As a Manager - Infrastructure Operations, you lead and oversee the day-to-day operations of critical IT infrastructure that supports Department of National Defence (DND) operations across Canada and around the world. You are responsible for managing teams of skilled technicians and engineers who maintain, monitor, and optimize servers, networks, data centres, and related systems that keep our defence operations running smoothly. Your leadership ensures these systems remain secure, reliable, and available to support military personnel and civilian staff.
Your responsibilities include planning and coordinating infrastructure maintenance and upgrades, managing budgets and resources, ensuring compliance with federal security and IT standards, and overseeing the performance and troubleshooting of complex systems. You work closely with other IT managers, security specialists, and stakeholders across DND to align infrastructure capabilities with operational needs. You also play a key role in identifying technology gaps, recommending solutions, and managing the transition to new systems while minimizing disruption to critical defence operations.
You will work in a dynamic, security-conscious environment where attention to detail and problem-solving are essential. This role offers the opportunity to work on infrastructure that directly supports Canada's defence mandate and to lead skilled technical teams in a collaborative, mission-focused workplace.
Key Responsibilities
Plan and manage the delivery of infrastructure operations services and programs, Supervise and develop staff within the infrastructure operations team, Monitor performance metrics and report on results, Develop and implement operational plans and procedures, Manage stakeholder relationships and ensure service quality
Required Skills
Systems administration, Programming/scripting, Network and security, Cloud technologies, ITIL/ITSM practices, 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 in this role, you typically need a bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field. Some candidates enter with a diploma in IT or network administration combined with significant hands-on experience. You should have several years of experience in IT infrastructure, systems administration, or network operations before moving into a management position.
Professional certifications are highly valued and may include ITIL Foundation, Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) or Project Management Professional (PMP), Cisco certifications, Microsoft certifications, or vendor-specific infrastructure credentials. DND encourages ongoing professional development through security clearance training, federal government IT policies and procedures, and leadership development programs. You will also receive training in federal procurement, Treasury Board policies, and DND-specific systems and protocols. Many managers pursue advanced certifications in IT service management, cloud infrastructure, or cybersecurity to stay current with evolving technologies.
Entry Plans
You can enter this career path through several routes within the federal Public Service. Many candidates begin as IT technicians or systems administrators, gain 5-10 years of progressively responsible experience, and apply for manager-level positions through open competitions advertised on the Government of Canada jobs website (jobs.gc.ca). Some lateral moves occur when IT professionals from other federal departments or the private sector transition into DND roles.
DND occasionally runs recruitment campaigns and staffing pools for infrastructure and IT management positions. Student internship programs and co-op placements can provide early exposure to DND IT environments and may lead to indeterminate employment after graduation. Candidates with relevant military experience, such as former Canadian Armed Forces signals or communications specialists, may have opportunities for accelerated entry or priority consideration. Direct application to advertised competitions remains the primary pathway. All candidates must obtain and maintain a valid security clearance, typically at the Reliability or Secret level, depending on the position and work assignments.
Part-Time Options
This role is typically full-time, as infrastructure operations require consistent oversight and decision-making during regular business hours and occasional emergency situations. However, the federal Public Service does support flexible work arrangements where operationally feasible. Many infrastructure management positions offer some flexibility in scheduling, such as compressed work weeks or adjusted start times, provided coverage and operational needs are met.
Remote or hybrid work options may be available for planning, reporting, and administrative aspects of the role, though some on-site presence is usually necessary for team leadership, facility inspections, and responding to critical incidents. Specific flexibility depends on the DND facility, operational requirements, and agreement with your manager. Part-time or job-sharing arrangements are rarely available at the manager level, as the role demands consistent leadership and accountability. You should discuss flexible work possibilities during the hiring process or after appointment, as accommodations can sometimes be negotiated based on operational circumstances and departmental policy.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
