As a Supervisor in Conflict Management within the Department of National Defence, you will lead a team dedicated to resolving workplace disputes and fostering positive labour relations. You will be responsible for overseeing the delivery of conflict resolution services, including mediation, labour relations advice, and workplace accommodation support. Your role bridges human resources management and operational efficiency, ensuring that DND maintains a respectful, inclusive workplace culture while addressing complex interpersonal and organizational challenges.
Your day-to-day responsibilities include supervising conflict management professionals, reviewing case files and mediation outcomes, coaching team members on best practices, and liaising with managers and employees across DND to resolve disputes. You will develop policies and procedures, track performance metrics, and ensure compliance with Treasury Board directives and the Canadian Human Rights Act. You may also represent DND in consultations with unions and external stakeholders.
You will work in a structured office environment, primarily at National Defence Headquarters or regional offices. The role requires strong interpersonal skills, discretion when handling sensitive matters, and the ability to remain impartial in contentious situations. Travel may be required to support conflict resolution initiatives at different Defence locations across Canada.
Key Responsibilities
Coordinate and oversee daily conflict management operations, Assign work, monitor progress, and provide guidance to team members, Review work products for quality and compliance with standards, Contribute to operational planning and process improvement
Required Skills
HR policy interpretation, Interpersonal skills, Staffing and classification, Conflict resolution, Labour relations knowledge, Team supervision, Work coordination, Quality control, Staff development
Typical Education
Post-secondary diploma or degree; experience in the relevant technical or functional area
Training
A bachelor's degree in human resources management, business administration, organizational psychology, or a related discipline is typically required. Some positions may accept equivalent experience in labour relations, conflict resolution, or human resources administration in lieu of formal education. Candidates should possess intermediate knowledge of conflict management theories, mediation techniques, and federal labour relations legislation.
Treasury Board and DND may require or support professional certifications such as Certified Employee Assistance Professional (CEAP), Mediator credentials, or human resources designations (CHRP, CAP). Ongoing professional development is encouraged through workshops on advanced mediation, diversity and inclusion, psychological safety, and workplace mental health. DND provides access to training on federal policies, the Public Service Labour Relations Act, and the Treasury Board Secretariat's conflict management frameworks.
Entry Plans
Entry to this supervisor position typically occurs through competitive staffing processes advertised on the Government of Canada's Job Bank and internal DND recruitment portals. Candidates usually progress to this level from Conflict Management Officer or Human Resources Officer positions within the Public Service, demonstrating supervisory readiness and expertise.
Internal lateral moves from related HR streams (Classification, Employee Relations, or Labour Relations) are common, particularly for candidates with conflict management experience. The Public Service Resourcing Group (PSRG) may maintain pools of pre-screened candidates for supervisor-level appointments. Some positions may be filled through student recruitment programs or apprenticeships, where candidates develop conflict management skills before advancing to supervisory responsibilities. External candidates from the private sector or other levels of government may also compete, provided they meet educational and language requirements (English and French proficiency varies by posting).
Part-Time Options
Part-time work is available in some DND conflict management units, typically on a prorated salary basis with proportional benefits. Flexible work arrangements, including compressed work weeks and flexible start/end times, are increasingly common to accommodate work-life balance and employee retention. Remote work options have expanded since 2020 and may be negotiated based on operational requirements; positions involving direct mediation or sensitive file reviews may require on-site presence for confidentiality and professionalism. Telework is generally available for administrative tasks, policy development, and virtual coaching sessions. Specific flexibility depends on the DND office location and collective agreement provisions (most civilian DND employees are covered by Treasury Board collective agreements).
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
