As a Manager of Translation Services within the Department of National Defence, you will lead and oversee a team of professional translators and interpreters who provide critical linguistic support across the organization. You will be responsible for managing translation projects, ensuring quality standards, meeting delivery timelines, and maintaining secure handling of sensitive and classified materials. This role is essential to DND's operations, as accurate and timely translation services enable effective communication with international partners, support operational readiness, and ensure compliance with Canada's official languages requirements.
Your day-to-day responsibilities will include supervising translator and interpreter staff, assigning and prioritizing translation projects, conducting quality assurance reviews, and managing budgets and resources. You will coordinate with various DND departments to understand their linguistic needs, develop service delivery standards, and implement improvements to translation processes and procedures. You may also represent the translation services function at departmental meetings and contribute to strategic planning for linguistic services.
You will work in a dynamic, security-conscious environment where discretion and attention to detail are paramount. Many translation projects involve sensitive military, diplomatic, or classified information requiring appropriate security clearances and rigorous adherence to confidentiality protocols. This is a predominantly office-based position, typically located at a DND headquarters or regional office.
Key Responsibilities
Plan and manage the delivery of linguistic services services and programs, Supervise and develop staff within the linguistic services team, Monitor performance metrics and report on results, Develop and implement operational plans and procedures, Manage stakeholder relationships and ensure service quality
Required Skills
Writing and editing, Strategic thinking, Media relations, Digital content creation, Stakeholder engagement, People management, Operational oversight, Quality assurance, Resource coordination
Typical Education
Post-secondary education in the relevant field; supervisory and operational management experience
Training
To succeed in this role, you should have a university degree, preferably in translation, linguistics, languages, or a related field. Certification as a professional translator through professional bodies such as the Canadian Translators, Terminologists and Interpreters Council (CTTIC) or equivalent is highly valued. You must demonstrate fluency in English and French, with strong written and oral communication skills in both official languages. Knowledge of specialized military or technical terminology is an asset.
Once hired, you will receive on-the-job training specific to DND operations, security protocols, and departmental translation standards. The Government of Canada offers professional development opportunities through the Canadian School of Public Service (CSPS), including courses in management, leadership, project management, and official languages services. You may also pursue ongoing professional development in translation technology, specialized terminology management, and quality assurance methodologies. Maintaining or obtaining security clearances, as required by your role, may involve ongoing training and compliance requirements.
Entry Plans
Entry into this position typically occurs through a competitive staffing process advertised by DND or the Public Service Commission (PSC). Candidates may apply directly to advertised competitions for the Manager - Translation Services position. Experienced translators or interpreters within the federal Public Service may transition into this role through internal competitions or lateral moves, leveraging their linguistic expertise and existing security clearances.
The Government of Canada also offers pathways for recent graduates and early-career professionals through programs such as the Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP) and the Post-Secondary Recruitment Campaign (PSRC), which can lead to indeterminate positions. Individuals with provincial or private sector translation management experience may enter through open competitions. All candidates must meet Treasury Board and DND requirements, which typically include security clearance eligibility, language proficiency testing, and proof of education.
Part-Time Options
Part-time and flexible work arrangements may be available depending on operational needs and departmental policies. Many management positions within DND support flexible scheduling, including compressed work weeks and flexible hours, provided core business requirements are met. Remote work options have expanded across the federal Public Service and may apply to portions of this role, particularly for administrative and planning tasks, though some in-person presence is typically required for team management and meetings.
Specific arrangements should be discussed during the recruitment process and will depend on the translation services unit's operational demands, team location, and management preferences. Job sharing or part-time management arrangements are less common at the manager level but may be possible in certain circumstances. Employees are encouraged to discuss flexible work options with their hiring manager and to review DND's flexible work policies and collective agreement provisions, as eligibility may vary based on classification, tenure, and operational requirements.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
