As a Manager - Organization and Classification within the Department of National Defence, you will lead the strategic planning, development, and implementation of organizational structures and classification frameworks that support effective HR management across the department. You will be responsible for ensuring that positions are properly classified, that organizational designs align with departmental objectives, and that classification processes comply with Treasury Board standards and collective agreement provisions. Your work directly impacts how the department attracts, retains, and develops its civilian workforce.
In this role, you will manage a team of specialists and analysts who conduct classification reviews, develop organizational models, and provide expert advice to senior management on structural and staffing matters. You will collaborate with various departments and divisions to assess organizational effectiveness, recommend changes to reporting structures, and ensure consistency in classification practices across the DND civilian workforce. Your responsibilities include overseeing classification audits, maintaining classification standards, managing consultation with unions and employee groups, and providing HR policy advice grounded in Treasury Board guidelines and best practices.
You will work in a dynamic federal environment where your decisions influence organizational efficiency, employee morale, and the department's ability to deliver on its defence and security mandate. This position requires strong analytical skills, knowledge of human resources management principles, and the ability to communicate complex classification concepts to diverse stakeholders at all organizational levels.
Key Responsibilities
Plan and manage the delivery of organization and classification services and programs, Supervise and develop staff within the organization and classification 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
To succeed in this role, you should possess a post-secondary degree in Human Resources Management, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field. Many successful candidates have completed formal HR certifications such as the Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) designation or equivalent credentials recognized by professional HR associations in Canada.
Professional development opportunities within this career include specialized training in Treasury Board classification standards, public service labour relations, organizational design methodology, and advanced HR analytics. The department supports participation in Government of Canada HR professional development programs, conferences, and continuing education courses. You may also pursue advanced certifications in organizational development, change management, or strategic human resources planning to enhance your career progression and expertise in specialized areas of HR management.
Entry Plans
Entry into this managerial position typically occurs through several pathways within the federal Public Service. Most commonly, candidates are recruited through competitive recruitment processes that assess your experience managing HR functions, your knowledge of classification and organizational frameworks, and your demonstrated leadership capabilities. Progression to this manager-level position often follows several years of experience in HR analyst or specialist roles within the federal government or related sectors.
Lateral moves from other HR management positions, such as managers in recruitment, compensation, or employee relations, are common entry points for qualified candidates. Some managers transition into this role from other departments where they have gained relevant HR management experience. The federal government also offers development and bridging programs for high-potential HR professionals seeking to advance into management roles. Students and early-career professionals can enter the broader HR career stream through the Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP), the Post-Secondary Recruitment Initiative (PSRI), or as junior HR analysts, building the experience needed for eventual advancement to manager-level positions.
Part-Time Options
Part-time and flexible work arrangements for this managerial position are available and negotiated on a case-by-case basis, subject to departmental operational requirements. Given the supervisory and strategic nature of this role, most Manager positions operate on a full-time basis; however, the department recognizes the importance of work-life balance and may accommodate flexible scheduling such as modified work hours or compressed work weeks where feasible.
Remote work options have expanded within the federal public service and may be available depending on the specific duties of the position and departmental needs. Managers in Organization and Classification roles may be eligible for hybrid arrangements that combine remote work with office-based collaboration time, particularly for analytical and advisory work. Specific accommodations for part-time, flexible, or remote work should be discussed during the recruitment process and will depend on operational requirements, team structure, and the nature of your responsibilities. The department is committed to supporting diverse work arrangements that maintain service delivery and organizational effectiveness.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
