As a Supervisor - Contract Management, you will lead a team responsible for managing contracts within the Department of National Defence. You will oversee the development, negotiation, administration, and closure of contracts that support military operations and organizational objectives. This role involves ensuring compliance with Treasury Board policies, Government of Canada procurement regulations, and departmental standards while maintaining effective working relationships with vendors, stakeholders, and internal teams.
Your responsibilities will include directing your team's daily activities, providing guidance on complex contract issues, and ensuring timely delivery of contract management services. You will review contracts for legal sufficiency, financial accuracy, and alignment with departmental needs. Additionally, you will monitor contract performance, manage disputes, and implement corrective actions when necessary. Your work will directly impact DND's ability to acquire goods and services essential to Canadian military readiness.
You will work in a collaborative environment within the procurement and supply chain function. Your workplace may be located at a DND headquarters, regional office, or defence establishment across Canada. This role requires attention to detail, strong analytical skills, and the ability to manage multiple contracts simultaneously while meeting tight deadlines.
Key Responsibilities
Coordinate and oversee daily contract 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
Procurement processes, Contract management, Inventory systems, Vendor management, GC procurement policies, Team supervision, Work coordination, Quality control, Staff development
Typical Education
Post-secondary diploma or degree; experience in the relevant technical or functional area
Training
To qualify for this position, you typically need a secondary school diploma or equivalent, though post-secondary education in business administration, procurement, supply chain management, or a related field is often preferred. Many successful candidates have earned professional certifications such as the Certified Professional Purchaser (CPP) or the Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) designation.
Once hired, you will have access to professional development opportunities through the Treasury Board Secretariat's procurement training programs and the DND Learning and Development Centre. The Public Service Procurement Tribunal offers specialized courses in government contracting regulations and best practices. We encourage ongoing professional development, including management training to support your supervisory responsibilities. Many employees pursue additional certifications in project management or advanced contract administration to advance their careers within the Government of Canada.
Entry Plans
You can enter this career through several pathways in the federal Public Service. Most commonly, positions are filled through public competitions advertised on the Government of Canada Job Bank and the DND careers website. These competitions are open to Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and other eligible candidates.
If you are already working in a contract management or procurement role within the Public Service, you may be considered through internal competitions or deployment processes. The Public Service is committed to supporting internal mobility, and lateral moves from related supply chain or financial administration positions are possible with the appropriate qualifications.
Students and recent graduates may enter the contract management field through the Federal Student Work Program or the Public Service Youth Internship Program, which can lead to permanent positions. Some candidates gain initial experience in entry-level procurement or administrative roles and advance to supervisory positions through demonstrated performance and successful competition. We recommend keeping your profile current on the Public Service Job Board and regularly checking the DND careers page for available opportunities.
Part-Time Options
Part-time opportunities in Contract Management supervisor roles are limited but may be available depending on operational needs and DND priorities. Full-time positions are the standard for this supervisory role due to the ongoing nature of contract management responsibilities and team leadership requirements.
Flexible work arrangements, including telework options, are increasingly available within DND. Many contract management teams have adopted hybrid work models where supervisors work partially from home and partially from the office to maintain team collaboration. Specific flexibility depends on your location, the nature of your duties, and your manager's approval. The Government of Canada's Directive on Telework supports flexible arrangements where operational requirements permit.
If you require part-time work or have specific scheduling needs, we encourage you to discuss these preferences during the recruitment process or with your hiring manager. DND is committed to supporting work-life balance and will explore options that align with both your needs and operational demands.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
