As a Supply Chain Technician with the Department of National Defence, you will play a vital role in supporting the efficient movement of materials, equipment, and supplies throughout our operations. You will work within the General Supply Chain Management family, handling procurement activities, inventory management, and logistics coordination that directly support Canadian Armed Forces operations and Defence Team activities. Your work ensures that personnel, units, and operations receive the materials they need, when they need them.
Your day-to-day responsibilities will include processing purchase orders, tracking inventory levels, coordinating with suppliers and internal stakeholders, maintaining supply chain documentation, and assisting with receiving and warehousing functions. You may work in procurement offices, supply depots, logistics centres, or operational bases across Canada and potentially internationally. You will collaborate with procurement officers, warehouse staff, finance teams, and military personnel to ensure smooth supply chain operations.
This role offers meaningful work in a structured military environment with access to modern supply chain systems and tools. You will gain practical experience in government procurement processes, inventory management systems, and logistics operations while supporting Canada's defence mission.
Key Responsibilities
Perform general supply chain management functions per GC procurement policies, Process requisitions, contracts, and procurement documents, Manage vendor relationships and monitor contract performance, Maintain asset and inventory records
Post-secondary education or equivalent experience relevant to the position
Training
To succeed as a Supply Chain Technician, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. Post-secondary education in supply chain management, logistics, business administration, or a related field is an asset and may provide advancement opportunities. Throughout your career, you will have access to professional development including training in government procurement regulations, inventory management software, supply chain systems (such as SAP), and logistics best practices. The Government of Canada encourages employees to pursue relevant certifications such as the Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) designation or equivalent credentials. DND provides on-the-job training to develop your technical skills and knowledge of military supply chain requirements, and many positions offer tuition support for employees pursuing further education or professional certifications that enhance their career prospects.
Entry Plans
You can enter the Supply Chain Technician career in several ways. The primary path is through competitive staffing processes advertised on the Government of Canada's job board (jobs.gc.ca) and the DND Civilian Workforce careers website. These competitions may be open to Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and other eligible candidates. The Public Service also maintains recruitment pools for supply chain and logistics positions, which can accelerate your entry if you qualify. If you are already a Government of Canada employee, you may be able to move laterally into this position through internal competitions or deployment processes. The DND also participates in student recruitment programs and co-op placements that can lead to permanent positions after graduation. Some positions may be filled through the Priority Hiring List for former public service employees. We recommend checking both the main job board and the DND Civilian Workforce site regularly, as competition notices are posted as positions become available.
Part-Time Options
Part-time and flexible work arrangements are often available for Supply Chain Technician positions, depending on operational needs and the specific location. Many positions support flexible work schedules to help maintain work-life balance. Remote work options may be limited due to the nature of the role, which typically requires on-site presence in supply depots, procurement offices, or warehouses to manage inventory, process orders, and coordinate logistics. However, some administrative and coordination tasks may be performed remotely depending on your work location and management approval. If you are interested in part-time or flexible arrangements, we recommend discussing these options with the hiring manager during the recruitment process, as availability varies by position and work unit.
