As a Director of Real Property Agreements within the Department of National Defence, you will lead the management, negotiation, and administration of real property agreements that support Canada's defence and security operations. This senior leadership role involves overseeing a team responsible for developing policy frameworks, managing complex contracts, and ensuring compliance with Treasury Board directives and federal legislation. You will work at the strategic level to optimize the use of Crown properties, manage lease agreements, and coordinate with internal stakeholders and external partners across government and the private sector.
In this position, you will be responsible for directing the development and implementation of real property agreement strategies that align with DND's operational requirements and financial objectives. Your work will include negotiating terms and conditions with landlords and service providers, managing disputes, and ensuring all agreements comply with relevant regulations. You will also provide expert advice to senior management on real property matters, identify opportunities for cost savings and efficiency improvements, and ensure the department's real property portfolio supports its mission and vision.
This role operates within a dynamic government environment where you will interact regularly with senior leadership, other federal departments, provincial and municipal governments, and private sector partners. You will manage budgets, oversee staff performance, and contribute to continuous improvement of processes and systems related to real property management across the defence organization.
Key Responsibilities
Plan and manage the delivery of real property agreements services and programs, Supervise and develop staff within the real property agreements team, Monitor performance metrics and report on results, Develop and implement operational plans and procedures, Manage stakeholder relationships and ensure service quality
Required Skills
Property management, Building systems knowledge, Contract administration, Project coordination, Regulatory compliance, 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 business administration, law, real estate, property management, or a related discipline. Many successful candidates hold graduate degrees or specialized qualifications in real property management, real estate law, or public administration. Professional certifications such as those offered by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) or equivalent real property management credentials are highly valued.
Throughout your career in this position, you will have access to professional development opportunities including government-sponsored management and leadership training, specialized real property and contract management courses, and networking opportunities with other federal real property professionals. The Government of Canada supports continuous learning through tuition reimbursement programs and encourages participation in professional associations. You may also pursue advanced certifications in real estate, property valuation, or facility management depending on your career interests and organizational needs.
Entry Plans
Entry into the Director - Real Property Agreements position typically occurs through several pathways within the federal Public Service. Most candidates advance to this level after demonstrating excellence in progressively senior roles in real property management, contract administration, or related fields such as facilities management or procurement. Common entry routes include:
Competitive staffing processes advertised through the Public Service Commission (PSC) or internal DND competitions are the primary method for filling Director-level positions. These competitions are open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents who meet the specified qualifications and language requirements. Candidates may also enter through lateral moves from other federal departments with equivalent real property, contract management, or senior administrative experience.
For those early in their careers, the federal Public Service offers student programs, entry-level positions, and development streams that provide pathways to management roles. These include internship programs, term positions, and structured development programs designed to prepare employees for leadership responsibilities. Networking with government real property professionals and demonstrating strong performance in intermediate roles significantly enhances advancement opportunities to the Director level.
Part-Time Options
Part-time and flexible work arrangements for the Director - Real Property Agreements position are available depending on operational requirements and managerial discretion. While many director-level positions operate on a full-time basis due to strategic responsibilities and stakeholder coordination needs, the Government of Canada is committed to supporting work-life balance and may accommodate flexible schedules where feasible.
Remote work options may be available for portions of your work, particularly for administrative tasks, document review, and internal meetings. However, the strategic nature of this role often requires in-person presence for negotiations, stakeholder meetings, and departmental collaboration. Specific flexibility arrangements should be discussed with your manager and Human Resources during the hiring process or after appointment. The department recognizes that modern workplaces benefit from flexible approaches and will work with you to identify arrangements that support both your needs and operational effectiveness.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
