As a Director General in Physiotherapy, you will lead a strategic health care function within the Department of National Defence, providing executive-level direction and oversight of physiotherapy services across military bases and health care facilities. In this role, you are responsible for developing and implementing physiotherapy policies, standards, and clinical protocols that support the health and rehabilitation of Canadian Armed Forces members and their families. You will manage a team of physiotherapy professionals, coordinate with other health care disciplines, and ensure that physiotherapy services align with DND's health care priorities and evidence-based best practices.
Your responsibilities include budget management, human resource planning, quality assurance, and continuous improvement of physiotherapy programs. You will engage with senior leadership across DND and other government departments, contribute to strategic health policy discussions, and represent physiotherapy expertise at the executive level. This role requires strong leadership capabilities, strategic thinking, and a commitment to advancing health care delivery within the military context.
You will work in a dynamic health care environment that supports military personnel at various stages of their careers and life circumstances. This position offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the health outcomes of service members and their families while leading innovation in physiotherapy practice within a federal organization.
Key Responsibilities
Provide physiotherapy services to clients and patients, Assess needs and develop treatment or service plans, Maintain accurate clinical and case records, Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver care
Education and experience commensurate with the role requirements
Training
To qualify for a Director General position in Physiotherapy, you must hold a current physiotherapy credential (Bachelor's or Master's degree in Physiotherapy) and be a registered physiotherapist in good standing with a provincial regulatory body in Canada. Most successful candidates have extensive clinical physiotherapy experience, typically 10+ years, including progressive responsibility in management or leadership roles.
Professional development is ongoing and may include executive leadership programs, advanced health care management training, and participation in strategic planning initiatives. The Government of Canada supports professional development through tuition reimbursement programs and encourages participation in relevant conferences and professional associations. Many Director General positions require or value executive-level training such as those offered through the Canadian Defence Academy or similar professional development providers.
Entry Plans
Entry to a Director General position in Physiotherapy typically occurs through a public competition process managed by the Public Service Commission of Canada. Candidates are usually recruited from within the federal public service, from other provincial health systems, or from private health care sectors with relevant senior leadership experience.
Common entry pathways include: lateral moves from other Director General or Executive Director positions within DND or other federal departments; promotion from Senior Physiotherapist or Manager-level positions within the DND physiotherapy stream; and external recruitment of experienced health care leaders from Canadian universities, provincial health authorities, or private practice settings who meet the executive leadership criteria.
The competition process involves a detailed application review, written assessments, and structured interviews that evaluate strategic thinking, financial management, and leadership capabilities. Candidates should demonstrate experience in health care delivery, team leadership, budget management, and stakeholder engagement. Veterans Priority hiring may apply to eligible candidates.
Part-Time Options
Director General positions are typically full-time, permanent roles due to the strategic and executive nature of the responsibilities. However, the Government of Canada is committed to providing flexible work arrangements where operationally feasible.
Depending on operational requirements and with approval from senior management, some flexibility may be available in scheduling or hybrid work arrangements (combination of on-site and remote work). Remote work options may be available for specific administrative or planning tasks, though the executive leadership nature of the role often requires regular in-person engagement with teams and stakeholders.
Part-time or job-sharing arrangements for Director General positions are rare and would require special consideration and approval from the Deputy Minister or equivalent. Employees are encouraged to discuss flexible work options with their manager and DND's HR office, as accommodations are assessed on a case-by-case basis in accordance with Treasury Board policies and operational requirements.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
