Director, Defence Construction (1951) Limited

Defence Construction Canada is a Crown corporation that assists the Government of Canada with military procurements and delivers defence infrastructure projects. Its activities aim to meet the needs of the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces for infrastructure, management or real property and environmental services by advising on, collaboratively planning, procuring and managing defence contracts.

Defence Construction Canada’s board of directors is responsible for the management of the business, activities and other affairs of the corporation, by directing the corporation’s overall strategy, evaluating its performance, ensuring that proper leadership, internal control, and accountability systems are in place, and reporting to the Crown on the corporation’s activities and performance.

Diversity and Official Languages

We are committed to providing a healthy and accessible workplace that supports one’s dignity, self-esteem and the ability to work on one’s full potential. With this in mind, all appointees will be expected to take steps to promote and maintain a healthy, respectful, inclusive and harassment-free work environment.

Preference may be given to applicants who are members of one or more of the following groups: women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and members of a visible minority group.

The Government of Canada will consider bilingual proficiency and diversity in assessing applicants. You are therefore encouraged to include in your online profile your ability to speak and understand your second official language.

Education and Experience

• A degree from a recognized university in a relevant field of study or an acceptable combination of education, job-related training and/or experience;


• Experience serving as a member of a board of directors of a large complex governmental organization, non-profit organization, and/or private sector organization;


• Experience at the senior or Board level in a large corporation in one or more of the following areas:
  
  
  
  • Implementing strategic management, organizational change and corporate governance best practices;
  
  
  • Working directly or indirectly in the construction industry, including but not limited to experience managing and delivering retrofit projects;
  
  
  • Having knowledge of the Department of National Defence activities, working on a military base, or being a member of the Canadian Armed Forced;
  
  
  • Managing diverse and complex stakeholder relations and working with various levels of government; and
  
  
  • Risk-management, which includes risk management frameworks and reporting on mitigation strategies.
  
  
  
  
• Experience in sustainable construction and / or greening would be considered an asset; and


• Financial acumen and literacy would be considered an asset.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of procurement practices, including those of the Government of Canada;


• Knowledge related to Canada’s military construction and associated infrastructure;


• Knowledge of strategic planning and business management in complex organizations;


• Knowledge of the mandate of Defence Construction Canada (DCC), its business activities and public policy issues, as well as its governing legislation, including the Defence Production Act and the Financial Administration Act;


• Knowledge of the federal government’s policies and priorities and how they relate to DCC;


• Knowledge of corporate governance principles and best practices;


• Knowledge of financial planning and reporting processes;


• Knowledge of public-private partnerships and alternative project delivery methods, such as design-build and joint ventures;


• Knowledge of the construction industry and the specific challenges that may arise within the sector;


• Knowledge of procurement practices, including those of the Government of Canada;


• Knowledge related to Canada’s military construction and associated infrastructure;


• Knowledge of strategic planning and business management in complex organizations;


• Knowledge of Information Technology Management, including the ability to manage the Information Technology function of a complex organization;


• Experience in performance management and evaluation, and in monitoring corporate performance against strategic and business plans;


• Ability to manage, provide corporate vision, leadership and the strategic direction needed for DCC to fulfill its mandate and attain its objectives effectively and efficiently; and


• Ability to develop effective relationships with a board of directors, stakeholders, clients, and DCC’s partners.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

• Comprehensive interpersonal and communications skills


• Sound judgment and discretion


• Integrity and high ethical standards


• Tact and diplomacy

Eligibility Factors and Conditions of Employment

• Appointees must comply with the Ethical and Political Activity Guidelines for Public Office Holders throughout their appointment as a term and condition of employment. The guidelines are available on the Governor in Council Appointments website under the Forms and reference material.


• All appointees are subject to the Conflict of Interest Act. Public office holders appointed on a full-time basis must also submit to the Office of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics within 60 days of appointment, a confidential report in which they disclose all of their assets, liabilities and outside activities. For more information, please visit the Office of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner's website.


• Appointees must uphold the highest standards of probity and are expected to demonstrate behaviours in the workplace that afford respect, equality and dignity, to everyone they interact with at work at all times. The Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector outlines the values and expected behaviours for public servants, including valuing diversity and creating workplaces free from harassment and discrimination. Governor in Council appointees are expected to uphold and respect these values and principles in a positive and active manner.

A link to this notice will be placed in the Canada Gazette to assist the Governor in Council in identifying qualified candidates. It is not, however, intended to be the sole means of recruitment.

A list of qualified candidates may be established and may be used for similar opportunities.

How to Apply

Review of applications (more information available here) will begin on July 15, 2024. Candidates should apply online via the Governor in Council Appointments website. Candidates are strongly encouraged to submit their applications by this date. After this date, your application will be retained and may be considered up until an appointment to the position is made. Your cover letter should be addressed to the Director of Selection Processes, Senior Personnel Secretariat, Privy Council Office, and should be sent only through the online application.

Instructions on how to apply for an appointment opportunity can be found on the Governor in Council Appointments website.