As a Director General - Organization and Classification, you lead strategic human resources initiatives that shape how the Department of National Defence organizes its workforce and manages classification systems. You are responsible for developing and implementing organization design principles, classification frameworks, and HR policies that support the department's operational effectiveness and employee engagement. This executive-level position requires you to collaborate with senior leadership across DND, other government departments, and external stakeholders to ensure our organizational structures and classification systems remain modern, fair, and aligned with federal public service standards.
In this role, you manage a team of subject matter experts and provide strategic direction on organizational restructuring, job evaluation methodologies, and human resources planning. You make recommendations to senior executives on significant organizational changes, oversee the development of classification standards, and ensure compliance with Treasury Board directives and collective agreement provisions. Your work directly impacts thousands of DND employees and influences how the department attracts, develops, and retains talent across military and civilian workforces.
You work in a dynamic federal government environment where you balance operational demands with long-term strategic planning. This position requires strong leadership capabilities, deep knowledge of federal human resources management, and the ability to navigate complex organizational and political considerations. You'll engage regularly with Treasury Board Secretariat, other federal departments, and employee representatives to advance best practices in organization and classification management.
Key Responsibilities
Deliver organization and classification services to managers and employees, Advise on HR policies, procedures, and best practices, Process HR transactions and maintain accurate records, Support organizational HR initiatives and programs
Required Skills
HR policy interpretation, Interpersonal skills, Staffing and classification, Conflict resolution, Labour relations knowledge, Relevant technical skills, Communication, Teamwork, Problem-solving
Typical Education
Education and experience commensurate with the role requirements
Training
To succeed in this Director General role, you typically need a university degree in human resources management, public administration, organizational psychology, or a related discipline. Many successful candidates hold graduate credentials such as a Master's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, or Human Resources Management.
Professional certifications are valued, including Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) or Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) credentials. Experience with federal classification standards, Treasury Board policies, and collective agreement interpretation is essential. DND provides ongoing professional development opportunities including executive leadership programs, advanced project management training, and specialized HR certifications. You'll be expected to maintain current knowledge of federal government priorities, organizational design trends, and emerging human resources practices throughout your career.
Entry Plans
Entry to a Director General position in the DND Civilian Workforce typically occurs through federal government staffing competitions open to current Public Service employees. Candidates usually progress through competitive processes starting at lower classification levels (such as HR Advisor, Senior HR Advisor, or Manager positions) and advance through demonstrated performance, expanded responsibilities, and successful competition results.
The Public Service Commission conducts staffing competitions for Director General positions based on merit and organizational need. Eligibility generally requires Canadian citizenship or permanent residency and the ability to obtain security clearance. Some candidates enter the federal Public Service through student or graduate recruitment programs and develop their careers over time, while others transition laterally from other government departments or crown corporations with relevant HR management experience.
Competitive processes for this level emphasize strategic thinking, executive presence, change management capabilities, and proven success in leading complex human resources initiatives. Internal mobility programs and acting assignments in senior positions can help prepare candidates for Director General competitions. Networking within federal HR communities and pursuing roles with increasing scope and complexity strengthens candidacy for executive-level appointments.
Part-Time Options
Director General positions are typically full-time roles given the strategic and executive nature of the responsibilities. However, the federal Public Service, including DND, recognizes work-life balance as important and may accommodate flexible arrangements on a case-by-case basis, subject to operational requirements and management approval.
Remote and hybrid work options have become more common in federal government roles since 2020. For a Director General position, you may be able to work remotely for portions of your week, though executive-level responsibilities often require in-person presence for strategic meetings, stakeholder engagement, and team leadership activities. Specific flexible work arrangements would be negotiated with your department and depend on operational needs and the preferences of you and your manager.
Additional leave provisions available to all federal employees include parental leave, compassionate leave, and leave without pay for personal reasons. DND also offers employee wellness programs, mental health support, and other work-life balance initiatives available to executive-level staff.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
