As a Manager - Real Property Design, you lead and oversee the strategic planning, design, and management of real property projects within the Department of National Defence. You are responsible for directing a team of professionals involved in the design, development, and implementation of real property solutions that support military operations and defence infrastructure across Canada and internationally. Your work ensures that DND facilities meet operational requirements, safety standards, and government policies while optimizing resource allocation and project timelines.
Your daily responsibilities include managing project portfolios, supervising professional staff, reviewing design proposals and technical documentation, coordinating with stakeholders across multiple departments and levels of government, and ensuring compliance with Treasury Board directives and National Defence standards. You make decisions that balance operational needs, budget constraints, environmental considerations, and engineering best practices. You may also represent DND in inter-departmental committees, liaise with Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC), and contribute to long-term real property planning and capital investment strategies.
You work in a collaborative environment with architects, engineers, project managers, and defence personnel. The role requires strong analytical skills, technical knowledge of real property management, and the ability to lead teams through complex, multi-year initiatives. This position offers the opportunity to directly impact defence readiness by ensuring facilities and infrastructure support the Canadian Armed Forces' mission.
Key Responsibilities
Plan and manage the delivery of real property design services and programs, Supervise and develop staff within the real property design team, Monitor performance metrics and report on results, Develop and implement operational plans and procedures, Manage stakeholder relationships and ensure service quality
Required Skills
Property management, Building systems knowledge, Contract administration, Project coordination, Regulatory compliance, 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 typically need a Bachelor's degree in architecture, civil engineering, or a related discipline from a recognized post-secondary institution. Many successful candidates hold professional designations such as Professional Engineer (P.Eng.), Registered Architect (RA), or Project Management Professional (PMP) credentials. Experience in real property project management, facility design, or defence infrastructure is highly valued.
Once hired, you will have access to professional development opportunities through DND and Treasury Board learning platforms. These may include advanced project management training, Treasury Board policies and procedures, leadership development programs, and specialized courses in real property planning and defence-specific requirements. The Government of Canada supports ongoing professional certifications and memberships in relevant associations such as Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO), the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC), or the Project Management Institute (PMI). Mentorship and knowledge-sharing networks within DND's real property community provide additional development pathways.
Entry Plans
Entry into the Manager - Real Property Design position typically occurs through open competition or from existing recruitment pools. The Department of National Defence regularly posts competitions for managerial positions on the Government of Canada's official job board (jobs.canada.ca) and the DND Civilian Workforce careers website. Candidates must apply during the advertised competition period and meet the stated qualifications.
Lateral moves from other DND positions are common, particularly for professionals already working in real property, engineering, or project management roles who demonstrate readiness for managerial responsibilities. Internal candidates may be prioritized through targeted recruitment initiatives. Some candidates transition from other federal departments with relevant real property or infrastructure management experience.
Students and early-career professionals can enter DND's real property field through co-op programs, student summer positions, or the Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP), which can lead to permanent opportunities. Recent graduates may enter as junior professionals and advance to management through demonstrated performance and competition. Bridging programs and developmental appointments are sometimes available to support career progression for promising candidates.
Part-Time Options
Part-time work for Manager - Real Property Design positions is typically limited, as managerial roles generally require full-time commitment to supervise teams, attend meetings, and maintain project oversight. However, the Government of Canada does offer flexible work arrangements in many circumstances.
Remote and hybrid work options may be available depending on DND operational requirements and the specific duties of the position. Some project coordination and administrative responsibilities can be performed remotely, though site visits to real property locations and in-person team meetings are usually necessary. Arrangements are made on a case-by-case basis in consultation with your manager and are subject to operational needs.
Job sharing, compressed work weeks, and flexible hours may be negotiable for qualified candidates, though these arrangements require prior agreement with management and must align with team scheduling and project deadlines. The Government of Canada's commitment to work-life balance means these options are worth discussing during the hiring process. Contact the DND Civilian Recruitment Centre for information about flexible work possibilities for specific positions.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
