As a Manager - Actuarial Science with the Department of National Defence, you will lead a team of actuarial professionals responsible for assessing and managing financial and insurance risks for the department. You will provide strategic direction on pension plans, benefits administration, and actuarial valuations that support defence operations and workforce management. Your work directly impacts the financial sustainability of programs that serve Canadian Armed Forces members and their families.
In this role, you will oversee the development and implementation of actuarial analyses, supervise professional staff, and ensure compliance with Treasury Board policies and actuarial standards. You will manage project timelines and budgets while maintaining the highest standards of actuarial practice. Your responsibilities include mentoring junior actuaries, reviewing complex actuarial reports, and communicating technical findings to senior leadership and stakeholders with varying levels of actuarial knowledge.
You will work in a collaborative environment within the federal government, partnering with human resources, finance, and policy teams. This position offers the opportunity to contribute to evidence-based decision-making that affects thousands of defence employees and retirees, while applying your expertise to solve complex financial and actuarial challenges.
Key Responsibilities
Plan and manage the delivery of actuarial science services and programs, Supervise and develop staff within the actuarial science team, Monitor performance metrics and report on results, Develop and implement operational plans and procedures, Manage stakeholder relationships and ensure service quality
Required Skills
Research design, Statistical analysis, Laboratory techniques, Scientific writing, Data interpretation, People management, Operational oversight, Quality assurance, Resource coordination
Typical Education
Post-secondary education in the relevant field; supervisory and operational management experience
Training
To qualify for this role, you must hold a university degree in mathematics, statistics, economics, actuarial science, or a closely related discipline. Professional actuarial certification is required or must be obtained within a specified timeframe. This typically includes membership in the Canadian Institute of Actuaries (CIA) or equivalent professional designation such as a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries (FSA) or Fellow of the Canadian Institute of Actuaries (FCIA).
The Government of Canada supports your professional development through access to continuing education programs and professional development allowances. You will be encouraged to maintain your actuarial credentials and pursue advanced certifications relevant to government practice. Training opportunities in federal policies, pension legislation, and benefits administration are provided. Many managers in this role pursue specialized knowledge in public sector pensions, risk management, and government financial systems to enhance their effectiveness in a federal context.
Entry Plans
Entry to this managerial position typically occurs through internal Government of Canada competitions. The most common pathway is for actuaries already working in the federal public service to apply for manager-level positions as they become available. The Public Service Commission (PSC) posts competitions on the Government of Canada Job Bank, and you may also be recruited through targeted networks within Treasury Board, National Defence, and other federal departments employing actuaries.
The federal government occasionally conducts recruitment campaigns for experienced managers and may consider lateral moves from other government departments or agencies. Some positions may be filled through formal pools established by Treasury Board or departmental human resources. If you are not yet in the federal public service, you would first need to secure a position as an Actuarial Scientist or Analyst, then compete for managerial opportunities as they arise. Students and recent graduates may enter through student recruitment programs or development programs that create pathways to permanent positions.
Part-Time Options
This managerial position is typically offered on a full-time basis. However, the Government of Canada is committed to flexible work arrangements where operationally feasible. Depending on departmental needs and management approval, part-time or job-sharing arrangements may be possible for qualified candidates. Remote work and flexible scheduling options have become more available across federal departments and may be negotiated with your manager based on business requirements and the nature of your duties.
Many actuarial and analytical tasks can be performed remotely, particularly report preparation, data analysis, and team coordination. However, some responsibilities such as stakeholder meetings, team supervision, and strategic planning sessions may require in-person or hybrid attendance. Specific flexibility options should be discussed during the recruitment process and with your manager once hired. The Department of National Defence works to balance operational needs with work-life balance objectives for all employees.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
