As a Manager - Software Solutions within the Department of National Defence, you will lead the planning, development, and delivery of software applications and systems that support Canadian defence and security operations. You will manage a team of software developers and technical professionals, setting technical direction while ensuring projects align with organizational goals and government IT standards. This role combines strategic oversight with hands-on technical knowledge, requiring you to make decisions that impact both immediate project delivery and long-term software architecture across the department.
Your responsibilities include managing the full software development lifecycle, from requirements gathering through deployment and maintenance. You will oversee budget allocation, resource planning, and performance management for your team while maintaining compliance with Treasury Board Secretariat policies, the Directive on Management of Information Technology, and the Directive on Service and Digital. You will also collaborate with other government departments, stakeholders, and external vendors to ensure solutions meet operational needs and security requirements.
You will work in a dynamic environment where technology rapidly evolves and defence priorities shift. Your work environment may include both office-based activities and occasional site visits to operational locations. You may participate in on-call rotations depending on the criticality of the systems you manage.
Key Responsibilities
Plan and manage the delivery of software solutions services and programs, Supervise and develop staff within the software solutions team, Monitor performance metrics and report on results, Develop and implement operational plans and procedures, Manage stakeholder relationships and ensure service quality
Required Skills
Systems administration, Programming/scripting, Network and security, Cloud technologies, ITIL/ITSM practices, People management, Operational oversight, Quality assurance, Resource coordination
Typical Education
Post-secondary education in the relevant field; supervisory and operational management experience
Training
To be considered for this position, you typically need a bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, information technology, or a related discipline from a recognized institution. Some positions may accept equivalent work experience in lieu of formal education.
Professional certifications are valuable and may include Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM), or relevant vendor certifications (Microsoft, Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud). Government of Canada security clearance training, including Cyber Essentials and Treasury Board IT governance courses, is often required or provided upon hiring.
Ongoing professional development is supported through access to training programs in emerging technologies, leadership development, agile methodologies, and cloud computing platforms. DND encourages participation in professional associations such as the Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO), Canadian Information Processing Society (CIPS), or Project Management Institute (PMI) to maintain current knowledge and industry connections.
Entry Plans
Entry into the Manager - Software Solutions position in the federal Public Service typically occurs through competitive recruitment processes. You may enter through:
**Direct Competition**: Apply to specific Manager - Software Solutions positions advertised on the Government of Canada Job Bank (jobs.gc.ca) or the DND civilian careers portal. These competitions assess technical expertise, management capability, and government experience.
**Internal Mobility**: If you are a current federal public servant in an IT or software development role, you may compete for manager positions through internal competitions or lateral moves within your department or across the Public Service. Internal candidates often have an advantage due to existing security clearances and government knowledge.
**Developmental Programs**: Some individuals progress to this level through the Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP) or the Post-Secondary Recruitment Program (PSRP), starting in junior IT roles and advancing over time.
**Pools and Rosters**: Successful candidates from one competition may be added to talent pools or rosters, allowing departments to quickly staff similar positions without re-running full competitions.
All candidates must obtain and maintain a Secret or Top Secret security clearance, which requires Canadian citizenship and a clean background check. Processing typically takes 6-12 months.
Part-Time Options
Full-time permanent employment is the standard for Manager - Software Solutions positions. However, flexible work arrangements are increasingly available within DND and the federal Public Service.
**Remote Work**: Many organizations within DND support hybrid or fully remote work for software management roles, particularly when managing distributed teams or supporting national operations. Specific remote eligibility depends on operational requirements and manager approval.
**Flexible Hours**: Managers often have flexibility in scheduling their work hours to accommodate team needs and operational requirements, though management responsibilities may require standard business hours for stakeholder meetings and team engagement.
**Part-Time Management**: Part-time permanent or term management positions exist but are less common. Part-time availability is typically negotiated on a case-by-case basis and may limit advancement opportunities or on-call responsibilities.
**Leave and Benefits**: All federal public servants receive comprehensive benefits including paid vacation, sick leave, parental leave, and access to Employee Assistance Programs. Unpaid leave options such as leave without pay for personal reasons may be available subject to operational requirements.
Specific arrangements should be discussed during the recruitment process and with your hiring manager, as they vary based on project demands and departmental needs.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
