As a Director General of Travel Services, you lead a strategic function that manages travel policies, services, and expenditures across the Department of National Defence. You are responsible for developing and implementing travel management frameworks that balance operational requirements with fiscal responsibility and employee well-being. This executive-level position requires you to work with senior leadership, other government departments, and external travel service providers to ensure seamless, cost-effective travel operations.
Your responsibilities include overseeing travel policy development, managing travel service contracts, monitoring compliance and expenditure control, and ensuring accessibility and duty of care for all travellers. You direct a team of professionals in travel administration, procurement, and operations, and you represent the Department in government-wide travel management initiatives. You work in a dynamic environment where priorities shift based on operational needs, government directives, and emerging travel trends.
This role is part of Canada's defence team, contributing to the effective management of DND resources. You work at the executive level, collaborating with Defence Leadership Team members, other federal departments, and Treasury Board Secretariat on policy and budgetary matters.
Key Responsibilities
Perform travel services 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 be considered for a Director General position in Travel Services, you typically need a university degree in business administration, public administration, logistics, or a related discipline. Many successful candidates hold a Master's degree or have completed executive education programs. Professional certifications in travel management, supply chain management, or public sector financial management are valued assets.
As a Director General, you are expected to maintain current knowledge of government travel policies, emerging technologies in travel management, and best practices in the public sector. The Government of Canada and DND offer executive development programs, strategic leadership courses, and specialized training in areas such as financial management, change management, and human resources leadership. You may also pursue certifications through professional associations such as the Travel Industry Association of Canada or the Canadian Association of Management Consultants.
Entry Plans
Entry to a Director General position in Travel Services typically occurs through a competitive staffing process conducted by the Public Service Commission. Most candidates progress through the federal public service, moving from middle management positions (such as Manager or Senior Manager levels) to executive roles. Some candidates enter at this level through lateral moves from other government departments or from the private sector, bringing specialized expertise in travel management or large-scale service delivery.
The Public Service Commission may use various staffing approaches, including open competitions and departmental priority staffing processes. Candidates are assessed on demonstrated leadership ability, strategic thinking, extensive experience in travel or service management, and a proven track record managing large budgets and teams. Some candidates develop their expertise through the Executive Development Program or other government leadership pipelines before competing for Director General positions. Prior experience in federal government travel management, policy development, or similar administrative services is highly advantageous.
Part-Time Options
Director General positions are typically full-time, permanent roles due to the strategic and leadership responsibilities involved. However, the Government of Canada is committed to offering flexibility where operationally feasible. Depending on departmental needs and circumstances, some arrangements such as phased retirement or compressed work weeks may be negotiated with the hiring manager and departmental human resources.
Remote and hybrid work arrangements may be available for portions of the role, particularly for policy development, analysis, and administrative tasks. However, the strategic nature of this position may require regular in-person attendance for meetings with senior leadership, interdepartmental committees, and stakeholder engagement. Any flexible arrangements would be discussed during the hiring process and would be subject to operational requirements and approval by DND management.
