As a Supervisor in Program Management within the Department of National Defence, you will lead and support a team of administrative and program professionals. You will be responsible for planning, organizing, and directing the work of your team while ensuring program objectives are met on time and within budget. Your role bridges operational execution and strategic planning, making you essential to the successful delivery of DND programs and services.
Your day-to-day responsibilities include supervising staff performance, managing workload and timelines, providing coaching and mentoring, and maintaining quality standards. You will coordinate with other departments and stakeholders, manage resources, prepare reports, and ensure compliance with government policies and procedures. You will also contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and help develop your team members' skills and careers.
You will work in a structured office environment, typically at a DND headquarters, regional office, or operational facility. This role requires strong organizational skills, the ability to manage competing priorities, and excellent communication with both your team and senior management.
Key Responsibilities
Coordinate and oversee daily program 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 qualify for this role, you typically need a secondary school diploma and several years of relevant administrative or program management experience. Many successful candidates hold a post-secondary credential such as a college diploma or university degree in business administration, public administration, or a related field.
Professional development opportunities are available through the Canada School of Public Service, including courses in leadership, project management, financial management, and federal policy. You may pursue certifications in program or project management (such as PMP or CAPM) with departmental support. DND also offers ongoing training in defence-specific systems, security protocols, and management practices to help you advance your career.
Entry Plans
Most positions are filled through federal public service staffing processes. You can enter this career through open competitions advertised on the Government of Canada Job Bank and the DND Civilian Workforce careers website. Some positions may be filled through internal appointment processes if you are already a federal public servant.
If you are not yet in the federal Public Service, you can apply for entry-level administrative positions and work your way toward a supervisory role as you gain experience and demonstrate leadership capability. The Government of Canada also offers student programs, including the Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP) and post-graduation recruitment initiatives, which can provide a pathway into the department.
Transitions from other federal departments are common, as your administrative and supervisory experience is valued across government. Lateral moves within DND from related administrative roles are also a typical route to a supervisory position.
Part-Time Options
Full-time positions are standard for supervisory roles due to the responsibility of managing a team and ensuring continuity of program delivery. However, the Government of Canada recognizes the importance of work-life balance.
Depending on operational needs and departmental policy, some flexibility may be available in work arrangements such as flexible hours, compressed work weeks, or telework options. Remote work is possible for certain aspects of the role, particularly for administrative tasks and virtual meetings, though in-person presence may be required for team leadership, training, and critical operational periods.
To explore specific flexible work options, you should discuss arrangements with the hiring manager and your manager once in a position. Eligibility depends on the nature of the work, team requirements, and departmental guidelines.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
