Associate Director, Business Operations

Department: Ridgetown - Finance and Operations
This position is represented by the agreement between the Professional Staff Association and the University of Guelph

If you are a current employee of the University of Guelph you must apply on the internal Career Page in order to be considered as an internal applicant.
Career Opportunities (sapsf.com)

The University of Guelph Ridgetown Campus has enjoyed a proud history of over 100 years in agricultural research and close to 75 years providing quality post secondary education and training programs. Located between Windsor and London, the Ridgetown Campus is home to approximately 500 students and 150 full-time employees including faculty, research associates, instructors, clerical, and technical staff including contractual and student staff.

WHY JOIN US?
• Improve Life: Be involved in work that directly impacts a brighter future by turning knowledge into action.
• Benefits: Immediate enrollment in extended health/ dental to cover yourself and your family.
• Time off: Strong vacation allocation, floater days, and paid time off during the December closure to ensure that you are at your best.
• Wellness: In addition to wellness programming, the University offers a yearly flexible spending credit that can be allocated to any of the following: Health Spending, Wellness or Professional Development.
• Learning & Development: In addition to supported and formal training into your role, other professional growth opportunities are prioritized at the University.

General Purpose

Reporting to the Campus Director, the Associate Director, Business Operations is a senior leadership role responsible for the strategic and operational oversight of financial, administrative, and infrastructure functions at the Ridgetown Campus. This role is integral to the effective management of campus operations and plays a key role in supporting the academic and research mission of the campus.

Duties and Responsibilities

The role leads the financial and operational management of the Ridgetown Campus, overseeing a $20 million annual budget and ensuring sound fiscal planning, reporting, and compliance. This includes managing diverse account types, supervising financial staff, supporting research funding, and liaising with university departments and auditors. Operationally, the role contributes to strategic campus planning, resource allocation, and performance measurement. The incumbent oversees key administrative areas including physical plant operations, IT infrastructure, and farm and research station management. Responsibilities include capital project oversight, health and safety compliance, IT planning and coordination with CCS, and ensuring effective farm operations and land use planning in support of research and academic goals.

In addition, the role plays a pivotal role in strategic operational planning and institutional advancement. This includes leading the development of multi-year operational strategies aligned with campus and college priorities, conducting risk assessments, and advising on policy and planning frameworks. The role supports innovation through scenario planning, infrastructure renewal, and IT modernization initiatives. The incumbent also leads or contributes to major special projects, such as capital developments, research initiatives, and university-wide committees, serving as a key liaison with internal and external stakeholders to advance the campus’s strategic goals.

Requirements

• Education: Undergraduate degree in Business, Accounting, Finance, or Commerce.

• Professional Designation: CPA required; PMP certification considered an asset.

• Experience: 9 years of progressive leadership experience in financial and operational management, with demonstrated supervisory responsibilities.

• Skills and Knowledge:

  • Advanced knowledge of financial and accounting principles.

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including cost-benefit analysis.

  • Proven supervisory and leadership capabilities, including conflict resolution and negotiation.

  • Familiarity with IT systems, student services, building maintenance, and project management.

  • Understanding of student financial aid systems (e.g., OSAP) and student-focused environments.

Employee Type: Regular
Position Number: 10465002
Classification: P&M FT- Band 08
Professional/Managerial Salary Bands
The target hiring salary for this position is minimum and up to 96% of midpoint for the salary grade.

*Tentative evaluation; subject to committee review.

At the University of Guelph, fostering a culture of inclusion is an institutional imperative. The University invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment, who may contribute to further diversification of our Institution.

Posting Date: 10/24/2025
Closing Date: 11/07/2025 or until a suitable candidate is found.