As a Manager of Corporate Administration, you will lead and oversee the administrative functions that keep our organization running smoothly. You'll be responsible for managing teams of administrative professionals, setting priorities, and ensuring that corporate services are delivered efficiently and effectively. Your work directly supports the operational success of the Department of National Defence by maintaining high standards in areas such as records management, office services, scheduling, and administrative coordination.
In this role, you'll make decisions about administrative processes, allocate resources, and implement improvements that enhance service delivery across the department. You'll work with other managers and senior leaders to align administrative operations with organizational goals. Your responsibilities will include staff supervision, performance management, budgeting, and ensuring compliance with government policies and procedures. You'll also be expected to identify opportunities to modernize administrative practices and adopt new technologies that improve efficiency.
You'll work in a professional office environment, typically at a DND location. The role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage competing priorities. You'll spend time on planning, meetings with staff and stakeholders, and reviewing administrative processes and performance metrics.
Key Responsibilities
Plan and manage the delivery of corporate administration services and programs, Supervise and develop staff within the corporate administration team, Monitor performance metrics and report on results, Develop and implement operational plans and procedures, Manage stakeholder relationships and ensure service quality
Required Skills
Organizational skills, Written and oral communication, MS Office proficiency, Time management, Attention to detail, People management, Operational oversight, Quality assurance, Resource coordination
Typical Education
Post-secondary education in the relevant field; supervisory and operational management experience
Training
To qualify for this position, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. Many successful candidates have completed post-secondary education in business administration, public administration, office management, or a related field. Some positions may require specific certifications or credentials depending on the administrative specialization.
Once hired, you'll have access to professional development opportunities through the Public Service Learning Network and DND training programs. These may include courses in management, project management, change management, records management, and government systems and policies. Many managers pursue certifications such as the Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) designation or project management credentials. The department supports ongoing professional development to help you stay current with administrative best practices and government priorities.
Entry Plans
There are several pathways to become a Manager of Corporate Administration in the Canadian Public Service. The most common route is through advertised competitions posted on the Government of Canada's job board (jobs.gc.ca). These competitions are open to Canadian citizens and may be advertised internally first, then to the general public.
If you're already working in the federal public service, you may be able to apply for positions through internal staffing processes or lateral moves from related administrative roles. Some candidates advance into management after working in administrative positions such as Administrative Assistant or Administrative Officer, gaining experience and then competing for management positions.
The Public Service Commission also maintains staffing pools and eligibility lists for administrative management roles. If you're interested in working for DND specifically, you can create a profile on the Government of Canada's job board to receive notifications when relevant positions are posted. Student programs and internships can provide a pathway into the public service, though most lead to entry-level positions before progressing to management.
Part-Time Options
Part-time and flexible work arrangements are often available for Manager roles in Corporate Administration, though availability may depend on operational needs and the specific DND location. Many managerial positions are full-time; however, some departments have implemented flexible work schedules that allow managers to adjust their hours or work arrangements in agreement with their supervisor.
Remote work and telework options have become more common across the federal public service. Depending on the duties and DND's current policies, managers in corporate administration may be able to perform some work from home, particularly tasks involving planning, analysis, and communication. However, some in-person presence is typically required for staff supervision, meetings, and on-site coordination of administrative operations.
Work-life balance initiatives and leave options available to all federal public service employees—including parental leave, compassionate leave, and flexible scheduling—apply to managers as well. When applying for a specific position, you can discuss flexible work arrangements during the hiring process or with your supervisor once hired, keeping in mind the operational requirements of the role.
