As a Manager of Innovation and Change Management within the Department of National Defence, you will lead and coordinate initiatives that drive organizational transformation and modernization. You will develop and implement strategies to foster a culture of innovation while managing change initiatives across departmental teams and directorates. Your work will support DND's mission to maintain operational effectiveness and adapt to evolving defence and security challenges.
Your core responsibilities include overseeing change management projects, developing implementation plans, stakeholder engagement, and monitoring progress toward organizational objectives. You will work with senior leadership, cross-functional teams, and external partners to identify improvement opportunities and ensure successful adoption of new processes, technologies, or organizational structures. You will also mentor staff, manage budgets, and report on project outcomes and lessons learned.
You will work in a dynamic federal government environment where priorities shift based on defence and security needs. Your role may involve travel to different DND locations and collaboration with personnel at all levels, from civilian staff to military members. This is an important position for helping DND evolve and meet the demands of modern defence operations.
Key Responsibilities
Plan and manage the delivery of innovation and change management services and programs, Supervise and develop staff within the innovation and change management 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
You will typically need a bachelor's degree in business administration, public administration, organizational development, project management, or a related discipline. Some positions may accept equivalent professional experience in lieu of formal education.
Valuable certifications include Project Management Professional (PMP), Change Management Certification (such as Prosci ADKAR), or Certified Management Consultant (CMC) credentials. Many managers in this role pursue training in organizational change theory, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement throughout their career.
The Government of Canada provides professional development opportunities including the Canada School of Public Service courses on change management, leadership, and project delivery. DND also offers internal training on defence-specific initiatives and departmental transformation programs. Continued learning in emerging technologies, digital transformation, and adaptive management practices is encouraged to remain current in this evolving field.
Entry Plans
You can enter this career through several pathways within the federal Public Service. The most common route is through a public competition advertised on the Government of Canada Jobs website, where you can apply if you meet the stated qualifications. These competitions are typically open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.
If you are already a Government of Canada employee, you may transition into this role through an internal competition or priority hiring process. Public Service employees often move laterally from related roles in project management, business analysis, organizational development, or general administration.
DND also participates in student recruitment and development programs, including the Post-Secondary Recruitment Campaign and co-op opportunities, which can lead to permanent positions. Some candidates enter as administrative or project coordinators and advance to management roles through internal development and subsequent competitions. External hires with relevant private sector experience in change management or organizational development are also considered competitive candidates.
Part-Time Options
Part-time work is possible in some positions within DND, though managerial roles typically require full-time commitment due to leadership responsibilities and the need for consistent oversight of change initiatives. However, the federal Public Service does offer flexible work arrangements.
Flexible work options may include flexible hours (adjusting start and end times while maintaining full-time presence), compressed work weeks, or telework arrangements. Remote work is increasingly available for portions of the week, particularly for administrative and planning tasks, though some in-person presence is generally required for meetings, stakeholder engagement, and team leadership.
Specific part-time and flexible options depend on your manager, the particular position, and operational requirements within your directorate. When applying for positions, you can inquire about available flexibility during the recruitment process. DND is committed to supporting work-life balance for its civilian workforce within the constraints of operational needs.
