As a Manager - Economics with the Department of National Defence, you will lead teams of economists and analysts in providing critical economic analysis and evidence-based policy advice to senior leadership. You will oversee the development and implementation of economic policies, programs, and initiatives that support defence and security objectives while ensuring effective use of public resources. Your work will directly influence strategic decisions at the departmental and government-wide levels.
In this role, you will be responsible for managing staff performance, budget allocation, and project delivery while maintaining the highest standards of economic analysis and professional integrity. You will work collaboratively with other government departments, external stakeholders, and subject matter experts to develop comprehensive economic assessments on defence spending, procurement strategies, and resource allocation. Your ability to communicate complex economic concepts to non-specialist audiences will be essential.
You will work in a dynamic, evidence-driven environment where your analytical expertise and leadership skills directly contribute to national defence and security. The role offers opportunities to shape policy at a meaningful scale and work on issues of national importance within a structured, professional organization.
Key Responsibilities
Plan and manage the delivery of economics services and programs, Supervise and develop staff within the economics team, Monitor performance metrics and report on results, Develop and implement operational plans and procedures, Manage stakeholder relationships and ensure service quality
Required Skills
Research methodology, Analytical thinking, Written communication, Policy analysis, Critical reasoning, People management, Operational oversight, Quality assurance, Resource coordination
Typical Education
Post-secondary education in the relevant field; supervisory and operational management experience
Training
To succeed as a Manager - Economics, you should have a university degree in economics, public administration, business, mathematics, statistics, or a related social science discipline. Many positions prefer or require a master's degree in economics, public policy, or a related field. Professional designations such as membership in professional economic associations (e.g., Canadian Economics Association) are valued but not always required.
Once hired, you will have access to Government of Canada professional development programs, including leadership training, policy development courses, and specialized economic analysis certifications. DND offers continuous learning opportunities through internal workshops, external conferences, and formal educational sponsorship for relevant graduate studies or professional credentials. You will also receive training specific to defence policy, procurement processes, and government decision-making frameworks.
Entry Plans
You can enter the Manager - Economics career through several pathways in the federal Public Service. Most positions are filled through public competitive job competitions advertised on the Government of Canada's careers website (jobs.gc.ca). You may also enter through internal competitions if you are already a federal public servant, or through lateral moves from other government departments where you have developed relevant economic analysis and management experience.
The Public Service uses staffing pools and inventory lists to identify qualified candidates for manager-level positions. If you are an economics graduate or have related professional experience, you may be placed in a pool for future competitions. Some opportunities exist through the Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP) or the Post-Secondary Recruitment Campaign (PSRC) to enter at junior levels and advance into management roles. Relevant work experience in economic analysis, policy development, or program administration in any sector can strengthen your candidacy.
Part-Time Options
Part-time and flexible work arrangements are available for Manager - Economics positions, though availability may be limited at the manager level depending on operational requirements and team needs. Many managers in this role work flexible schedules that accommodate both office-based analysis and remote work, particularly for research, writing, and analysis tasks.
Remote work options have become more common across the federal Public Service, and DND supports hybrid arrangements where feasible. Specific flexibility will depend on your team's operational needs, reporting relationships, and the nature of your responsibilities. Most managers maintain a presence at the workplace for team leadership, meetings, and collaboration, though the balance between in-office and remote work can be negotiated with your manager. Compressed work weeks and telework options are generally available to qualified employees on a case-by-case basis.
