Priority may be given to the following designated employment equity groups: women, Indigenous Peoples* (First Nations, Inuit and Métis), persons with disabilities and racialized persons*.

The Employment Equity

Act , which is under review, uses the terminology Aboriginal peoples and visible minorities.

Organizational Unit: Health, Safety and Environment Branch

Language Requirements: Bilingual Imperative CBC/CBC Due to the nature of the work and operational requirements, this position will require full-time physical presence at the NRC work location identified. 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. To learn more about these options, please contact the NRC Hiring team using the contact information below.

Anything is possible at the NRC, named in 2026 one of Canada’s Top Employers for Young People, Top Employer in the National Capital Region and Forbes Canada’s Best Employers! Every day we explore new ideas through innovative research and help companies discover possibilities that impact Canada’s future and the world. You’ll collaborate across multiple fields and with the brightest minds to find creative solutions.

Help bring research to life and drive your career forward with the National Research Council of Canada (NRC), Canada's largest research and technology organization. We are looking for a dynamic and team-oriented Director to provide leadership to the Prevention and Field Operations Directorate of the Health, Safety and Environment Branch and to the leaders within the organization. The Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) Branch develops and delivers initiatives for the purpose of strengthening occupational health and safety (OHS) and environmental management throughout NRC.

HSE branch develops and implements policies for the purpose of protecting people and the environment from the risks associated with NRC’s operations and to accurately identify and reduce associated liability while providing NRC with OHS and environmental services that include guidance and support to our operations for the purpose of complying with applicable policies and legislative requirements.



The successful candidate provides strategic and operational leadership in the management of Occupational Safety & Health and Environmental Stewardship activities ensuring that these activities are aligned with NRC’s strategic goals and impacts. The individual oversees the delivery of high quality services through the implementation of policy instruments, and ensures that systems are in place to maintain compliance, as well as reports on these as required.

In addition, they will oversee a group of PFO Managers across the Council from their homebase in Ottawa. University degree in engineering, business, science, industrial hygiene or in a related field from a recognized university or an equivalent combination of education and recent practical experience in a similar environment may be considered. Recent and relevant experience in leading and managing, human and financial resources.

Recent and relevant experience in providing direction and guidance on occupational health & safety and/or environmental stewardship within the public sectors including. Understanding private sector requirement (municipal, provincial) would be an asset. Recent and significant experience in providing strategic and operational direction to staff and in managing comprehensive health, safety and environmental programs, services and products.

Experience developing and implementing policies, procedures and supporting systems for occupational health and safety as well as environmental management.

Experience providing advice and briefings to executives, management boards and external stakeholders.

Assets

Strong leadership skills in the management of people (managers) to align to vision and goals. A thorough security clearance process will be applied. 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. Technical competencies Ability to develop strategies and options to mitigate risks related to health, safety and environment. Ability to seek improvements, make changes and incorporate ideas into practical business applications.

Recent and comprehensive knowledge of government policies, legislation and regulation, emerging trends and best practices in health, safety and environmental stewardship. Ability to lead, build and motivate individuals and teams to meet or exceed performance expectations, particularly through significant organizational change. Ability to build internal alliances with clients to understand and meet their needs and to set direction based on these needs.

Ability to manage effectively in a complex and continuously changing business and technology environment.

Inspirational

Leadership (Level 3) Strategic Outlook and Alignment (Level 3) Drive for Results and Efficiency (Level 3) Leverage Collaborative Relationships (Level 3) Financial Management (Level 2) Client Relationship Management (Level 3) Industry Sector Knowledge (Level 2) Management Competencies (MG) 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. In 2026, the NRC was chosen as one of Canada’s Top Employers for Young People, a National Capital Region Top Employer and Forbes Canada’s Best Employer. Relocation assistance will be determined in accordance with the NRC's directives.

In order to ensure a prompt and efficient processing of applications, candidates are encouraged to provide, along with their résumé, a detailed covering letter explaining how they meet each of the requirements of this position (education, experience, language requirements) by providing concrete examples. Preference will be given to Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents of Canada.

Telephone: (phone hidden) If you are currently a term or continuing employee at NRC, please apply through the SuccessFactors Careersmodule from your NRC computer. #

📌 Director, Prevention & Field Operations (Quebec)
🏢 National Research Council Canada / Conseil national de recherches Canada
📍 Quebec