As a Director General in Machining and Shaping, you will lead and manage a directorate responsible for machine shop operations, fabrication services, and shaping processes that support Department of National Defence operations and capital projects. In this senior executive role, you oversee strategic planning, resource allocation, and operational excellence across multiple teams of skilled trades workers and technicians. You are responsible for ensuring that machining and shaping capabilities meet defence production standards, timelines, and quality requirements while maintaining a safe, compliant work environment.
Your responsibilities include developing departmental policies and procedures, managing budgets and capital equipment, driving continuous improvement initiatives, and representing your directorate at senior management levels. You will work collaboratively with other defence organizations, external stakeholders, and industry partners to support military readiness and defence procurement objectives. This role requires strong leadership abilities, strategic vision, and deep knowledge of machining operations, production management, and federal government priorities.
Key Responsibilities
Perform machining and shaping 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 position, you typically need:
Education: A diploma or degree in mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, production management, or a related field is preferred. Alternatively, extensive experience in machining, metal fabrication, or production management can substitute for formal education.
Trade Certifications: A journeyperson or equivalent certification in machining, tool and die making, or a related trade demonstrates technical competence in the field.
Management Experience: Demonstrated progression into supervisory and management roles, typically 10+ years of experience in machining or manufacturing environments, with at least 5 years in formal management or leadership positions.
Professional Development: The Government of Canada supports ongoing learning through executive development programs, project management training, and leadership courses offered through the Public Service School of Management and other approved institutions. You may pursue certifications in advanced manufacturing, lean production, or quality management systems as your career progresses.
Entry Plans
Entry into Director General positions in the federal Public Service typically occurs through competitive recruitment processes:
Executive Staffing: Most Director General appointments are made through targeted staffing processes that recruit experienced managers from within the federal government, the private sector, or other public sector organizations. These competitions are advertised on the Government of Canada's job board (jobs.gc.ca) and may be restricted to current federal employees or open to all qualified candidates.
Lateral Movement: Many candidates advance to Director General roles by moving laterally from related positions within DND, other federal departments, or defence industry employers. Prior experience in senior management, operations planning, or capital project delivery strengthens your candidacy.
Succession Planning: DND may identify and develop high-potential managers through internal succession planning initiatives, offering developmental assignments and leadership coaching to prepare them for Director General responsibilities.
Competitive Pools: Some recruitment occurs through broader government-wide executive pools or specialized defence sector recruitment initiatives that feed candidates into Director General competitions across multiple departments.
Part-Time Options
Director General positions are typically full-time, permanent roles due to the strategic leadership and continuous operational oversight required. However, the federal government is increasingly flexible with work arrangements for management-level employees:
Remote and Hybrid Work: Depending on operational requirements and directorate structure, some aspects of this role may be performed remotely or on a hybrid basis. Strategic meetings, policy development, and administrative work can often be conducted off-site, though regular on-site presence at the machining facility is typically necessary for operational oversight and team leadership.
Flexible Hours: Within the context of full-time employment, there may be flexibility in daily work schedules to accommodate personal needs, though core leadership hours are usually expected during standard business operations.
Leave and Benefits: Full-time Director General positions include comprehensive federal benefits, pension eligibility, paid vacation, sick leave, and access to work-life balance support programs. Specific arrangements should be discussed with your manager and HR during the hiring process, as they depend on operational requirements and individual circumstances.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
