As a Supervisor in Travel Services, you will lead and manage a team responsible for providing travel arrangements and support services to Department of National Defence personnel. You will oversee the planning, coordination, and execution of official travel, ensuring compliance with Treasury Board policies and DND directives while maintaining high service standards. This role involves managing travel bookings, processing expense claims, advising staff on travel entitlements, and resolving travel-related issues in a timely manner.
Your day-to-day responsibilities include supervising and developing team members, monitoring travel service performance metrics, maintaining vendor relationships with airlines and hotels, and ensuring accurate record-keeping and reporting. You will serve as a key point of contact between DND personnel and external travel service providers, advocating for both employee needs and government financial stewardship. This position requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
You will work in a professional office setting, typically located at a DND headquarters or major military installation. Your work environment involves regular interaction with military and civilian personnel at all levels, travel service vendors, and other government departments. The role offers opportunities to improve travel processes, implement new systems, and contribute to operational readiness by ensuring seamless travel support.
Key Responsibilities
Coordinate and oversee daily travel services 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
Entry to this position typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent, with post-secondary education in business administration, hospitality management, or a related field being an asset. You should have previous experience in travel services, customer service, or a related administrative field, with demonstrated supervisory or team leadership experience.
Professional certifications valued in this role include credentials from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO), or equivalent travel industry certifications. The Government of Canada provides training in Treasury Board travel policies, DND-specific travel procedures, and relevant software systems upon hiring. Ongoing professional development opportunities include management and leadership training through the Canada School of Public Service, as well as specialized training in government travel policy updates and evolving travel management technologies. Many employees pursue additional certifications in project management or advanced travel management to enhance their career progression.
Entry Plans
Entry to the Supervisor - Travel Services position in the DND civilian workforce typically occurs through public competitions advertised on the Government of Canada Jobs website. Candidates may enter at the working level as a Travel Services Officer and progress to the supervisory level through promotion competitions, or apply directly to supervisory competitions if they meet the required experience criteria.
Lateral moves from related positions in other federal departments, such as administrative supervision roles or customer service supervisory positions, are common entry pathways. The government also considers candidates from the private travel industry who hold relevant certifications and supervisory experience. Some positions may be filled through staffing pools established from previous competitions. Student summer employment and co-op programs in travel services or administration can provide initial exposure to the field and create pathways to permanent positions. Indigenous applicants are encouraged to apply, and the government maintains commitments to equitable hiring practices. Interested candidates should regularly monitor the Government of Canada Jobs website and DND recruitment announcements for opportunities.
Part-Time Options
Part-time and flexible work arrangements for the Supervisor - Travel Services role are available depending on operational requirements and management approval. Many positions offer the flexibility to work compressed work weeks or staggered schedules, which can help balance work and personal commitments while maintaining continuity in service delivery.
Remote work options have expanded within the DND civilian workforce, and travel services supervisors may be eligible to work from home on a full-time, hybrid, or part-time basis, subject to operational needs and manager discretion. This flexibility allows supervisors to maintain oversight of their teams while potentially reducing commute times. However, some in-person presence may be required for staff meetings, training sessions, and direct supervision activities.
Job-sharing arrangements and other flexible work options may be negotiated with your manager and HR, depending on the specific requirements of your position and the needs of the branch. All flexible arrangements are formalized through written agreements and remain subject to operational requirements and performance standards. Employees interested in part-time or flexible work are encouraged to discuss options with their manager during hiring or at their annual performance review.
