As a Manager of Physiotherapy in the Department of National Defence, you will lead and oversee physiotherapy services within military health care facilities across Canada. You are responsible for managing a team of physiotherapy professionals, ensuring the delivery of high-quality patient care, and contributing to the overall health and readiness of Canadian Armed Forces members and eligible beneficiaries. Your leadership ensures that physiotherapy services align with DND health care standards and military operational requirements.
In this role, you will manage budgets, develop operational plans, supervise clinical staff, and ensure compliance with professional standards and regulatory requirements. You will collaborate with other health care managers and military leadership to integrate physiotherapy services into comprehensive military health care programs. Your work directly supports the physical rehabilitation and recovery of service members, contributing to their continued operational effectiveness and quality of life.
You will work in a structured military health care environment, operating within DND facilities and possibly supporting deployed operations. This position offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the health and well-being of Canada's military personnel while managing a professional health care team in a dynamic, mission-focused organization.
Key Responsibilities
Plan and manage the delivery of physiotherapy services and programs, Supervise and develop staff within the physiotherapy team, Monitor performance metrics and report on results, Develop and implement operational plans and procedures, Manage stakeholder relationships and ensure service quality
Required Skills
Clinical skills, Patient/client assessment, Empathy and communication, Record-keeping, Interdisciplinary collaboration, 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 must hold a current Bachelor's degree in Physiotherapy (or equivalent) from an accredited Canadian or internationally recognized institution, and be registered or eligible for registration as a physiotherapist with your provincial or territorial regulatory body. Most candidates will have completed professional physiotherapy education including clinical internships and examination requirements (such as the Canadian Physiotherapy Association examinations).
Additional qualifications typically include several years of clinical physiotherapy experience in a health care setting, with demonstrated progression toward supervisory or leadership roles. Formal management training or a master's degree in business administration (MBA), health administration, or a related field is highly valued and may be required at higher managerial levels.
Once hired, you will have access to ongoing professional development through DND, including military health care management training, leadership development programs, and opportunities to maintain your physiotherapy professional credentials. The Government of Canada supports continuing education and professional certifications required to remain current in your field.
Entry Plans
Entry into the Manager - Physiotherapy position typically occurs through advertised competitions on the Government of Canada's official job board (Jobs.gc.ca). The Department of National Defence recruits for this position when vacancies arise at military medical facilities across Canada.
Candidates may enter through several pathways: (1) External recruitment competitions open to Canadian citizens with the required physiotherapy credentials and management experience; (2) Internal competitions for existing DND civilian physiotherapy staff seeking advancement into management roles; (3) Lateral moves from other health care management positions within the Public Service who hold valid physiotherapy credentials.
Some candidates gain experience through student placement programs or term positions in DND physiotherapy departments before competing for permanent management roles. Networking within DND health care circles and understanding the military health care environment can strengthen your application. It is recommended to regularly monitor Jobs.gc.ca and the DND Careers website for posted competitions, and to ensure your provincial physiotherapy registration and credentials are current before applying.
Part-Time Options
Part-time opportunities for Manager - Physiotherapy positions are limited, as management roles typically require full-time presence for supervision, budget oversight, and operational leadership. However, the Government of Canada recognizes work-life balance and may accommodate flexible scheduling arrangements on a case-by-case basis, depending on operational requirements and facility needs.
Remote work options are generally limited for this role, as managers must be present to supervise clinical staff, attend operational meetings, and manage day-to-day facility activities. However, some administrative and planning tasks may be performed remotely, and telework arrangements may be negotiated for specific circumstances.
The Government of Canada offers various flexibility options including compressed work weeks, flexible start and end times, and leave benefits such as parental leave and personal days. Managers are encouraged to discuss specific work arrangement needs with their hiring manager and human resources representative during the recruitment process. The military health care environment operates year-round, and some weekend or evening shift coverage may be required depending on facility operations.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
