Managing Director, Canada (m/f/d)

Mission Brief As the Managing Director Launch Site Canada, you will be the first person on the ground and the driving force behind establishing our Canadian launch site and operations. You will lead all launch related activities while simultaneously building and managing the Canadian legal entity, ensuring compliance, infrastructure readiness, and strong relationships with authorities and partners. This is a rare opportunity to shape a national spaceport presence from day one. In the early years, your primary mission will be to build the foundation for future launch campaigns : securing regulatory approvals, developing infrastructure, establishing operational processes, and assembling a high performing team. You will lead the development of the site, prepare all systems and procedures for launch readiness, and ensure the Canadian entity is fully compliant, well governed, and aligned with our global organization. Once the site becomes operational, you will oversee launch campaigns, pad operations, and mission execution. You will report to the Canadian Board of Directors and disciplinarily to the VP Mission & Launch Operations and work closely with global teams in Germany, Norway and Sweden across Launch Operations, Engineering, HR, Finance, Legal, and Infrastructure. Your Role in Our Space Mission: 1. Launch Operations Leadership Build Up Phase: Lead the development of the Canadian launch site from concept to operational readiness Build relationships with Canadian authorities to secure necessary launch, environmental, and operational approvals Define the operational architecture for future launch campaigns, including procedures, staffing plans, and safety frameworks Coordinate with global engineering and launch teams to ensure site design aligns with vehicle requirements Locally implement documentation, processes, and tools needed for future launch operations Oversee procurement, contractor management, and construction activities related to launch infrastructure Recruit and develop the initial launch site team Operational Phase: Oversee all launch ‑ related activities, including vehicle integration, pad readiness, payload integration, and lift ‑ off chronology Develop detailed launch plans and campaign timelines in coordination with global launch teams Lead and grow a multidisciplinary launch operations team as the site scales Identify opportunities to shorten launch campaign timelines and improve operational efficiency Maintain accurate and up ‑ to ‑ date launch documentation aligned with global standards Monitor launch performance, conduct post ‑ launch reviews, and drive continuous improvement 2. M anaging Director Responsibilities Strategic Leadership Establish the Canadian entity and build a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement Foster strong alignment with the parent company and global stakeholders Represent the company in Canada as its senior executive and public face Operational Management Serve as the registered Managing Director, ensuring daily operations comply with Canadian legislation and Board directives Oversee administrative operations until the Manager Infrastructure, Safety & Service is hired, after which you remain accountable for overall governance Implement lean, compliant, and product ‑ centric processes aligned with global guidelines Corporate Governance & Compliance Ensure the Canadian entity operates within Canadian corporate governance principles and regulatory frameworks Maintain transparent and accountable organizational structures and statutory reporting Implement internal controls and risk management systems Stay current on legislative changes and ensure organizational compliance Financial Management Oversee lawful maintenance of accounts and sound financial management Collaborate with global Finance on budgeting, forecasting, and financial performance monitoring Support financial audits and ensure timely reporting Identify cost ‑ saving opportunities and drive financial…