As a Director of Infrastructure Operations, you will lead and manage the planning, implementation, and maintenance of information technology infrastructure systems across DND and Canadian Armed Forces operations. You will be responsible for overseeing teams of IT professionals, setting strategic direction for infrastructure initiatives, and ensuring systems meet operational requirements while optimizing costs and performance. This role combines technical expertise with leadership, requiring you to make critical decisions that impact military readiness and civilian operations.
Your responsibilities include developing infrastructure strategies aligned with departmental priorities, managing budgets and resources, directing system upgrades and modernization projects, and ensuring cybersecurity and business continuity standards are met. You will work with senior management, other government departments, and external technology partners to deliver reliable IT infrastructure. This is a demanding leadership role that requires strong problem-solving skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to manage complex technical and human resources.
You will work in a dynamic environment where technological change is constant and operational demands can be urgent. Your office will typically be located at a DND facility, though you may travel to other locations to oversee operations or attend meetings. You will balance strategic planning with hands-on oversight of critical infrastructure systems that support national defence.
Key Responsibilities
Plan and manage the delivery of infrastructure operations services and programs, Supervise and develop staff within the infrastructure operations team, Monitor performance metrics and report on results, Develop and implement operational plans and procedures, Manage stakeholder relationships and ensure service quality
Required Skills
Systems administration, Programming/scripting, Network and security, Cloud technologies, ITIL/ITSM practices, 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
You will typically need a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, engineering, or a related field. Many successful candidates hold master's degrees in business administration, information systems management, or technology leadership. Professional certifications are valued, such as Project Management Professional (PMP), Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL), CompTIA Security+, or vendor-specific certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, or similar technology providers.
The Government of Canada and DND invest in continuous professional development for directors. You will have access to leadership training, advanced technical certifications, and specialized courses in areas like cybersecurity, cloud computing, and enterprise architecture. Many directors pursue additional qualifications through universities and professional associations while employed. A security clearance will be required and provided through the hiring process; you should be prepared to meet these requirements before starting.
Entry Plans
Most Directors of Infrastructure Operations in the DND civilian workforce enter through competitive staffing processes. You may apply for advertised competitions at the Director level, which typically require 8-10 years of progressive experience in IT infrastructure management, with at least 3-5 years in a senior management or director-equivalent role.
Alternative entry pathways include lateral moves from other Government of Canada departments or the private sector, where you would bring relevant IT infrastructure leadership experience and transition into the DND environment. Some candidates advance into Director roles after several years working in Senior IT Officer or Manager-level positions within DND or other federal departments.
The Public Service Commission posts competitions on the GC Jobs website (jobs.gc.ca). You can also contact DND's Civilian Recruitment Centre to learn about upcoming opportunities, eligibility requirements, and any student or early-career programs that may lead to Director-level positions. Networking with current DND IT leaders and staying informed about departmental priorities can strengthen your candidacy.
Part-Time Options
Director-level positions are typically full-time roles due to the strategic and operational responsibilities involved. However, the Government of Canada does offer flexible work arrangements for managers and directors where operationally feasible.
Remote and hybrid work options have expanded across DND and may be available for certain Director positions, particularly those focused on planning and strategy rather than on-site infrastructure management. The extent of flexibility depends on your specific duties, team location, and departmental needs. Many directors work standard business hours, though you should expect occasional requirements to be available outside regular hours during infrastructure incidents or critical operational situations.
Work-life balance initiatives, compressed work weeks, and leave options (such as sabbatical leave) are available to eligible federal employees. These arrangements must be negotiated with your manager and approved based on operational requirements. It is recommended to discuss flexible work options during the hiring process to understand what accommodations may be possible for your specific role.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
