As a Supervisor - Learning and Development, you will lead a team dedicated to designing, developing, and delivering learning programs that support the professional growth and operational effectiveness of Department of National Defence civilian employees. You will work in a dynamic human resources environment where your expertise directly contributes to building a skilled, engaged, and capable workforce across the department.
In this role, you will manage learning and development initiatives, supervise staff who create training content and coordinate educational programs, and ensure learning solutions align with organizational priorities and strategic goals. Your responsibilities include budget management, performance evaluation of your team, scheduling and resource allocation, and maintaining compliance with government training standards. You will also collaborate with other departments and external training providers to access specialized expertise and ensure quality delivery.
You will work primarily in an office environment within a Defence facility or administrative office. The role involves regular communication with senior management, training participants, and external stakeholders. You may occasionally travel to deliver training or attend professional development events. Your work contributes meaningfully to the readiness and morale of the DND civilian workforce.
Key Responsibilities
Coordinate and oversee daily learning and development 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
Most candidates have completed post-secondary education in Human Resources, Education, Instructional Design, Business Administration, or a related field. A bachelor's degree is typically preferred, though relevant work experience may substitute for formal qualifications. Many successful supervisors hold professional certifications such as the Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP) or the Human Resources Professional Association (HRPA) credential.
Once hired, you will participate in government-specific orientation and training on DND policies, the Public Service Labour Relations Act, and Treasury Board directives on learning and development. Many departments offer internal management training programs for newly appointed supervisors. Professional development is encouraged, and you may pursue advanced certifications in learning technology, instructional design, or strategic human resources management. Membership in professional associations such as the Canadian Society for Training and Development (CSTD) is common and supported by most departments.
Entry Plans
Entry to this supervisor role typically occurs through one of several pathways in the federal Public Service. Most commonly, candidates advance internally after working as Learning and Development professionals (such as Training Specialists or Instructional Designers) within DND or other government departments. These lateral promotions are often announced through internal competitions open to current federal employees.
External candidates may enter through advertised open competitions on the Government of Canada's Job Bank or the DND Civilian Careers website. These competitions are merit-based and evaluate your supervisory experience, learning and development expertise, and leadership abilities. Some departments also use staffing pools of pre-screened candidates to fill supervisor positions more quickly.
If you are a recent graduate, consider starting as a Learning and Development Specialist or Coordinator to build experience, then apply for supervisor positions after gaining 3-5 years in the field. Students may also access learning and development roles through the Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP) or the Post-Secondary Recruitment Initiative (PSRI) to build relevant experience.
Part-Time Options
Supervisor positions in Learning and Development are typically full-time, permanent roles; however, the federal Public Service does offer flexible work arrangements. Many DND offices support flexible hours, compressed work weeks, and telework options depending on operational requirements and manager approval. Some supervisors work hybrid schedules, combining office-based days with remote work.
Part-time supervisor positions are less common but may become available during organizational transitions or special projects. If part-time work is important to you, discuss flexibility options during the recruitment process and after hire. Remote work capability has expanded across DND, particularly for administrative and program management functions; however, some supervisory responsibilities—such as team meetings, performance management, and in-person training delivery—typically require periodic office presence. Specific arrangements depend on your department location and operational needs.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
