As an Assistant Deputy Minister (ADM) in Project Management, you provide senior executive leadership and strategic direction for managing the Department of National Defence's most complex and critical projects. In this role, you oversee the planning, delivery, and governance of major defence initiatives that span multiple years and millions of dollars. You report directly to the Deputy Minister and work collaboratively with other senior leaders, military commanders, and external stakeholders to ensure projects align with government priorities and deliver measurable results.
Your day-to-day responsibilities include setting project management standards and policies across the department, reviewing major project business cases and strategic plans, and making key decisions on project scope, budget, and timelines. You manage a team of experienced project managers and specialists, mentor senior leaders, and ensure that lessons learned from projects are captured and shared. You also represent DND in meetings with Treasury Board, other government departments, and external partners when major defence projects are discussed.
You work in a fast-paced, evidence-based environment where decisions affect defence capabilities, military readiness, and public investment. Your work requires balancing competing priorities, managing risk, and maintaining the highest standards of public accountability and transparency.
Key Responsibilities
Provide strategic direction and leadership for project management programs and initiatives, Advise senior management on policy and operational matters, Manage human and financial resources to achieve organizational objectives, Represent the organization in interdepartmental and external forums, Ensure compliance with Treasury Board policies and Government of Canada directives
Required Skills
Organizational skills, Written and oral communication, MS Office proficiency, Time management, Attention to detail, Senior executive leadership, Strategic planning, Policy direction, Cross-functional management
Typical Education
Graduate degree preferred; significant experience at the executive level in the public service
Training
To succeed in this role, you typically hold a university degree in a relevant field such as business administration, engineering, public administration, or project management. Most candidates at this level have earned professional credentials such as PMP (Project Management Professional), PMI-PgMP (Program Management Professional), or an equivalent certification recognized by the Canadian project management community.
You should have completed senior leadership development programs offered by the Canada School of Public Service or equivalent institutions. Many ADMs have also pursued executive education through Canadian universities or international institutions focused on strategic management and governance.
Ongoing professional development is expected at this level. The federal Public Service supports your participation in industry conferences, advanced certifications, and executive coaching. You are encouraged to maintain memberships with professional organizations such as the Project Management Institute of Canada and to stay current with emerging best practices in large-scale project delivery.
Entry Plans
Entry to the ADM level in the federal Public Service is highly competitive and typically requires progression through several career stages. Most candidates begin their federal career as Project Managers or Senior Project Managers and advance through increasingly complex roles over 10 to 15 years. Within DND, you may enter as a PM-04 or PM-05 project manager and progress through promotions as you demonstrate leadership capability and deliver successful projects.
ADM positions are advertised through Government of Canada job postings (Canada.ca/jobs) and are open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents. Recruitment processes for ADM-level roles are conducted by the Public Service Commission and typically involve a rigorous assessment including written examinations, panel interviews, and reference checks. Some candidates may enter an executive talent pool or leadership development program designed to prepare high-potential managers for senior roles.
Lateral moves from other federal departments are common at this level. If you are a senior government manager from another department with strong project delivery experience, you may be considered for an ADM position through an external competition. The Department of National Defence also values candidates with military backgrounds who have transitioned to civilian project management roles.
Part-Time Options
ADM positions are full-time executive roles and are not typically offered on a part-time basis due to the strategic nature of the responsibilities and the requirement for continuous engagement with senior government leadership. However, like all federal employees, you are entitled to standard leave entitlements including annual vacation, sick leave, and unpaid personal leave in accordance with Treasury Board policies.
Flexible work arrangements, including occasional remote work days, may be negotiated with your Deputy Minister on a case-by-case basis, particularly for focused strategic work or during periods when extensive travel is not required. Given the executive nature of the role, you should expect to be present in the National Capital Region for the majority of your time and to attend in-person meetings with senior leaders, Treasury Board officials, and key stakeholders. Travel to other DND locations, military bases, and government offices across Canada is a regular part of the role.
Work-life balance initiatives and employee wellness programs are available to all federal employees at your level. Many ADMs work with their Human Resources advisor to develop flexible schedules that support their personal needs while maintaining their executive responsibilities.
