As a Manager - Program Management in the Department of National Defence, you will lead and direct program management activities to support DND's strategic objectives and operational priorities. You will be responsible for planning, organizing, and controlling program resources, budgets, timelines, and stakeholder relationships to ensure successful program delivery. This role involves overseeing teams of professionals, establishing program governance frameworks, managing risk and change, and reporting on program performance to senior leadership.
Your day-to-day responsibilities include developing program charters and management plans, coordinating with multiple departments and external partners, monitoring program progress against established baselines, and making decisions that balance competing priorities and constraints. You will serve as the primary point of contact for program stakeholders, ensuring clear communication and alignment with government objectives.
Program managers in DND work in a dynamic environment supporting defence and security priorities. You may work on programs ranging from infrastructure and capability development to information technology and administrative transformation initiatives. The role requires strong analytical skills, leadership capability, and the ability to manage complexity across multiple organizational levels.
Key Responsibilities
Plan and manage the delivery of program management services and programs, Supervise and develop staff within the program 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
A bachelor's degree from an accredited university in a relevant field such as business administration, project management, public administration, or engineering is typically required. Some positions may accept equivalent work experience in lieu of formal education.
Professional certifications are valued and may include Project Management Professional (PMP), Program Management Professional (PgMP), or Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) credentials. Many managers pursue these certifications during their career with DND support.
The Government of Canada offers professional development opportunities including internal training programs in program and project management, leadership development courses, and access to learning platforms such as LinkedIn Learning. DND also supports employees pursuing advanced education, such as master's degrees in business administration or specialized program management qualifications. Ongoing professional development is encouraged to maintain currency with evolving program management practices and government priorities.
Entry Plans
Entry to the Manager - Program Management position in DND typically occurs through advertised public service competitions open to Canadian citizens. These competitions may be posted on the Government of Canada's job portal (jobs.gc.ca) and recruit from various sources.
Many candidates transition into this managerial role from Program Officer or Coordinator positions within DND or other federal departments, having demonstrated program management capability and leadership potential. Lateral moves from other federal organizations with program management experience are also common.
DND participates in student recruitment programs, including the Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP) and the Post-Secondary Recruitment Campaign (PSRC), which can provide pathways into the organization. Some candidates may also enter through the Interchange Canada program if they have prior experience in similar roles in other jurisdictions.
To be considered, you must be a Canadian citizen, hold a valid security clearance (or be willing to obtain one), and meet the education and experience requirements specified in the competition. Competition processes typically include written assessments, interviews, and reference checks.
Part-Time Options
Part-time work options may be available for Manager - Program Management positions, though managerial roles typically require full-time commitment due to leadership responsibilities and stakeholder management requirements. Eligibility for part-time arrangements depends on operational needs and must be approved by the hiring manager and senior leadership.
Remote and hybrid work options have become more common across the federal public service, including DND. Many program management activities, such as planning, analysis, and virtual meetings, can be performed remotely. However, some in-person presence may be required for stakeholder engagement, team leadership, and security-related activities depending on the specific program and classification level.
Flexible work arrangements such as adjusted start and end times or compressed work weeks may be negotiable within operational constraints. Employees are encouraged to discuss flexible work options with their managers during recruitment or at the start of employment. All arrangements must align with DND's operational requirements and Treasury Board policies on flexible work.
