As a Director General – Project Management, you lead the strategic planning, coordination, and delivery of complex, large-scale projects across the Department of National Defence. In this executive role, you provide senior oversight and governance for multiple concurrent initiatives that align with defence and security priorities. You work at the most senior levels of the organization, reporting to senior departmental leadership and serving as a key strategic advisor on project portfolio management, resource allocation, and organizational capability development.
Your responsibilities include establishing project management standards and best practices across the department, directing teams of experienced project managers and subject matter experts, and ensuring projects deliver measurable results within budget and timeline constraints. You manage stakeholder relationships with internal teams, other government departments, industry partners, and allied nations. You also champion continuous improvement in project delivery capabilities and mentor senior managers in your portfolio.
You work in a fast-paced, high-responsibility environment where decisions have significant implications for defence operations and national security. Travel may be required to visit project sites, meet with stakeholders across Canada and internationally, and attend strategic meetings. This role demands strong leadership, strategic thinking, excellent communication skills, and the ability to navigate complex organizational and political environments.
Key Responsibilities
Perform project management duties in support of departmental operations, Prepare correspondence, reports, and administrative documents, Coordinate schedules, meetings, and logistics, Maintain records and filing systems
Required Skills
Organizational skills, Written and oral communication, MS Office proficiency, Time management, Attention to detail, Relevant technical skills, Communication, Teamwork, Problem-solving
Typical Education
Education and experience commensurate with the role requirements
Training
To succeed in this role, you typically need a university degree in a relevant discipline such as business administration, engineering, public administration, or a related field. Many successful candidates hold master's degrees in project management, business administration (MBA), or defence studies. Professional certifications such as PMP (Project Management Professional), PRINCE2, or equivalent credentials are highly valued and often expected at this level. You should demonstrate extensive professional development through senior leadership programs, strategic management courses, and continuous learning in project governance and organizational leadership. The Canadian Armed Forces and DND offer executive development programs and leadership training to support your growth in this role. Familiarity with government processes, Treasury Board policies, defence procurement regulations, and federal project management frameworks is essential and can be developed through on-the-job experience and targeted professional development.
Entry Plans
Entry to this Director General level position typically occurs through public service competitions open to Canadian citizens. Most candidates come from within the federal Public Service, having progressed through intermediate and senior project management roles (such as Manager or Senior Manager – Project Management levels). The Public Service Commission conducts merit-based competitions for these senior executive positions. Some candidates may also enter through lateral moves from other government departments or crown corporations where they have demonstrated executive project management experience. Prior to reaching this level, you would typically have progressed through feeder positions within DND or other federal organizations, building expertise in defence projects, government operations, and senior leadership. External candidates from industry or academia with strong executive project management backgrounds and security clearances may also be considered. Networking, mentorship from senior leaders, and strategic career planning within the Public Service significantly support advancement to this level.
Part-Time Options
The Director General – Project Management role is typically a full-time, permanent position that requires consistent on-site presence and availability for meetings, strategic planning sessions, and stakeholder engagement. Given the executive and strategic nature of the position, part-time arrangements are uncommon at this level. However, the federal Public Service does support flexible work arrangements where operationally feasible. Remote work options may be available for certain administrative or planning tasks, though regular presence in the office or at project sites is expected to fulfill leadership and stakeholder engagement responsibilities. Any flexible arrangements would be negotiated individually and must align with departmental needs and the requirements of the role. Senior leaders in this position are expected to maintain availability for time-sensitive decisions and emergency situations. Work-life balance support through employee assistance programs, wellness initiatives, and management flexibility on scheduling may be available to help manage the demands of this senior executive role.
