Discover the possible

Anything is possible at the National Research Council (NRC), recently named one of Canada’s 2025 Top Employers for Young People, a 2025 Top Employer in the National Capital Region and Forbes Canada’s Best Employers!

As Canada’s leading research and technology organization, our world-renowned research pushes the boundaries of science and engineering to make the impossible, possible. Every day we explore new ideas through innovative research and help companies discover possibilities that impact Canada’s future and the world.

At the NRC, you’ll also discover new possibilities. Our supportive workplace fosters a culture of creativity, welcoming fresh perspectives and innovation at all levels. We value teamwork. You’ll collaborate across multiple fields and with the brightest minds to find creative solutions. Most importantly, you’ll discover what’s possible within you as you grow, make valuable contributions and progress in your professional journey. From ground-breaking discoveries to a life-changing career, discover your possible at the NRC.

The Role

We are seeking a qualified professional to serve as the Director, Operations to support our Aerospace Research Centre. The successful candidate will be someone who shares our core values of integrity, excellence, respect and creativity.

Based in 5 locations across Canada, the Aerospace Research Centre builds collaborative project teams from a diverse scientific and engineering workforce with particular strengths in aircraft structures, materials, manufacturing, aerodynamics, propulsion, gas turbines and flight research. Projects are conducted to meet the requirements of external clients, internal investment programs, or both.

Current areas of focus and technologies within the Aerospace Research Centre include sustainable aviation and climate action, aerial mobility, digitalization and product certification, aerospace manufacturing, air travel and icing research, and defense sustainment and future operational capabilities.

Working closely with the Research Centre Director General, the Director, Operations is responsible for managing the Research Centre's operations, including the processes for the implementation of strategic and policy plans to enable the Research Centre to meet its objectives in the provision of research and technology development support to the relevant sector.

The Director of Operations is responsible for overseeing project management, quality management, safety of operations, security, and providing administrative support to the research center. In addition to these core responsibilities, the position entails oversight of support programs, ensuring seamless interaction with corporate common services, including HR, Finance, and the Health, Safety, and Environment Branch. The role is crucial in maintaining alignment, operational efficiency, and integration of services to support the center's objectives.

Screening Criteria

Applicants must demonstrate within the content of their application that they meet the following screening criteria in order to be given further consideration as candidates:

Education

• Degree in science, engineering or business. Preference may be given to candidates with a combination of engineering and business education.
• Project Management Certification would be considered an asset.
• Training in Occupational Health and Safety would be considered an asset.

For information on certificates and diplomas issued abroad, please see Degree equivalency

Experience

• Experience in providing strategic and tactical leadership in the management of operational issues in a complex environment (i.e. scientific research), developing and implementing operational/strategic/business plans, policies, procedures, best practices or programs and in identifying areas of improvement and innovation.
• Experience in providing strategic and operational analysis, advice and recommendations to senior management on complex organizational initiatives/issues to enable decision making (such as strategic planning, finance, human resources, scientific facilities management, information management and information technology) and then execute those decisions.
• Significant and recent experience managing human resources including direct supervision of staff, assignment of work and managing employee performance.
• Experience establishing and maintaining productive client relations, strategic partnerships or networks with internal and external stakeholders.
• Significant experience in overseeing the design and construction of industrial large scale scientific facilities would be considered an asset.

Condition of Employment

Secret (II)

A thorough security clearance process will be applied.

For a Secret Clearance, verification of background information over a period of 10 years is required. Individuals must have lived in Canada for a sufficient period of time to enable the security screening process.

Travel may be required

Language Requirements

Bilingual Imperative CBC/CBC

Note: In the event that no qualified bilingual candidates are identified, NRC may consider unilingual candidates who will be required to commit to achieving these levels within two years.

Information on language requirements and self-assessment tests

Assessment Criteria

Candidates will be assessed on the basis of the following criteria:

Technical Competencies

• Knowledge and understanding of the following business functional areas: strategic and operational planning, financial management, Human Resources Management, Occupational Health and Safety and project management.
• Solid ability to demonstrate strong business acumen, analyze complex information to provide strategic advice and recommendations and to use sound judgment to deal with matters in an appropriate and timely manner.
• Ability to manage effectively and lead people through complex and continuously changing business and technology environment while keeping employees engaged.
• Ability to foster strong and positive working relationships among internal and external stakeholders.
• Advanced knowledge of process development in large organization and preferably about digitalization tools for automated processes.
• Advanced knowledge of change management, project management, Health and Safety and Quality management.

Behavioural Competencies

• Management Competencies - Inspirational leadership (Level 3)
• Management Competencies - Strategic outlook & alignment (Level 3)
• Management Competencies - Drive for results and efficiency (Level 4)
• Management Competencies - Service orientation (Level 4)
• Management Competencies – Financial Management (Level 4)
• Management Competencies – Human Resources Management (Level 3)
• Management Competencies – Self-Awareness (Level 3)

Competency Profile(s)

For this position, the NRC will evaluate candidates using the following competency profile: Management Competencies (MG)

View all competency profiles

Compensation

From $142,179 to $170,588 per annum.

NRC employees enjoy a wide-range of competitive benefits including a robust pension plan, comprehensive health and dental coverage, disability and life insurance, office closure at the end of December, and additional supports to enhance your well-being throughout your career and beyond.

Notes

• In 2025, the NRC has been chosen as one of Canada’s Top Employers for Young People, the National Capital Region’s Top Employers and Forbes Canada’s Best Employers.
• Relocation assistance will be determined in accordance with the NRC's directives.
• A pre-qualified list may be established for similar positions for a one year period.
• Preference will be given to Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents of Canada. Please include citizenship information in your application.
• The incumbent must adhere to safe workplace practices at all times.
• We thank all those who apply, however only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.