As a Director General of Real Property Asset Management, you will lead strategic initiatives to manage and optimize the Department of National Defence's real property portfolio. In this senior executive role, you oversee the planning, acquisition, maintenance, and disposition of military facilities and properties across Canada and internationally. You are responsible for ensuring that defence infrastructure supports operational readiness while delivering value for money to Canadian taxpayers.
Your responsibilities include setting strategic direction for real property management, managing multi-million dollar budgets, leading teams of professionals in engineering and asset management, and coordinating with stakeholders across DND and other government departments. You will make decisions on capital projects, facility modernization, environmental compliance, and sustainability initiatives that directly impact military operations and personnel. This role requires balancing competing priorities, managing complex real estate portfolios, and ensuring compliance with Treasury Board policies and federal regulations.
You will work in a dynamic government environment where strategic thinking, financial acumen, and stakeholder management are essential. The position involves regular interaction with senior military leadership, other government departments, external contractors, and industry partners. You may travel to defence establishments and project sites to assess conditions and oversee major initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
Manage real property asset management 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
Candidates typically hold a bachelor's degree in engineering, business administration, real estate, finance, or a related discipline. Many successful candidates have postgraduate qualifications such as a Master's degree in Business Administration (MBA), project management, or real property management.
Professional certifications strengthen candidacy and include the Certified Property Manager (CPM) designation, Project Management Professional (PMP) credential, or certifications through the Real Property Institute of Canada. Some candidates hold engineering designations such as Professional Engineer (P.Eng).
Ongoing professional development is expected at this level, including executive leadership programs, strategic management training, and continuing education in real property practices, federal government policy, and defence-specific requirements. DND supports participation in professional associations and conferences related to real property management and government leadership.
Entry Plans
Entry to this Director General position typically occurs through one of several pathways within the federal Public Service:
Competitive Job Competitions: DND posts open competitions for Director General positions. These are advertised on the Government of Canada Job Bank and may be open to Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or existing federal public servants, depending on the competition.
Executive Appointment Process: Some Director General positions are filled through the Public Service Commission's executive appointment process for candidates with demonstrated senior leadership experience and strategic capability.
Lateral Moves: Candidates currently in the federal Public Service at the EX (Executive) or equivalent classification level may transition into this role through internal competitions or directed assignments.
Limited Competition: Positions may be filled through limited competitions open to specific groups, such as current federal employees or members of priority hire groups.
Before reaching Director General level, most candidates progress through intermediate real property management roles, such as manager or senior manager positions within DND or other government departments. Building experience in progressively senior roles, demonstrating budget management capability, and showing strategic leadership potential are important steps in career progression.
Part-Time Options
Director General positions are typically full-time, given the senior executive responsibilities and strategic leadership requirements of the role. However, the federal Public Service does support flexible work arrangements where operationally feasible.
Remote and hybrid work options may be available for portions of the role, though regular on-site presence is generally expected to support stakeholder engagement, site visits, and leadership activities across defence establishments. Specific arrangements depend on DND operational needs and must be negotiated with your manager and approved through departmental policies.
Part-time work at the Director General level is not a standard option due to the complexity and continuity required in senior executive positions. If you have specific flexible work needs, discuss these during the recruitment process or with your manager following appointment.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
