As a Director General - Real Property Agreements, you will lead the strategic direction and management of real property agreements across the Department of National Defence. In this executive role, you are responsible for overseeing complex negotiations, developing policy frameworks, and ensuring compliance with Treasury Board directives and federal regulations. Your leadership drives the effective acquisition, management, and disposal of real property assets that support DND operations across Canada and internationally.
Your day-to-day responsibilities include directing teams of real property professionals, managing multi-million dollar agreements with stakeholders, and providing strategic advice to senior defence leadership. You will collaborate with other government departments, provincial and municipal authorities, and private sector partners to secure facilities that meet operational requirements. This role requires you to balance fiscal responsibility with operational needs while navigating complex legal and regulatory environments.
You will work in a dynamic environment where your decisions directly impact DND's ability to maintain operational readiness and support the Canadian Armed Forces. This is a leadership position that demands strong analytical skills, sound judgment, and the ability to manage competing priorities in a large, geographically dispersed organization.
Key Responsibilities
Manage real property agreements activities for government real property, Coordinate maintenance, repairs, and capital projects, Ensure compliance with building codes and accessibility standards, Maintain property records and asset inventories
Required Skills
Property management, Building systems knowledge, Contract administration, Project coordination, Regulatory compliance, Relevant technical skills, Communication, Teamwork, Problem-solving
Typical Education
Education and experience commensurate with the role requirements
Training
To qualify for this position, you typically need a university degree in a relevant field such as business administration, law, real estate management, public administration, or a related discipline. Many successful candidates hold advanced degrees (Master's level) in fields such as business administration, law, or public administration.
Professional certifications that strengthen your candidacy include: Real Estate Broker/Agent credentials, Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE), or equivalents recognized by professional real estate and property management associations. Knowledge of Treasury Board policies, government procurement regulations, and federal real property management frameworks is essential.
The Government of Canada provides extensive professional development opportunities for executives, including leadership development programs, advanced negotiation training, policy development courses, and executive education through institutions like the Canadian School of Public Service. You will have access to ongoing training in emerging real property management practices, risk management, and strategic planning relevant to defence operations.
Entry Plans
Entry to this Director General level position typically occurs through competitive staffing processes open to Canadian citizens with substantial experience in real property management, contract negotiation, or related executive roles within the federal Public Service or private sector.
Most candidates progress through the following pathway: You may begin as a Real Property Officer or Specialist, advance to a Manager or Senior Manager level, then compete for Director or Executive Director positions before reaching the Director General level. Lateral moves from other government departments or the private sector are possible if you demonstrate equivalent executive experience and relevant expertise.
The Public Service Commission conducts formal competitions for Director General appointments. You may also enter through appointment processes if you are already working in the federal Public Service at the Executive level. Prior experience managing real property portfolios, leading teams of professionals, and demonstrating strategic thinking in complex environments significantly strengthens your candidacy. Some candidates transition from military roles with relevant experience, particularly those with backgrounds in logistics, facilities management, or defence resource planning.
Part-Time Options
Director General positions are typically full-time, permanent roles due to the strategic and leadership responsibilities required. However, the Government of Canada is committed to supporting work-life balance and workplace flexibility.
Flexible work arrangements may be negotiated on a case-by-case basis and could include flexible hours, compressed work weeks, or hybrid work models (combining office and remote work). Given the executive nature of this role, flexibility usually accommodates core business hours and in-person requirements for strategic meetings, stakeholder engagement, and team leadership.
Remote work options may be available for specific tasks such as policy development, report writing, and virtual meetings, though your position requires regular on-site presence for leadership responsibilities and operational oversight. Part-time appointments at the Director General level are uncommon but may be considered in exceptional circumstances. DND HR can discuss specific accommodation requests during the recruitment process to determine what arrangements align with both operational needs and your personal circumstances.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
