Government of Canada / Gouvernement du Canada

Director - Investigation

NOC 10010 Investigation Director or equivalent Non-Digital
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Overview

As a Director - Investigation, you lead investigation operations within the Department of National Defence, providing strategic direction and oversight of complex investigations related to financial, administrative, or operational matters. You are responsible for managing investigation teams, establishing investigation priorities and standards, and ensuring investigations are conducted in compliance with federal legislation and departmental policies. This role reports to senior management and contributes to organizational accountability and integrity. You work in a dynamic environment where your decisions directly impact the department's investigative capacity and its ability to address misconduct, fraud, waste, and other breaches of policy. Your leadership ensures that investigations are thorough, impartial, and conducted with the highest professional standards.

Key Responsibilities

Plan and manage the delivery of investigation services and programs, Supervise and develop staff within the investigation team, Monitor performance metrics and report on results, Develop and implement operational plans and procedures, Manage stakeholder relationships and ensure service quality

Required Skills

Analytical skills, Risk assessment, Report writing, Professional skepticism, Data analysis, 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 qualify for this position, you typically need a university degree in a relevant field such as law, public administration, business, or accounting, combined with progressive experience in investigation, audit, compliance, or related areas. Many successful candidates hold professional certifications such as Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), or equivalent credentials. The Government of Canada offers extensive professional development opportunities, including formal training in investigation techniques, management and leadership development, fraud examination, and specialized courses offered through the Canadian Centre for Management Development. Once appointed, you may pursue advanced certifications or participate in executive leadership programs to support career progression. The department also supports training in areas such as financial investigation, evidence handling, and federal legislation relevant to your mandate.

Entry Plans

Entry into this Director-level position typically occurs through federal government staffing competitions open to Canadian citizens. You may enter as an internal candidate if you are already employed in the Public Service and meet the stated qualifications, or as an external candidate through public recruitment. The Public Service Commission manages these competitions and posts opportunities on the Government of Canada Jobs website. Many Directors - Investigation progress through intermediate positions such as Senior Investigation Officer or Manager - Investigation within the department or across the federal public service, allowing you to build the required experience and establish your track record. Lateral moves from related fields such as audit, compliance, or law enforcement are also common. The department may also use bridging mechanisms for individuals with equivalent experience in provincial or municipal government, or the private sector, though federal investigative experience is highly valued.

Part-Time Options

Director-level positions are typically full-time appointments due to the strategic leadership responsibilities and the need for consistent oversight of investigation operations. However, the federal Public Service does accommodate flexible work arrangements, including compressed work weeks or flexible hours, on a case-by-case basis and subject to operational requirements. Remote work may be available for portions of your work, particularly for administrative and planning activities, though this role requires regular in-person presence for team leadership, stakeholder meetings, and operational oversight. Requests for flexible arrangements are discussed with your manager and must align with the investigation function's operational needs. Part-time work at the Director level is not standard, as the role requires full-time commitment to strategic and leadership responsibilities.