As a Director General - General Labour and Trades, you provide strategic leadership and executive direction for general labour and trades operations within the Department of National Defence. You are responsible for overseeing large-scale labour and trades programs, managing substantial budgets, and ensuring the delivery of essential services that support DND's operational readiness and infrastructure requirements. Your role involves setting organizational direction, managing senior staff, and ensuring alignment with departmental priorities and Treasury Board policies.
In this position, you supervise multiple teams of skilled trades personnel and general labour workers, overseeing their professional development, performance management, and workplace safety. You are accountable for ensuring compliance with collective agreements, labour standards, and health and safety regulations. Your responsibilities include strategic planning, resource allocation, stakeholder engagement with senior management and external partners, and driving continuous improvement initiatives.
You work in a dynamic federal environment where you collaborate with other senior leaders across DND and partner organizations. This role requires strong decision-making abilities, financial acumen, and the capacity to manage complex labour relations and operational challenges. You may work in office-based settings, on military bases, or at other DND facilities across Canada.
Key Responsibilities
Perform general labour tasks maintaining government facilities and assets, Operate tools, equipment, and machinery safely, Follow technical specifications and safety procedures, Maintain records of work performed and materials used
Education and experience commensurate with the role requirements
Training
To qualify for this role, you typically need a secondary school diploma or equivalent, combined with extensive experience (usually 10+ years) in labour and trades management or related fields. Many candidates hold post-secondary qualifications such as a diploma or degree in trades management, construction management, operations management, or a related discipline.
Tradesspeople entering DND may hold recognized certifications or licenses in their specific trade (such as electrician, plumber, carpenter, or heavy equipment operator credentials). Professional certifications in project management, occupational health and safety, or labour relations are assets.
Ongoing professional development is expected, including management and leadership training, advanced financial and budget management skills, labour relations courses, and strategic planning workshops. DND supports continuous learning through various professional development programs and encourages participation in federal leadership development initiatives.
Entry Plans
Entry to this executive-level position typically occurs through internal competition within the federal Public Service. Most candidates are current DND employees who have progressed through the General Labour and Trades classification levels (such as General Labour and Trades Worker, Team Lead, or Manager positions) and have demonstrated strong leadership capability.
External candidates with equivalent experience in private sector labour and trades management, construction, or related industries may be considered through open competitions, though these are often conducted to fill specific vacancies. Some candidates may transition laterally from other federal departments or agencies with comparable management experience.
Prospective candidates are encouraged to gain experience at lower classification levels within the Public Service first, develop a strong track record of results and leadership, and engage with DND's human resources advisors about career progression opportunities. Some individuals may enter DND through student or early-career programs and advance over time.
Part-Time Options
Director General positions are typically full-time executive roles and are not commonly available on a part-time basis due to the strategic leadership responsibilities and operational requirements. However, flexible work arrangements may be possible on a case-by-case basis following discussions with management and Human Resources.
Remote work options are limited for this role, as it requires regular in-person engagement with staff, attendance at senior leadership meetings, and site visits to operations across DND facilities. However, some aspects of the work (such as strategic planning, correspondence, and administrative duties) may be completed remotely on a flexible basis, subject to operational needs and management approval.
All flexible work arrangements must maintain service delivery, support staff supervision, and ensure compliance with Treasury Board and DND policies. Interested candidates should discuss specific flexibility options during the recruitment process or with their manager once in position.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
