Director; Business Development Asia Pacific

Founded in 2000 by three former Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) CF-18 fighter pilots who identified an opportunity to improve military readiness training, Top Aces has since established itself as the world leader in contracted adversary air (ADAIR) services and joint terminal attack controller (JTAC) training. We pride ourselves on our unblemished safety record, having flown an industry leading 130,000+ hours of operational training without accident in support of customers worldwide, including Canada, the U.S., Germany, and multiple other NATO allies and international partner nations. Our vision is to be the most trusted provider of innovative defense training solutions, continuously elevating standards in an industry where "Experience Matters." This commitment to innovation and technology ensures we remain adaptable, training allied militaries to succeed against evolving threats. Top Aces’ dynamic team contributes to delivering on our purpose of training the next generation of combat leaders by living our values of Service, Integrity, Excellence, and Together every day!

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• The Asia Pacific Business Development Director is a senior member of the Top Aces International Business Development team and is responsible for leading marketing, government engagement, and business development activities across the Asia Pacific region to achieve strategic and financial objectives.
• This role oversees the development and execution of Top Aces’ regional government relations strategy, strengthens relationships with defense ministries and key stakeholders, and drives growth in airborne training and defense aviation services throughout the Indo Pacific.

Strategic Planning

• Engage senior government, military, and industry officials to provide insight into Top Aces’ combat support and airborne training solutions.
• Collaborate with senior Top Aces executives to provide deeper understanding of APAC defence customer motivations, requirements, and procurement environments.
• Contribute to long term strategic planning for regional growth, partnerships, and capability development.
• Develop and maintain the Asia Pacific Business Development strategy to:
• Expand Top Aces’ presence in fighter-centric training and advanced airborne training missions.
• Shape future air combat training programs to maximize Top Aces’ competitive advantage.
• Introduce advanced adversary platforms into APAC markets in alignment with regional air force requirements and corporate strategy.
• Lead and participate in new business capture efforts, including opportunity identification, RFI/RFP assessment, bid strategy, and management of the Bid Team.
• Create comprehensive capture plans based on deep knowledge of customer organizations, procurement processes, and operational needs.
• Serve as a focal point for identifying marketing opportunities and positioning Top Aces for success across APAC.
• Conduct business intelligence and market analysis across relevant Indo-Pacific markets, including:
• Market conditions, trends, competitors, threats, opportunities, and barriers to entry.
• Market sizing (revenue and profit potential).
• Target market share and competitive positioning.
• Participate in the development and presentation of unsolicited proposals, capability briefings, and information sessions to potential customers and partners.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams—engineering, operations, finance, and maintenance—to develop new strategies and business opportunities.
• Represent and promote the Top Aces brand at key Asia Pacific and international defense industry events.
• Contribute to the achievement of financial targets and overall regional growth.

Government Relations Responsibilities

• Lead the planning and execution of Top Aces’ Government Relations (GR) strategy for Asia Pacific campaigns.
• Increase government and public awareness of Top Aces’ capabilities through coordinated and proactive GR initiatives.
• Work closely with internal teams to identify, understand, and manage government-related issues, regulatory matters, and policy developments aligned with strategic priorities.
• Identify key decision-makers and influencers across APAC defense ministries, air forces, and regulatory bodies; develop targeted materials including briefing notes, submissions, and presentations.
• Support Top Aces leadership in managing critical incidents or issues affecting government relations.
• Monitor and analyze relevant public policy, defense legislation, regulatory changes, and geopolitical developments across the Indo-Pacific.

Education and Work Experience Requirements

• Undergraduate degree required; MBA or equivalent advanced degree is an asset.
• Proven track record of success in business development or capture leadership within the aerospace, defense, or government services sectors.
• Strong experience working with Asia Pacific defense ministries, air forces, or government procurement agencies.
• Minimum 5 years of senior-level experience supporting government proposal responses in aerospace and/or defense.
• Fighter aviation experience an asset.
• Experience with APAC government tender processes, defense acquisition frameworks, and complex proposal development.
• Comprehensive understanding of government structures, decision-making processes, and defense procurement cycles in the Indo-Pacific.
• Customer-focused, self-motivated, and driven by results with strong follow-through.
• Excellent communication skills in English; additional APAC languages (Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Hindi, Bahasa, etc.) are an asset.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to initiate, build, and maintain relationships with senior officials and industry partners.
• Ability to work under pressure, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines while maintaining professionalism and service excellence.
• Strong independent work ethic with the ability to complete assignments within established guidelines and best practices.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, SharePoint, and CRM tools.
• Ability to perform all work in support of our Corporate Values of Excellence, Service, Integrity … Together.

Working Conditions:

• Travel may be required for the position.

Occupational Health and Safety:

• Employees are responsible for:
• Working in compliance with Occupational Health and Safety acts and regulations.
• Following safe work practices and procedures and using safeguards and personal protective equipment.
• Reporting hazards (such as unsafe situations and activities) to their supervisor immediately.

Security Clearance Requirements/ CGP / ITAR:

• Position requires Level II clearance with the Canadian Government and the ability to gain access to the Canadian Controlled Goods Program.

By joining Top Aces, you will find:

• A work environment in which service, integrity, excellence and teamwork are highly valued;
• Opportunities for development and growth;
• Multidisciplinary and multicultural collaboration at a local and global level;
• A flexible schedule;
• Attractive benefit plan.

Come share your passion with us! Here, you’ll be encouraged, empowered, and challenged to be your best self.

Equal Employment Opportunity

At Top Aces, all employees are welcome regardless of race, nationality, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability or age. The masculine form may be used in this job description solely for ease of reading but refers to men, women and gender diversity.