Director, Codes Canada

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

NRC’s Construction Research Centre is a national research and regulatory support organization that provides research services, supports innovation, and supports the development of model regulation. With facilities in Ottawa, Ontario, its technical and research competencies include sustainable and resilient infrastructure and communities, building performance and quality, advanced construction practices and fire safety, and building envelope and materials. NRC is a unique technology provider for the construction sector: it integrates research, innovation expertise and national laboratories, and is responsible for providing support for the National Model Codes (via Codes Canada), the Canadian Construction Materials Centre, and the National Master Construction Specifications. The research centre also includes Codes Canada, a regulatory business unit supporting the development of the National Model Codes. 

The Director, Codes Canada is responsible for leading the development of the National Model Codes and managing the human and financial resources of the team supporting this work. 

This includes:

• providing secretarial and policy support to the federal-provincial-territorial (FPT) Canadian Board for Harmonized Construction Codes (CBHCC), the deputy-minister-level FPT Canadian Table for Harmonized Construction Codes (CTHCCP), and the industry Advisory Council on Harmonized Construction Codes;
• delivering secretarial and technical support to the national model code committees and their task groups; and
• overseeing production and marketing services, including translation, editing, and information technology, for the publication of model codes and associated users’ guides, as well as managing the contract for communications consulting in support of the CBHCC.

The Director supervises three team leaders responsible for these functional areas, serves as Secretary to the CTHCCP, and acts as the primary liaison with executives of relevant federal departments. The Director leads and oversees FPT and stakeholder engagement activities related to model code development and provides strategic advice to both the Director General, Construction in their capacity as co-chair of the CBHCC, and the President of the NRC in their capacity as co-chair of the CTHCCP.

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

Graduate degree in science, engineering, or other related field.

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

Experience

• Significant experience in leadership position(s) working in the Canadian context on building regulation, including National Model Codes and/or provincial/territorial regulation, and related engagement with construction industry stakeholders. Candidates with international building regulation experience, and with experience on matters closely related to building regulation, may also be considered.
• Experience with large-scale planning including priority-setting with a range of internal and external stakeholders to an organization, working with a constrained set of resources.
• Significant experience managing interdisciplinary teams that include technical personnel and a demonstrated ability to establish an efficient organization that drives towards success, including through implementation of sound project management practices.
• Significant experience briefing senior management in a public service context, and on overseeing the development of written materials including but not limited to ministerial correspondence, presentations for senior executives, and agenda packages. This includes a demonstrated ability to analyze and synthesize information, assess risks and opportunities, and make recommendations on potential courses of action to senior management.
• Significant experience managing human and financial resources, including change management.
• Experience overseeing staff undertaking policy development and federal-provincial-territorial relations, including overseeing the provision of secretarial services for committee work and/or supporting senior officials in their involvement in FPT committees would be an asset.
• Experience with research as it relates to informing development of regulation would be an asset.
• Experience with code conformance assessments would be an asset.
• Significant experience with communications and issues management would be an asset. 

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. 

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

• Demonstrated broad understanding of relevant business and industry issues, and of internal and external factors that impact construction;
• Demonstrated sound knowledge of construction regulation in Canada, including the national code development system, code development practices, and the respective roles and responsibilities involved in developing and implementing regulation.
• Proven ability to analyze and synthesize complex information, evaluate risks and opportunities, and provide sound, evidence-based recommendations on strategic and operational decisions.
• Demonstrated ability to write clearly, concisely, and effectively in a public service context, producing materials that are accurate, well structured, and appropriate for senior management and official audiences.
• Strong capability to mobilize and direct multidisciplinary teams, leveraging technical and organizational expertise to deliver results in a performance-driven, client-focused environment.
• Demonstrated leadership in driving organizational change and applying best practices in human resource management, financial stewardship, project execution, and strategic planning.
• Demonstrated interpersonal and collaboration skills, with the ability to build and maintain effective relationships with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders across sectors and jurisdictions.

Behavioural competencies

• Inspirational leadership (Level 3)
• Strategic outlook & alignment (Level 3)
• Drive for results and efficiency (Level 4)
• Leverage Collaborative Relationships (Level 3)
• Client Relationship Management (Level 3)
• Industry Sector Knowledge (Level 3)
• Action Management (level 4)

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 $153,444 to $184,059 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 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.
• 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.