Managers in Human Resources Management lead and oversee the delivery of human resources services and programs within Department of National Defence (DND) organizations. They develop and implement HR strategies, policies, and procedures that support organizational objectives while ensuring compliance with Treasury Board and federal legislation. These managers work at various organizational levels, providing strategic direction to HR teams and acting as key advisors to senior leadership on workforce planning, talent management, and employee relations matters.
Responsibilities include managing HR staff and budgets, overseeing recruitment and staffing processes, administering compensation and benefits programs, managing employee relations and performance management systems, and ensuring workplace compliance with labour standards. HR Managers serve as subject matter experts on federal HR legislation, Treasury Board policies, and collective agreement provisions. They play a crucial role in building and maintaining a professional, engaged, and productive workforce.
The work environment varies by posting location and organizational structure. Some positions are based in National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa, while others are located at military bases, wings, and support establishments across Canada. The role involves working with diverse stakeholder groups, including military personnel, civilian employees, union representatives, and senior management. HR Managers regularly communicate across multiple levels of the organization and may occasionally travel for meetings or training delivery.
Key Responsibilities
Plan and manage the delivery of general human resources services and programs, Supervise and develop staff within the general human resources team, Monitor performance metrics and report on results, Develop and implement operational plans and procedures, Manage stakeholder relationships and ensure service quality
Required Skills
HR policy interpretation, Interpersonal skills, Staffing and classification, Conflict resolution, Labour relations knowledge, People management, Operational oversight, Quality assurance, Resource coordination
Typical Education
Post-secondary education in the relevant field; supervisory and operational management experience
Training
Candidates typically hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited university. While not always mandatory, degrees in human resources, business administration, psychology, labour relations, or related fields are advantageous. Some positions may accept applicants with extensive HR experience and professional certifications in lieu of a degree.
Professional certifications valued in this role include the Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) or equivalent designation through professional HR associations. Knowledge of federal public service legislation is essential, including the Public Service Labour Relations Act, the Canadian Human Rights Act, the Employment Equity Act, and relevant Treasury Board policies.
Ongoing professional development opportunities include training in federal HR policies and procedures, conflict resolution, leadership and management skills, and specialized HR functions such as recruitment, compensation, and labour relations. The Public Service offers courses through the Canada School of Public Service and departmental learning programs. Many HR professionals pursue additional certifications and maintain membership in professional organizations such as the Canadian Council of Human Resources Associations (CCHRA).
Entry Plans
Entry into the Manager - Human Resources Management classification typically occurs through public service competitions advertised on the Government of Canada Jobs website (jobs.gc.ca). Candidates can apply directly to advertised positions or participate in talent pools established by departments for anticipated staffing needs.
Lateral movement from other HR positions is common. Employees working in HR Advisor, HR Officer, or related administrative roles within the public service may compete for manager-level positions. Some candidates transition from specialized HR roles (such as recruitment, compensation, or labour relations) into broader management positions.
The Federal Internship Program and Post-Secondary Recruitment Campaign (PSRC) may provide pathways for recent graduates to enter the public service at lower classification levels, with potential advancement to manager positions over time. Candidates with experience in the private sector or other employers must meet the same qualification requirements as internal candidates and compete through open competitions.
The appointment process includes a competitive selection board that evaluates candidates against established criteria, which typically include HR knowledge, management experience, communication skills, and understanding of federal public service context. Bilingualism (English and French) is often required or an asset, depending on the position's duties and location.
Part-Time Options
Part-time and flexible work arrangements are available for Manager - Human Resources Management positions, though availability depends on operational requirements and the specific role. Many HR management positions can accommodate reduced hour schedules (typically 50-80% full-time equivalency) with adjusted responsibilities and scope of authority.
Remote and hybrid work options have become more common since 2020. Managers overseeing HR functions may work remotely for part of the week, with in-person presence required for leadership meetings, staff supervision, and stakeholder engagement. The extent of remote work flexibility depends on the position's duties—for example, managers responsible for employee relations and workplace issues may require more on-site presence than those focused on policy development or strategic HR planning.
Flexible scheduling arrangements, including compressed work weeks and staggered hours, may be negotiated based on business needs and collective agreement provisions. Employees should discuss flexibility options with their manager and HR advisor, as accommodation depends on the organizational context and workload demands. Telecommuting is permitted where work can be effectively performed remotely and approved by management. All part-time and flexible arrangements must maintain service delivery standards and compliance with Treasury Board policies on hours of work.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
