designated employment equity groups: women, Indigenous peoples* (First Nations, Inuit and Métis), persons with disabilities and racialized persons*.

* The Employment Equity Act, which is under review, uses the terminology Aboriginal peoples and visible minorities.

Candidates are asked to self-declare when applying to this hiring process.

City: London or Kitchener or Guelph; Quebec City

Organizational Unit: Industrial Research Assistance Program 

Classification: RCO 

Tenure: Continuing 

Language Requirements: English for the position in London or Kitchener or Guelph and Bilingual Imperative CBC/CBC for the position in Quebec City 

Note: This position is to staff one (1) position in London or Kitchener or Guelph and one (1) position in Quebec City.

Work Arrangements:

Due to the nature of the work and operational requirements, this position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement (combination of working onsite and telework). Employees in this position who telework will be required to travel to the identified work site at least three times per week or a minimum of 60% of their regular work schedule at their own expense.

At NRC, we recognize that Indigenous candidates may have important connections to their communities and you may be eligible for an exception to this work arrangement. Alternative work arrangements may also be considered to accommodate candidates as required. To learn more about these options, please contact the hiring team using the contact information below.

We are looking for a Client Engagement Advisor to support our Industrial Research Assistance Program’s (IRAP) Client Enablement team. The Client Engagement Advisor would be someone who shares our core values of Integrity, Excellence, Respect and Creativity.

As a Client Engagement Advisor, you are an experienced professional who is enthusiastic about using your knowledge and network to help guide innovative Canadian companies to grow and prosper. You are someone who can see the potential in a business and is driven to find the right resources and networks that can help move them to the next level. You know how to build and develop your extensive network of contacts in innovation, entrepreneurship, business and government business support programs in your region.

You are known for your integrity, professionalism and your genuine curiosity. You have excellent communication skills, are an active listener and can synthesize information quickly.

IRAP is a program that embraces evolution and agility. We recognize the importance of working at the speed of business and are committed to continuous improvement. We need people who champion change, understand the importance of diversity and inclusion and look for ways to apply their knowledge and experience in innovative ways to the benefit of their clients.

Applicants must demonstrate within the content of their application that they meet the following screening criteria in order to be given further consideration as candidates:

Candidates must respond to all pre-screening questions in detail in order to be considered. Failure to do so will result in automatic disqualification.

• This position requires a university degree in business administration, finance, management, marketing or a related field. 
• A degree in engineering or science may also be considered.

For information on certificates and diplomas issued abroad, please see Degree equivalency

• Significant* and recent** experience in coaching and advising early-stage companies.
• Significant* entrepreneurship or business management experience of firms that develop and commercialize technology-based products and services.
• Significant* experience in researching, interpreting and communicating information effectively both in writing and verbally for a variety of audiences.
• Significant* experience building and managing relationships with businesses and/or government departments or programs which support innovative Canadian SMEs.
• Experience in business development; strategic growth planning; developing and commercializing innovative products or services; and/or intellectual property management.

*Significant experience is defined as a minimum of five (5) years of experience.

**Recent experience is defined as experience gained within the last three (3) to five (5) years.

• Reliability Status

For a Reliability Status, verification of background information over a period of 5 years is required.

• Must be able to travel locally, provincially and nationally.
• A valid driver's license and access to the use of a vehicle are required.

• English for the position in London or Kitchener or Guelph
• Bilingual Imperative CBC/CBC for the position in Quebec City

Information on language requirements and self-assessment tests

Candidates will be assessed on the basis of the following criteria:

• In-depth knowledge of the Canadian innovation ecosystem, Canadian innovation priorities, commercialization of technology, and related economic and strategic issues.  
• In-depth knowledge and ability to rapidly assess business maturity and innovation capacity of a firm.
• Knowledge of Regional and local private and public funding programs or sources, expertise and facilities, as well as an awareness of global opportunities relevant to innovative SMEs.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
• Ability to gather, analyse and disseminate competitive technical and business intelligence. 
• Knowledge of business development, scouting and client relationship management.

• Management services - Communication (Level 3)
• Management services - Initiative (Level 3)
• Management services - Networking (Level 3)
• Technology extension - Conceptual and analytical ability (Level 3)
• Technology extension - Client focus (Level 3)
• Technology extension - Results orientation (Level 3)
• Technology extension - Teamwork (Level 3)

For this position, the NRC will evaluate candidates using the following competency profile(s): Management Services ; Technology Extension

View all competency profiles

The intent of this hiring action is to staff this position at the RCO-3 or RCO-4 level, which is mid to senior-career level position with a salary range of $117,341 to $164,894. 

NOTE: Please note that the full RO/RCO salary scale has five levels. Salary determination will be based on a review of the candidate’s expertise, outcomes and impacts of their previous work experience relative to the requirements of the level.  As such, the initial salary could be within another level of the RO/RCO salary scale (i.e. above or below the intended level for this position).

In addition, the incumbent who meets the language requirements will receive the Bilingualism Bonus of $800 per year.

NRC employees enjoy a wide-range of competitive benefits including a robust pension plan, comprehensive health and dental coverage, disability and life insurance, office closure at the end of December, and additional supports to enhance your well-being throughout your career and beyond.

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Anything is possible at the National Research Council (NRC), recently named one of Canada’s 2025 Top Employers for Young People, a 2025 Top Employer in the National Capital Region and Forbes Canada’s Best Employers!

As Canada’s leading research and technology organization, our world-renowned research pushes the boundaries of science and engineering to make the impossible, possible. Every day we explore new ideas through innovative research and help companies discover possibilities that impact Canada’s future and the world.

At the NRC, you’ll also discover new possibilities. Our supportive workplace fosters a culture of creativity, welcoming fresh perspectives and innovation at all levels. We value teamwork. You’ll collaborate across multiple fields and with the brightest minds to find creative solutions. Most importantly, you’ll discover what’s possible within you as you grow, make valuable contributions and progress in your professional journey. From ground-breaking discoveries to a life-changing career, discover your possible at the NRC.

• Relocation assistance will be determined in accordance with the NRC's directives.
• This position is being advertised internally and externally simultaneously, however first consideration will be given to internal NRC applicants.
• ​A pre-qualified list may be established for similar positions for a one year period.
• Preference will be given to Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents of Canada. Please include citizenship information in your application.
• The incumbent must adhere to safe workplace practices at all times.
• We thank all those who apply, however only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

Please direct your questions, with the requisition number (22966) to:

E-mail: NRC.NRCHiring-EmbaucheCNRC.CNRC@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca

Telephone: 3439909603 

Closing Date: Friday, July 25, 2025 - 23:59 Eastern Time

For more information on career tools and other resources, check out Career tools and resources

*If you are currently a term or continuing employee at NRC, please apply through the SuccessFactors Careers module from your NRC computer.