As a Director of Cleaning Services within the Department of National Defence, you will lead and manage comprehensive cleaning and custodial operations across military facilities. This role involves overseeing teams of cleaning staff, establishing service standards, and ensuring facilities meet health, safety, and operational requirements. You will report to senior management and work collaboratively with other departments to maintain DND properties in optimal condition.
Your key responsibilities include planning and organizing cleaning schedules, managing budgets and resources, implementing quality assurance procedures, and ensuring compliance with environmental and workplace safety regulations. You will supervise cleaning personnel, conduct performance evaluations, and provide guidance on best practices in facility maintenance. This position requires strong organizational skills and the ability to balance multiple priorities across diverse facility types, from administrative offices to specialized military installations.
The work environment is dynamic and detail-oriented. You will spend time both in offices conducting administrative duties and visiting facilities to inspect cleaning standards and address operational challenges. This role offers the opportunity to make a direct impact on the working environment for thousands of military personnel and civilian employees across DND sites.
Key Responsibilities
Plan and manage the delivery of cleaning services services and programs, Supervise and develop staff within the cleaning services team, Monitor performance metrics and report on results, Develop and implement operational plans and procedures, Manage stakeholder relationships and ensure service quality
Required Skills
Client service, Business acumen, Negotiation, Process management, Communication, Team leadership, Operational planning, Stakeholder engagement, Results management
Typical Education
Bachelor's degree or equivalent; significant experience in the relevant discipline with demonstrated leadership
Training
To be competitive for this role, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with additional training in facility management, custodial operations, or business administration being advantageous. Many candidates possess a diploma or degree in facilities management, business administration, or a related field from a recognized institution.
Professional certifications that strengthen your candidacy include credentials in facilities management (such as those offered by the International Facility Management Association), supervisory and management training, and certifications in occupational health and safety. Within the Government of Canada, you will have access to professional development opportunities including management training programs, advanced certifications in facility operations, and specialized courses in areas such as environmental compliance and budgeting.
The Government of Canada supports continuous learning through online courses, in-person workshops, and tuition reimbursement for job-related studies. Many Directors of Cleaning Services pursue additional qualifications in sustainable facility management and advanced custodial technologies throughout their careers.
Entry Plans
There are several pathways to becoming a Director of Cleaning Services with the Government of Canada. Most candidates enter through public service competitions advertised on the Government of Canada's official job board (jobs.gc.ca). Positions are typically open to Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and may specify preference for returning residents.
You may also enter this career through lateral moves if you have equivalent management experience in other sectors, such as private facility management, hospitality, or retail operations. The Government of Canada values transferable skills in team leadership, budget management, and operational planning. Some candidates progress internally by starting in entry-level cleaning positions and advancing through supervisory roles as they gain experience and complete additional training.
The Government of Canada also hosts periodic recruitment pools and may offer priority consideration to military veterans and Indigenous applicants. Student internship programs and recent graduate programs can provide pathways into the federal public service, allowing you to gain initial experience before competing for Director-level positions. All candidates must pass a security clearance process appropriate to the position's classification level.
Part-Time Options
The Director - Cleaning Services role is typically offered as a full-time, permanent position. However, the Government of Canada recognizes the importance of work-life balance and offers flexible work arrangements where operationally feasible.
Depending on facility needs and management approval, this position may accommodate flexible scheduling, compressed work weeks, or staggered hours to support work-life balance. Some Directors of Cleaning Services arrange schedules that allow them to work core hours while managing teams across different shifts. Remote work options are limited due to the on-site supervisory requirements; however, administrative portions of the role may be completed from home or alternative work locations with managerial approval.
Parental leave, caregiving leave, and other work-life balance programs available to federal public servants are fully accessible in this role. The Government of Canada's Employee Assistance Program provides additional support resources. When considering this position, discuss specific flexibility options during the hiring process, as arrangements depend on operational requirements of your assigned facilities.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
