Looking Ahead: What 2026 Could Mean for Executive Hiring in Ottawa

Now that we’re officially into 2026, it feels like the right time to pause and take stock of what’s unfolding around us.

The final months of 2025 offered some clear signals. Job vacancies softened, roughly 25,000 roles disappeared across the city, and unemployment began to increase. With further reductions in the public service expected, it’s reasonable to assume the year ahead may feel unsettled for many organizations.

That doesn’t mean it’s without opportunity.

Times like this tend to force important conversations: about leadership, structure and what organizations truly need to succeed in a more constrained environment.

A City Navigating Change

Ottawa’s labour market has always been shaped by the public sector, and 2026 is likely to reinforce that reality. As budgets tighten and teams are asked to do more with less, leadership decisions are coming under greater scrutiny.

Organizations are asking tougher questions:

• Do we have the right leadership in place for the next phase?
• Are roles and responsibilities clearly defined?
• Are our leaders equipped to manage uncertainty, not just growth?

Hiring may slow in some areas, but leadership change rarely stops altogether. In fact, it often accelerates when organizations realize that stability requires adaptability.

A Generational Shift at the Leadership Level

Something else we’re seeing more frequently is leadership turnover that’s been quietly building for years.

Many senior leaders are reaching natural transition points, and organizations are having to move sooner than planned. In some cases, that means promoting people who were always next in line. In others, it means rethinking what leadership needs to look like altogether.

There’s upside to that. New leaders often bring a different lens and a willingness to question old assumptions. But stepping into a senior role right now isn’t easy. The margin for error is small, and the pace doesn’t slow down while someone gets their footing.

The organizations that handle these transitions well tend to be the ones that acknowledge that reality and invest time and attention in helping leaders settle into the role, rather than expecting immediate perfection.

Where We’re Seeing Momentum

While the broader outlook remains cautious, there are areas of genuine optimism in Ottawa.

The defence and security sector continues to demonstrate resilience and long-term opportunity, supported by sustained investment and global demand. Tourism and hospitality are regaining momentum as travel and events rebound. And throughout it all, non-profit and community organizations continue to play a vital role in the city’s economic and social fabric, attracting leaders motivated by purpose and impact.

Across these sectors, we’re seeing organizations think more deliberately about leadership, not just who to hire, but how to set leaders up for success once they’re in the role.

What Executive Hiring Looks Like in 2026

This is not shaping up to be a year of aggressive expansion. Instead, it’s a year of precision.

Executive hiring in 2026 is likely to focus on:

• Succession planning rather than reactive searches
• Leaders who can navigate ambiguity and earn trust quickly
• Cultural alignment and leadership style, not just experience
• Stronger emphasis on post-hire integration and support

The most successful organizations will be those that view leadership as a long-term investment, not a transactional decision.

A Measured but Hopeful Outlook

There’s no denying that 2026 will bring challenges. But periods of transition often clarify what matters most and expose where leadership truly makes the difference.

For organizations willing to be thoughtful and intentional, this year has the potential to lay the groundwork for future growth and stability.

At Keynote Search, we remain focused on supporting organizations across Ottawa as they navigate these leadership decisions, helping ensure that when change happens. Because strong leadership doesn’t eliminate uncertainty, but it does make it manageable.