As a Director General of Real Property Portfolio, you will lead the strategic management and oversight of a large portfolio of real property assets for the Department of National Defence. In this senior executive role, you are responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive policies, plans, and frameworks that optimize the use, maintenance, and disposal of defence real property across Canada and internationally. You will provide strategic direction on real estate decisions that support operational effectiveness, sustainability goals, and fiscal responsibility.
Your responsibilities include overseeing real property acquisition, disposition, and lifecycle management; ensuring compliance with Treasury Board policies and government environmental standards; managing budgets in the millions of dollars; and directing teams of professionals including real property specialists, engineers, and administrative staff. You will collaborate with senior military leadership, other government departments, and external stakeholders to align real property strategies with defence priorities and national objectives.
Working at this level means engaging in high-level decision-making, managing complex stakeholder relationships, and contributing to organizational strategy. You will work in a professional office environment with regular meetings, briefings, and site visits to defence facilities. This role offers the opportunity to have meaningful impact on how Canada's defence infrastructure supports our military and civilian personnel.
Key Responsibilities
Manage real property portfolio 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 succeed in this role, you typically need a university degree in a relevant field such as business administration, real estate, engineering, public administration, or a related discipline. Many candidates bring professional designations such as Real Property Association of Canada (RPAC) certification, Project Management Professional (PMP), or accounting designations. Experience in real property management, facilities management, or related infrastructure disciplines is essential.
The Government of Canada provides professional development opportunities including executive education programs, leadership training through the Canada School of Public Service, and specialized courses in government procurement, project management, and financial management. You may pursue further certifications related to real property valuation, environmental site assessment, or sustainable building practices. Ongoing training in Treasury Board policies, government IT systems, and compliance requirements is provided during your tenure.
Entry Plans
Entry to this Director General position typically occurs through federal public service competitions open to Canadian citizens. These competitions are conducted by the Public Service Commission and advertised on the Government of Canada's official job board (jobs.gc.ca). Candidates usually come from three main pathways: advancement within DND or other federal departments after working in progressively senior real property or facilities management roles; lateral entry from the private sector real estate or property management industries; or internal mobility from other senior management positions within government.
To be considered, you must demonstrate extensive experience (typically 10+ years) in real property management, strategic planning, and senior leadership. Previous experience managing large budgets, leading teams, and working within government frameworks is highly valued. The selection process includes a detailed application, written assessment, and interviews with senior departmental leadership. Some candidates enter through the Interchange Canada program, which allows private sector executives to work in government positions on a temporary basis. All candidates must obtain Top Secret security clearance and pass a thorough background check.
Part-Time Options
Director General positions are full-time, permanent roles that require significant commitment and availability, including occasional evening and weekend work for operational emergencies or strategic initiatives. However, the Government of Canada's Directive on Flexible Work Arrangements allows for discussion of flexible scheduling options on a case-by-case basis, subject to operational requirements.
While traditional part-time work is not typical at this executive level, you may have flexibility in how you structure your work week, such as compressed work weeks or adjusted start/end times, provided services are maintained and meetings with stakeholders can be accommodated. Remote work is possible for certain administrative and planning tasks, though this role requires regular in-person presence for leadership responsibilities, site visits, and strategic meetings. Any flexible arrangements would be formalized in an agreement with your manager and senior leadership, with the understanding that core hours and operational needs take precedence.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
