As a Manager - Hospitality in the Department of National Defence, you will oversee the operations of hospitality services that support military personnel, veterans, and civilian staff. This role involves managing teams responsible for food services, accommodation, events coordination, and guest relations at DND facilities across Canada. You will ensure high-quality service delivery while maintaining operational efficiency, budget management, and compliance with health and safety standards.
In this position, you will plan and coordinate hospitality activities, supervise staff performance, manage resources and budgets, and implement policies that enhance the experience of those using our facilities. You will work closely with military commanders, facility managers, and external service providers to align hospitality services with DND operational requirements and strategic objectives.
The work environment is dynamic and can include both office-based planning and on-site facility management. You may work regular business hours or shift-based schedules depending on the facility's operational needs. Your work directly impacts morale and operational readiness across the Defence organization.
Key Responsibilities
Plan and manage the delivery of hospitality services and programs, Supervise and develop staff within the hospitality 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 and several years of progressive experience in hospitality management, food services management, or related administrative roles. Many successful candidates have completed post-secondary training in hospitality management, business administration, or food and beverage services.
Professional certifications that strengthen your candidacy include: food safety and handling certifications, ServSafe or equivalent food protection credentials, and hospitality management designations. The Government of Canada offers ongoing professional development through the Public Service Learning Portal, including courses in team management, budgeting, customer service excellence, and federal government policies.
Once hired, you will have access to management training programs, conflict resolution workshops, and specialized instruction on DND systems and military culture. Continuous learning opportunities allow you to develop expertise in areas such as event management, sustainability in food services, and emergency preparedness.
Entry Plans
There are several pathways to become a Manager - Hospitality in the Public Service:
**Open Competitions**: DND regularly posts competitions for manager-level positions. You can search for current opportunities on the Government of Canada Jobs website (jobs.gc.ca) and apply directly. These competitions are open to Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and others eligible under Public Service employment rules.
**Lateral Moves**: If you are already employed in the federal Public Service, you may transfer into this role through internal competitions or lateral appointment processes, which may be faster than external competitions.
**Development from Within**: Many hospitality staff advance into management roles after demonstrating strong performance, supervisory potential, and completion of relevant training. Starting in entry-level hospitality positions (such as Food Services Worker or Administrative Assistant) provides a pathway to management.
**Student and Early Career Programs**: The Public Service offers co-op placements and summer positions that can lead to permanent employment opportunities for recent graduates.
When applying, you will need to demonstrate relevant experience, management capability, and understanding of federal workplace values including respect, integrity, and stewardship.
Part-Time Options
Part-time and flexible work arrangements are possible in hospitality management roles, though availability depends on operational needs and facility requirements. Many hospitality operations require coverage during extended hours or weekends, which may affect scheduling flexibility.
Remote work opportunities are limited for this role, as significant time must be spent on-site managing daily operations, supervising staff, and ensuring service quality. However, some administrative and planning tasks related to budgeting, scheduling, and reporting can be performed remotely.
The Department of National Defence is committed to work-life balance and offers flexible work options where operationally feasible. Discuss specific arrangements during the hiring process or with your manager once employed. Shift work, compressed work weeks, or job-sharing arrangements may be negotiated based on facility needs and individual circumstances.
