As a Project Lead in the Department of National Defence, you will be responsible for planning, organizing, and directing projects from conception through completion. You will work with cross-functional teams to establish project objectives, develop timelines and budgets, and ensure deliverables meet quality standards and departmental requirements. Your role is critical to supporting DND's operational effectiveness and modernization initiatives.
Your day-to-day responsibilities include coordinating project activities, managing resources and schedules, communicating progress to stakeholders, and identifying and mitigating risks. You will prepare reports, documentation, and presentations that keep leadership informed of project status. You may supervise junior staff or contractors, depending on project scope and complexity.
You will work in a professional office environment, primarily at DND headquarters or regional offices across Canada. The work is structured but dynamic, requiring flexibility to respond to changing priorities, timelines, and stakeholder needs. You will interact regularly with military personnel, civilian colleagues, and external partners.
Key Responsibilities
Perform project management duties in support of departmental operations, Prepare correspondence, reports, and administrative documents, Coordinate schedules, meetings, and logistics, Maintain records and filing systems
Required Skills
Organizational skills, Written and oral communication, MS Office proficiency, Time management, Attention to detail, Technical proficiency, Attention to detail, Collaboration, Continuous learning
Typical Education
Post-secondary education or equivalent experience relevant to the position
Training
A secondary school diploma is the minimum educational requirement. Many successful Project Leads hold a college diploma or bachelor's degree in business administration, project management, or a related field.
Professional certifications strengthen your qualifications. The Project Management Institute's Project Management Professional (PMP) designation and the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) credential are highly valued. The Government of Canada also recognizes certifications through the Canadian Project Management Institute (CPMI).
Once hired, you will have access to professional development opportunities including project management training courses, leadership development programs, and government-sponsored certification support. DND encourages continuous learning through internal workshops and external educational partnerships to keep your skills current with evolving best practices.
Entry Plans
The primary path to becoming a Project Lead is through a competitive public service staffing process. The Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat (TBS) and DND regularly advertise Project Lead positions on the Government of Canada's official job board (jobs.gc.ca). You can also enter through lateral moves if you already work in the federal Public Service in a related administrative or project support role.
Student and early-career programs such as the Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP) and the Post-Secondary Recruitment (PSR) program provide pathways to federal employment. These programs allow you to gain experience and demonstrate your capabilities for permanent positions.
If you are already a DND civilian employee in a junior project or administrative role, you may be considered for promotion or internal appointment to a Project Lead position. The government also maintains staffing pools for project management professionals, which can expedite the hiring process for vacant positions.
Part-Time Options
Project Lead positions are typically full-time permanent roles. However, the Public Service of Canada is increasingly flexible with work arrangements.
Remote and hybrid work options are available for many Project Lead positions, particularly those focused on planning, coordination, and administrative oversight. The extent of remote work eligibility depends on operational requirements and your specific project assignments. Some positions require regular in-person presence for stakeholder meetings, team collaboration, or access to classified materials.
Part-time or job-shared Project Lead positions are less common but may be available in certain circumstances. Your manager and Human Resources can discuss flexible work arrangements during the hiring process or after your start date. All flexibility is subject to operational requirements and DND priorities.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
