As a Supervisor in Innovation and Change Management at the Department of National Defence, you will lead teams responsible for driving organizational transformation and implementing new processes, technologies, and initiatives across DND. You'll oversee the planning, development, and delivery of change management strategies that support DND's modernization efforts and ensure smooth transitions during organizational shifts. This role involves managing people, budgets, and timelines while maintaining focus on achieving strategic objectives and supporting employees through change.
Your day-to-day responsibilities include supervising a team of change management professionals, monitoring project progress, conducting stakeholder engagement, and providing guidance on best practices in innovation and organizational change. You will work collaboratively with departments across Defence to identify improvement opportunities, assess organizational readiness, and develop communication strategies that help personnel understand and adapt to new ways of working. You'll also be responsible for staff development, performance management, and creating an inclusive team environment.
The work environment is typically office-based at a DND location, though you may travel to meet with stakeholders across different bases and headquarters. You'll work standard business hours with occasional evening or weekend commitments depending on project timelines. This is an ideal role for someone who enjoys solving complex organizational challenges, supporting people through transitions, and seeing tangible results from improvement initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
Coordinate and oversee daily innovation and change 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
Organizational skills, Written and oral communication, MS Office proficiency, Time management, Attention to detail, 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 succeed in this role, you should have a bachelor's degree in business administration, public administration, organizational psychology, project management, or a related field. A master's degree in organizational development, change management, business administration, or public administration is an asset. Professional certifications in change management (such as Prosci Change Management Certification or Project Management Institute credentials) are highly valued.
The Government of Canada and DND provide professional development opportunities including training in change management methodologies, leadership skills, financial management, and government-specific policies and procedures. You'll have access to the Public Service Learning Portal for courses on topics like stakeholder engagement, project management, and diversity and inclusion. Many supervisors pursue advanced certifications through professional organizations such as the Institute of Change Management or the Project Management Institute to enhance their expertise and career progression.
Entry Plans
You can enter this career through several pathways within the federal Public Service. Most positions are filled through open public service competitions advertised on the Government of Canada job board (jobs.gc.ca) and DND's careers portal. These competitions are open to Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and those with veteran status.
If you're already working in the Public Service in a related field such as project management, business analysis, or organizational development, you may be able to move laterally into this supervisor role through internal competitions or deployment options. Some positions may be filled through Public Service staffing pools for change management professionals.
DND also participates in federal student recruitment programs, including the Post-Secondary Recruitment Campaign and Co-op Student Program, where you can gain experience in change management roles and transition into permanent positions. Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and other designated groups may have access to targeted recruitment initiatives. Your relevant work experience, educational background, and demonstrated success in change management or related supervisory roles will strengthen your candidacy.
Part-Time Options
While the Supervisor - Innovation and Change Management position is typically a full-time role, the Public Service offers flexible work arrangements that may be available depending on operational requirements and management approval. These can include compressed work weeks, flexible start and end times, and telework options.
Remote or hybrid work is often possible for portions of your role, particularly for tasks such as strategic planning, stakeholder communication, and virtual team meetings. However, supervisory responsibilities—including in-person staff development, team meetings, and site visits—may require regular on-site presence. Part-time or job-sharing arrangements are rarely available at the supervisor level due to the continuous nature of team leadership and project oversight. Interested candidates should discuss specific work arrangement options during the hiring process or with their manager after appointment, as availability depends on operational needs and team structure.
