As a Director of Performance and Talent Management, you will lead the strategic development and implementation of human resources programs that drive organizational performance and employee engagement across Defence and Climate Change Canada. You will direct a team of HR professionals responsible for designing and managing talent acquisition, performance management systems, succession planning, and employee development initiatives. Your leadership will shape how the organization attracts, develops, and retains talented public servants who support Canada's defence and security mission.
In this role, you will work at the senior management level, reporting to senior leadership and collaborating with departments across the organization. You will develop HR policies and programs aligned with Treasury Board guidelines, Public Service Labour Relations Act requirements, and Government of Canada priorities. Your responsibilities include overseeing recruitment campaigns, designing performance evaluation frameworks, implementing talent development programs, and ensuring compliance with employment equity and diversity initiatives.
You will work in a dynamic federal environment where your decisions impact thousands of employees. This role offers the opportunity to influence organizational culture, improve employee retention, and build the HR infrastructure needed to support Canada's defence capabilities and climate action commitments.
Key Responsibilities
Plan and manage the delivery of performance and talent management services and programs, Supervise and develop staff within the performance and talent management team, Monitor performance metrics and report on results, Develop and implement operational plans and procedures, Manage stakeholder relationships and ensure service quality
Required Skills
HR policy interpretation, Interpersonal skills, Staffing and classification, Conflict resolution, Labour relations knowledge, 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 succeed in this role, you should have a university degree in human resources management, business administration, organizational psychology, or a related field. Many successful candidates hold a Master's degree in Business Administration (MBA) or a specialized HR qualification such as the Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) or equivalent designation from a Canadian HR professional body.
You will need demonstrated experience in human resources management, preferably including talent management, performance management systems, or organizational development. Experience working in large, complex organizations—particularly government or public sector environments—is valuable. Professional development opportunities in this role include attending advanced leadership programs, pursuing specialized HR certifications, and participating in Government of Canada training on federal HR policy and legislation. DND supports continuous learning through access to professional development funds and tuition support for relevant qualifications.
Entry Plans
Entry into this Director-level position typically occurs through external or internal recruitment competitions advertised on the Government of Canada Jobs website. Qualified candidates may enter through several pathways:
Experienced HR professionals from the private sector can apply when competitions are open to the public. Lateral moves from other federal departments are common, particularly for HR managers with federal public service experience who have demonstrated the required competencies. Internal candidates from within DND's HR branch may advance to this level after successfully performing in senior HR specialist or manager roles.
The Public Service Commission conducts staffing processes for Director-level positions. Candidates must successfully complete a rigorous assessment process that typically includes written examinations, interviews, and reference checks. Priority is given to Canadian citizens, and consideration is given to veterans' hiring initiatives where applicable. Some positions may be filled through advertised pools that allow multiple placements. Appointment to this role requires security clearance eligibility and a strong understanding of Government of Canada HR frameworks, collective bargaining, and public sector management.
Part-Time Options
Director-level positions in Human Resources Management are typically full-time, full-year roles due to the strategic and leadership responsibilities involved. However, the Government of Canada is committed to work-life balance and flexible arrangements where operationally feasible.
Depending on organizational needs and individual circumstances, some flexibility may be available such as compressed work weeks or staggered hours, negotiated on a case-by-case basis with your manager. Remote work arrangements may be possible for portions of your week, particularly for tasks involving policy development, analysis, or virtual meetings. However, this role requires regular presence for team leadership, stakeholder engagement, and strategic meetings.
Any flexible work arrangements must be discussed and approved during the hiring process or as changes in circumstances occur. The organization's operational requirements—including the need for consistent leadership presence and real-time decision-making—will determine what flexibility is available. DND encourages managers and employees to discuss work arrangements that support both business needs and employee wellbeing.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
