As a Manager - Travel Services in the Department of National Defence, you will lead and oversee travel operations, policies, and services for military and civilian personnel. You are responsible for managing a team of travel service professionals, ensuring compliance with Treasury Board travel policies, and delivering efficient travel solutions that support DND operations across Canada and internationally. Your leadership ensures that travel services are delivered cost-effectively while maintaining the highest standards of customer service and regulatory compliance.
In this role, you will develop and implement travel service strategies, manage departmental travel budgets, and oversee the administration of travel arrangements for personnel at all levels. You will work closely with other managers, stakeholders, and external travel service providers to streamline processes and resolve complex travel issues. Your decisions directly impact operational readiness by ensuring personnel can travel safely and efficiently to support DND's mission.
You will work in a dynamic federal government environment where priorities can shift rapidly based on operational needs. This role requires strong organizational skills, the ability to manage multiple stakeholders, and a commitment to continuous improvement in service delivery.
Key Responsibilities
Plan and manage the delivery of travel services services and programs, Supervise and develop staff within the travel services 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
To qualify for this position, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with post-secondary education in business administration, public administration, or a related field being preferred. Many successful candidates have completed certificate or diploma programs in travel and tourism management, or have equivalent work experience in travel coordination and administrative management.
Professional development in this role includes training in Treasury Board travel policies and guidelines, federal government administrative systems, and leadership programs. You may pursue certifications through professional travel associations, such as the Travel Industry Association of Canada or the International Air Transport Association. DND provides ongoing training in departmental systems, compliance requirements, and management practices. Many managers in this role also pursue courses in project management, financial management, and human resources to enhance their leadership capabilities.
Entry Plans
Entry into this career in the federal Public Service typically occurs through several pathways. The most common route is through a public service staffing competition at the Manager level, where you would compete based on your experience in travel services administration and demonstrated management capabilities. These competitions are advertised on the Government of Canada's job board (jobs.gc.ca).
You may also enter through lateral moves within DND if you are already a public servant in an administrative role with relevant travel services experience. Some candidates progress into this position from Travel Coordinator or senior Travel Advisor roles after demonstrating leadership potential and completing management training. The Public Service Commission occasionally maintains pools of qualified candidates for manager-level administrative positions, which can expedite the hiring process.
If you are not yet a public servant, you can apply directly to advertised competitions for this Manager position if you meet the qualifications. Previous experience in travel services, administrative management in the private sector, or related government experience is valued and may help you be competitive.
Part-Time Options
This is typically a full-time permanent position, as the role requires ongoing management responsibilities and leadership presence. However, like most Government of Canada positions, part-time opportunities may be available depending on operational needs and departmental approvals.
Remote and flexible work arrangements are increasingly common for administrative management roles in DND. Depending on the specific work location and departmental policies, managers may have flexibility to work from home for a portion of their week, particularly for tasks such as planning, policy development, and administrative work. However, some in-person presence is typically required to manage your team effectively, conduct meetings with stakeholders, and oversee day-to-day operations.
Work schedule flexibility, compressed work weeks, and telework options may be negotiated with your supervisor based on operational requirements and collective agreement provisions. These arrangements are subject to departmental approval and must align with service delivery needs. Interested candidates should discuss specific flexibility options during the hiring process and after joining DND.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
