The Deputy Minister - Real Property Management is a senior executive position responsible for leading the real property management function within Department of National Defence. In this role, you oversee the strategic direction, policy development, and operational delivery of real property services across DND's extensive portfolio of military installations, training facilities, and administrative buildings. You provide expert advice to senior departmental leadership on real property issues, manage substantial budgets, and ensure alignment with government-wide real property management standards and Treasury Board directives.
Your responsibilities include developing and implementing real property strategies that support defence capability and operational requirements, managing relationships with other government departments and external stakeholders, and ensuring compliance with federal environmental and sustainability regulations. You lead a team of real property professionals and coordinate with multiple branches within DND to ensure that infrastructure investments support the department's strategic objectives. This position requires strong financial acumen, strategic thinking, and the ability to manage complex, long-term capital projects across diverse geographic locations.
Working at this senior management level means engaging with deputy ministers, senior military leadership, and government partners on matters of national importance. Your decisions directly impact the department's ability to maintain operational readiness and deliver on its defence mandate. The work environment is dynamic, involving policy analysis, stakeholder management, and oversight of major infrastructure initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
Provide strategic direction and leadership for general real property 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
Property management, Building systems knowledge, Contract administration, Project coordination, Regulatory compliance, Executive leadership, Strategic vision, Stakeholder management at the most senior levels, Ministerial advisory
Typical Education
Graduate degree typically required; extensive senior executive experience in the federal public service
Training
Candidates typically hold a university degree in a relevant discipline such as engineering, business administration, project management, or public administration. Many successful candidates possess advanced qualifications including a Master's degree in Business Administration (MBA), Master of Public Administration (MPA), or specialized credentials in real property management, facilities management, or project management.
Professional certifications are valued, such as Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Property Manager (CPM), or credentials from recognized real property and facilities management associations. Experience with Treasury Board policies, government financial management systems, and federal procurement processes is essential. Candidates should demonstrate continuous professional development through participation in executive leadership programs, strategic management courses, and industry conferences related to real property and infrastructure management. Knowledge of DND's specific operational context and familiarity with federal real property frameworks is highly advantageous.
Entry Plans
Entry to this Deputy Minister-level position typically occurs through open competitions advertised by the Public Service Commission (PSC). Candidates usually come from senior management positions within the federal public service, Crown corporations, or the private sector with significant real property, infrastructure, or project management experience. Many appointees have progressed through intermediate and senior management levels within DND or other government departments, building specialized knowledge and demonstrating executive capability.
Lateral moves from other departments with strong real property or capital management mandates are common, as are appointments of individuals with extensive private sector experience in real property, engineering, or facilities management. The competition process includes detailed evaluation of leadership experience, strategic vision, financial management expertise, and ability to work effectively in the government environment. Candidates are expected to meet the eligibility requirements set by the PSC, including Canadian citizenship and the ability to obtain necessary security clearances. Executive recruitment consultants are often engaged to ensure a competitive, merit-based selection process.
Part-Time Options
Deputy Minister-level positions are typically full-time, permanent roles given the strategic and executive nature of the responsibilities. These positions generally do not offer part-time arrangements, as the role requires consistent presence for senior departmental leadership engagement, decision-making, and stakeholder management. However, flexible work arrangements, including hybrid or remote work options, may be negotiated on a case-by-case basis depending on operational requirements and deputy minister preferences, subject to departmental needs and Treasury Board guidelines. Discussions about work arrangements are typically addressed during the appointment process with senior DND leadership. The demands of senior executive roles in government mean that occasional weekend or after-hours availability may be required for urgent matters affecting defence operations and departmental priorities.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
