As a Director of Real Property Design, you lead a team responsible for planning, designing, and overseeing real property projects across Department of National Defence facilities. You manage the strategic direction of real property design initiatives, ensuring alignment with Defence priorities, budget requirements, and operational needs. This role combines technical expertise in real property management with leadership responsibilities, requiring you to make decisions that impact facility planning, sustainability, and military capability across multiple sites and regions.
In this position, you oversee the development of design standards, manage relationships with architects, engineers, and contractors, and ensure projects meet regulatory compliance and Defence specifications. You direct your team in conducting site assessments, preparing design briefs, and evaluating design proposals. You also serve as a technical advisor to senior leadership on real property matters, contributing to long-term facility planning and capital project decisions.
You work in a dynamic environment that combines office-based planning and design work with on-site visits to Defence facilities. Your responsibilities require strong coordination with military personnel, civilian colleagues, external consultants, and government partners. The role offers opportunities to directly influence how Defence infrastructure supports operational readiness and mission success across Canada.
Key Responsibilities
Plan and manage the delivery of real property design services and programs, Supervise and develop staff within the real property design 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 qualify for this position, you typically need a university degree in architecture, engineering, construction management, or a related discipline. Many successful candidates hold professional designations such as Professional Engineer (P.Eng.), Registered Architect (RA), or Project Management Professional (PMP) credentials. Experience in real property design, facilities planning, or construction project management is essential.
The Government of Canada provides professional development opportunities including training in Treasury Board policies, Defence planning processes, project management methodologies, and leadership development programs. You may access courses through the Canada School of Public Service and DND's internal learning programs. Maintaining professional certifications and memberships in relevant engineering or architecture associations is encouraged and often supported through professional development budgets.
Entry Plans
Entry into this director-level position typically occurs through several pathways. The primary route is through public service competitions open to Canadian citizens, where candidates with relevant experience and qualifications can apply. Many directors advance into this role after serving in lower-level positions within real property design or management, such as Senior Advisor or Manager roles, allowing them to develop expertise and demonstrate leadership capability.
Lateral moves from other government departments or private sector professionals with equivalent experience may also enter through targeted recruitment or bridging competitions. Some candidates transition from related fields such as project management, engineering, or construction management within the public service. The DND also participates in executive recruitment initiatives to bring experienced professionals from outside government.
Experience in progressively responsible positions managing real property projects, teams, and budgets is typically required. Candidates should be prepared to undergo security screening and demonstrate knowledge of Defence operations and government procurement processes.
Part-Time Options
Director-level positions in real property design are typically full-time roles due to the supervisory responsibilities and strategic decision-making requirements. However, the federal public service does offer flexible work arrangements in many cases.
Flexible scheduling, compressed work weeks, and remote work options may be negotiable depending on operational needs and departmental policy. While some aspects of the role—such as team meetings and on-site facility inspections—require in-person presence, administrative and planning work can often be performed from home or alternative work locations. Discussions about flexible arrangements are typically held between the employee and their manager, taking into account business requirements and team coordination needs. Part-time or job-sharing arrangements at the director level are uncommon but may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Prospective candidates should discuss flexibility options during the recruitment process.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
