As a Director of Contract Management within the Department of National Defence, you will lead a team responsible for developing, negotiating, and overseeing contracts that support military operations and defence initiatives. This role is critical to ensuring the DND obtains goods, services, and construction at the best value while maintaining the highest standards of integrity and compliance with federal procurement legislation. You will manage complex contracts valued in the millions of dollars, working with suppliers, internal stakeholders, and other government departments to achieve strategic objectives.
In this position, you will oversee the full contract lifecycle, from initial planning and competitive procurement processes through contract administration and closure. Your responsibilities include setting contract management policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with Treasury Board and Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) directives, and managing risks associated with supplier performance and contract delivery. You will also mentor and develop your team, ensuring they have the skills and knowledge to manage increasingly complex procurements in a dynamic defence environment.
You will work in a professional office environment, primarily at a DND headquarters location, though travel to procurement sites, supplier facilities, or other government offices may be required. This role demands strong analytical skills, sound judgment, and the ability to balance competing priorities while maintaining ethical standards in all procurement activities.
Key Responsibilities
Plan and manage the delivery of contract management services and programs, Supervise and develop staff within the contract management team, Monitor performance metrics and report on results, Develop and implement operational plans and procedures, Manage stakeholder relationships and ensure service quality
Bachelor's degree or equivalent; significant experience in the relevant discipline with demonstrated leadership
Training
To qualify for this position, you typically need a bachelor's degree from a recognized institution, preferably in business administration, supply chain management, economics, public administration, or a related field. Many successful candidates have progressed through the contract management career stream, starting as Contract Advisors or Specialists and gaining experience in progressively complex procurements.
Professional certifications enhance your credentials and are highly valued. The Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM) designation, offered through the National Contract Management Association (NCMA), demonstrates expertise in the field. Government of Canada procurement certifications through Treasury Board and PSPC learning modules are also important. The Treasury Board's Contracting Learning System provides foundational and advanced training in federal procurement legislation, including the Trade Agreements Act and Treasury Board directives.
Ongoing professional development is expected, including participation in Treasury Board training updates, contract law updates, and industry best practices. DND supports employees pursuing advanced certifications and offers access to learning platforms covering supply chain management, leadership development, and government-specific procurement processes.
Entry Plans
Entry to this director-level position typically occurs through internal competition within the federal Public Service. Most candidates have progressed through the Contract Management career stream, building experience as Contract Advisors, Senior Contract Advisors, or Contract Specialists before advancing to managerial roles. Treasury Board Job Architecture positions are filled through competitive processes advertised on the Government of Canada Jobs website.
You may enter this career field through various pathways: directly as a Contract Advisor with a relevant degree, through a lateral move from another supply chain or procurement role in the federal government, or by progressing internally within DND. Students can gain experience through the Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP) or Co-op programs in supply chain or procurement roles, which often lead to indeterminate positions upon graduation.
If you are already a federal public servant in a related field—such as procurement, project management, or supply chain logistics—you may be able to transition into the Contract Management stream. External candidates can apply for entry-level Contract Advisor positions when competitions are open, building the experience necessary for director-level advancement.
Part-Time Options
Director-level positions in Contract Management are typically full-time permanent roles, as the responsibilities of team leadership, policy development, and strategic contract oversight require consistent presence and availability. However, the federal Public Service does offer flexible work arrangements that may be negotiated on an individual basis depending on operational requirements and management approval.
While full-time work is the standard expectation, some flexibility in work hours and location may be available. Remote work options have expanded across the Public Service and may be possible for certain aspects of this role, particularly administrative and planning work, though regular in-person attendance at the office is typically required for team meetings, stakeholder engagement, and sensitive discussions.
Part-time or job-share arrangements for director-level positions are uncommon but not impossible; these would need to be discussed with your manager and approved by departmental leadership. If you are interested in flexible work arrangements, these topics should be explored during the hiring process or after taking on the role, as accommodation depends on operational needs and team structure.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
