As a Supervisor - Pharmacy with the Department of National Defence, you will lead and manage a pharmacy team while ensuring the delivery of high-quality pharmaceutical services to Canadian Armed Forces members and eligible dependants. You will oversee daily pharmacy operations, staff scheduling, inventory management, and quality assurance while maintaining compliance with federal pharmaceutical regulations and DND policies. This role combines clinical expertise with supervisory responsibilities, requiring you to balance direct patient care oversight with team leadership and administrative duties.
Your work environment will primarily be in a military health services facility, such as a base hospital, garrison clinic, or health services centre. You will work collaboratively with other health care professionals including physicians, nurses, and medical technicians to support the health and wellness of the Canadian Armed Forces. This position offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on military personnel and their families while contributing to the operational readiness of the Canadian Armed Forces.
You will be responsible for managing pharmacy staff performance, conducting quality reviews of pharmaceutical dispensing, maintaining controlled substance records, managing budgets and procurement, and ensuring workplace safety and compliance with Health Canada regulations. Your leadership will directly influence the efficiency, accuracy, and professionalism of pharmacy services across your facility.
Key Responsibilities
Coordinate and oversee daily pharmacy 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
Clinical skills, Patient/client assessment, Empathy and communication, Record-keeping, Interdisciplinary collaboration, 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 a Supervisor - Pharmacy position with DND, you must hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacy (or equivalent) from a Canadian university accredited by Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC) or equivalent credentials. You must be registered as a licensed pharmacist in good standing with your provincial/territorial pharmacy regulatory body. Current CPR/BLS certification is typically required.
Professional development opportunities include specialized training in military health services, advanced pharmacy practice management, leadership and supervisory skills programs, and certifications in areas such as clinical therapeutics or medication therapy management. DND supports ongoing professional development through tuition subsidies for relevant courses and conferences. Membership in professional organizations such as Pharmacists Alberta, Pharmacy Practice + Business, or the Canadian Pharmacists Association is encouraged and may be partially supported through professional development allowances.
Entry Plans
Entry into this career with the Public Service of Canada typically occurs through advertised competitions posted on the Government of Canada's Job Bank and internal DND recruitment channels. Candidates may enter as Pharmacist positions first and advance to supervisory roles through internal promotion competitions, or directly apply to Supervisor - Pharmacy competitions when advertised. Previous supervisory or management experience in a pharmacy setting is highly valued and often preferred.
Lateral moves from other federal health care organizations (such as Veterans Affairs Canada, Health Canada, or other departments) may be possible through internal staffing processes. DND also participates in the Public Service Commission's staffing pools, which may expedite the hiring process for qualified candidates. Students in their final year of pharmacy programs should monitor DND careers resources and recruitment events for opportunities to apply for entry-level Pharmacist positions as a pathway to supervisory roles. Indigenous candidates and members of equity-seeking groups are encouraged to apply and may have access to targeted recruitment initiatives.
Part-Time Options
Part-time and flexible work arrangements for Supervisor - Pharmacy positions vary depending on operational requirements and facility needs. While supervisory roles typically require a full-time commitment to ensure effective team management and continuous operational oversight, some facilities may offer flexible scheduling options such as compressed work weeks or flexible start times. Remote work for this position is limited due to the requirement for on-site presence to manage pharmacy operations, handle controlled substances, and supervise staff directly; however, administrative tasks may occasionally be performed remotely depending on facility policy and security protocols.
Job sharing arrangements may be available in some circumstances and would be negotiated with your supervisor and DND Human Resources. If you have specific needs related to work-life balance, caregiving responsibilities, or other personal circumstances, it is recommended to discuss accommodation options during the recruitment process or after hiring. DND is committed to supporting employees through flexible work arrangements where operationally feasible, in accordance with Treasury Board policies and the Public Service Labour Relations Act.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
