Director, Platform Enablement & Infrastructure Operations

Tenure:

Continuing

Language Requirements: Bilingual Imperative CBC/CBC

Work arrangements:Due to the nature of the work and operational requirements, this position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement (combination of working onsite and telework). Employees in this position who telework will be required to travel to the designated work site at least three times per week or a minimum of 60% of their regular work schedule at their own expense.

At the NRC, we recognize that Indigenous candidates may have important connections to their communities and you may be eligible for an exception to this work arrangement. Alternative work arrangements may also be considered to accommodate candidates as required. To learn more about these options, please contact the NRC Hiring team using the contact information below.

Join the NRC’s digital future

This selection process will be used to establish a pool of qualified candidates that may be used to staff similar positions with varying tenures, language requirements, and security levels at the CS-4 and CS-5 levels within the NRC. Candidates who meet the essential qualifications may be considered for future opportunities in IT infrastructure operations, cyber security, cloud computing, or related fields as they become available.

Discover the possible

Anything is possible at the NRC, named in 2025 one of Canada’s Top Employers for Young People, 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 looking for a dynamic and versatile Director, Platform Enablement & Infrastructure Operations to support our Chief Information Officer Branch (CIOB). The Director, Platform Enablement & Infrastructure Operations would be someone who shares our core values of Integrity, Excellence, Respect and Creativity. The position reports to the Chief Technology and Cyber Security Officer.

As Director, Platform Enablement & Infrastructure Operations, you will provide strategic and technical leadership to a multidisciplinary team of IT professionals. In this critical leadership role, you will direct the planning, delivery, and continuous improvement of key components of NRC’s digital infrastructure ecosystem, including enterprise IT systems, cloud platforms, cybersecurity operations, and high-performance computing (HPC) environments.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead strategic direction and operations of the team by defining goals, priorities, and performance measures; overseeing budgets and staffing; and ensuring alignment with organizational strategies and mandates.
• Lead cloud platform strategy and operations, including the adoption, integration, and governance of hybrid and multi-cloud environments to enhance scalability, resilience, and cost-effectiveness.
• Oversee cybersecurity operations, ensuring that NRC’s digital infrastructure, systems, and data are secure, compliant, and resilient against evolving cyber threats.
• Manage and evolve NRC’s high-performance computing (HPC) environment, supporting advanced research workloads and data-intensive applications in collaboration with scientific programs and partners.
• Represent the organization and build partnerships with internal and external parties—including central agencies, other departments, and industry partners to negotiate service levels, assess infrastructure renewal needs, and align IT priorities across NRC.
• Identify and recommend opportunities for service enhancement, modernization, and digital innovation that increase efficiency, performance, and optimal user experience.

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

A bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, or a related discipline and/or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

An advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) is considered an asset.

Relevant certifications like ITIL, PMP, CISSP, or AWS Certified Solutions Architect are considered assets.

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

Experience

• Recent* and significant** experience managing enterprise-scale IT infrastructure, including data centre, cloud, and network operations.
• Recent* and significant** experience in managing multidisciplinary technical teams and advancing enterprise-wide initiatives.
• Recent* and significant** experience developing and implementing IT strategies, policies, and operational plans in areas such as cloud computing, cybersecurity, and HPC.
• Experience advancing IT service management frameworks and practices to improve service delivery, client experience, and operational performance.
• Experience in the management of human and financial resources.

*Recent experience is defined as experience acquired within the last five years.

**Significant experience is defined as having the depth and breadth of the experience normally associated with having performed a broad range of various, complex related activities which would have been acquired over a period of five to ten years.

Condition of employment

Secret clearance

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.

Language requirements

Bilingual Imperative CBC/CBC

Note: In the event that no qualified bilingual candidates are identified, NRC may consider 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

• Advanced* knowledge of enterprise infrastructure management, cloud platforms (, Azure, AWS, or GC Cloud), and hybrid cloud operations.
• Advanced* knowledge of cybersecurity frameworks, risk management, and IT governance.
• Knowledge of high-performance computing environments supporting research and innovation.
• Knowledge of IT service management frameworks (such as ITIL) and enterprise service management tools and practices.
• Ability to develop and implement strategies that balance innovation, operational stability, and security.

*Advanced – in-depth knowledge (detailed and focused) &/or broad (extensive) knowledge of the subject area. The knowledge is used to solve new problems and/or issues.

Behavioural competencies

• Management Competencies - Inspirational leadership (core competency) (Level 3)
• Management Competencies - People management (Level 4)
• Management Competencies - Strategic outlook & alignment (core competency) (Level 3)
• Supervisor - Client focus (Level 4)
• Supervisor - Communication (Level 4)
• Supervisor - Business understanding (Level 3)
• Supervisor - Results orientation (Level 3)

Competency Profile(s)

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

View all competency profiles

Compensation

From $135,833 to $176,401 per annum.

In addition, the incumbent who meets the language requirements will receive the Bilingualism Bonus of $800 per year.

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.