As a Director General - Procurement, you will provide strategic leadership and oversight of procurement operations across the Department of National Defence. You will be responsible for developing and implementing procurement policies, strategies, and processes that support DND's mission while ensuring compliance with Treasury Board policies and federal procurement legislation. This senior executive role involves managing large teams, substantial budgets, and complex supply chain initiatives that directly impact Canada's defence capabilities.
In this position, you will lead procurement planning, vendor management, and contract administration functions. You will work closely with senior leadership, other government departments, and external stakeholders to align procurement activities with departmental priorities and government procurement objectives. Your decisions will influence how DND acquires goods and services, from routine supplies to specialized defence equipment, making this a role of considerable responsibility and impact.
The work environment is dynamic and demanding, requiring you to balance competing priorities, manage risk, and adapt to changing government policies and market conditions. You will spend time in meetings with senior management, attending briefings, and reviewing complex procurement documentation. This role offers opportunities to shape procurement practices at a national level and contribute to Canada's defence and security objectives.
Key Responsibilities
Perform procurement functions per GC procurement policies, Process requisitions, contracts, and procurement documents, Manage vendor relationships and monitor contract performance, Maintain asset and inventory records
Education and experience commensurate with the role requirements
Training
To succeed in this role, you typically need a bachelor's degree in business, public administration, supply chain management, procurement, or a related field. Many successful candidates hold master's degrees in business administration (MBA), public administration (MPA), or specialized procurement qualifications.
Professional certifications are highly valued, including Certified Professional Procurement Officer (CPPO) credentials, Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP), or equivalent certifications recognized by Procurement Institute Canada or similar organizations. Government of Canada procurement certifications and Treasury Board training on federal procurement policies are essential.
Ongoing professional development is expected and supported. DND and the Public Service Commission offer executive development programs, leadership training, and specialized procurement courses. Many employees pursue continuous learning through industry associations, workshops on emerging procurement trends, and participation in government-wide procurement working groups. Familiarity with government procurement systems, including SAP and other integrated planning tools, is typically required.
Entry Plans
Entry to this Director General level typically occurs through lateral movement from other senior management positions in the federal Public Service or DND. Most candidates have extensive procurement, supply chain, or related experience at the Executive or Senior Manager level (EX or equivalent classifications).
Federal Public Service candidates usually enter through open or targeted competitions posted on the Government of Canada Jobs website (jobs.gc.ca). These competitions are highly competitive and typically require demonstrated experience in senior management roles, preferably within procurement or supply chain functions. Some candidates may enter through executive search processes or talent management initiatives led by DND's Human Resources team.
Internal DND employees with strong procurement backgrounds may be considered for promotion to this level. The Public Service Commission maintains staffing pools for senior management positions, and qualified candidates may be appointed from these pools. Candidates from other departments with relevant experience in procurement or supply chain management may also be considered. All appointments must meet the Official Languages requirements set out in the Treasury Board staffing requirements, which typically require bilingualism (English and French) for this executive level.
Part-Time Options
Part-time work is generally not available at the Director General level, as this is a full-time executive position requiring consistent presence and availability for strategic decision-making and leadership responsibilities.
Flexible work arrangements may be negotiated on a case-by-case basis within DND's policies, particularly regarding work schedule flexibility or telework options for specific tasks. However, the senior nature of the role typically requires regular in-person attendance for meetings, briefings, and stakeholder engagement, particularly in the National Capital Region where most DND headquarters functions are located.
Remote work options are limited but may apply to specific administrative or analytical tasks. The majority of work will be conducted at DND facilities or other government offices. As an executive leader, your availability and presence are important for team management, strategic planning, and representing DND in inter-departmental and external procurement forums. Specific flexible arrangements should be discussed with DND Human Resources during the recruitment and onboarding process.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
