Director, Campus Services

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Internal posting expires Thursday, July 10th at 11:59 PM

Job Description:

Primary Purpose

Reporting to the Executive Director of Facilities, the Director, Campus Services is responsible for overseeing custodial services, vehicle shop operations, grounds maintenance, central stores delivery systems, and waste and recycling management at the University of Waterloo. This role is pivotal in achieving the long-range strategic planning, day-to-day business operations of the University, and leading the transformation of campus services to align with the University’s sustainability goals and Campus Master Plan. The Director manages a diverse team of over 275 staff members (including unionized and non-unionized employees) and ensures that campus facilities are maintained to the highest standards of cleanliness, safety, and aesthetic appeal, contributing to a safe, accessible, and welcoming environment.

Key Accountabilities

Strategic Planning

• Leads continuous improvement and change management initiatives to align Campus Services with the university’s mission, vision, values, and strategic priorities.
• Develops and implements strategic goals and priorities for Campus Services, focusing on client-centric, safe, and accessible environments.
• Identifies and advocates for the allocation of resources to support the transformation of Campus Services in response to evolving campus needs, including staff shortages, supply chain issues, sustainability goals, and budget changes.
• Advises the Executive Director on matters related to labour relations, collective agreement negotiations, and process improvement.
• Supports the integration of Campus Services within the broader Facilities/Plant Operations Master Plan.
• Liaises with department staff as well as University community members with respect to administrative, financial, and information systems matters to support staff in maintaining safety, good order, and service level standards within the department and business units.

Operations Management

• Oversees the planning, management, and delivery of all Campus Services, ensuring high-quality, efficient operations across all functional areas throughout the entire University community including the UW satellite campuses in Cambridge, Stratford, and Kitchener.
• Implements short- and long-term plans for effective service delivery, maintaining quality assurance, technical support, and compliance with regulations and best practices.
• Guides audit and compliance measuring activities fostering consistency, process improvement and compliance with safety and environmental standards.
• Oversee the vehicle shop operations, ensuring alignment with growing university needs and changing legislative requirements.
• Provides safe and efficient delivery of product and services including mail service, shipping, receiving, moving, storage, surplus, warehouse product disbursements, and gas cylinders as examples.
• Directs the university's waste management program, supporting waste reduction and diversion initiatives, and engaging the campus community in sustainability efforts.
• Manage service challenges effectively, using diplomacy, negotiation, and problem-solving skills to address customer service conflicts and other issues.

Emergency Management

• Leads the response to emergencies or crises related to campus facilities, providing senior oversight during incidents and post-event debriefings.
• Coordinates with third-party restoration services for specialized cleaning, decontamination, and abatement during emergencies.
• Responsible for procurement of a third-party restoration service.
• Participates in the development of university-wide emergency preparedness procedures for Plant Operations and Campus Services.

Environmental Initiatives

• Drives the evolution of Campus Services to support the university’s sustainability goals, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and best practices.
• Collaborates with the Director of Sustainability to implement campus-wide sustainability initiatives, including waste diversion and e-waste programs.

Budget and Finance

• Manages a budget exceeding $13 million annually, ensuring that spending aligns with operational needs and university goals.
• Develops performance metrics to monitor the safety and efficiency of Campus Services, adjusting resource allocation as necessary.
• Recommends changes in resource allocation to the Executive Director to meet evolving campus needs.

Human Resources

• Provides leadership that promotes equity, diversity, and inclusivity, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment.
• Oversees recruitment, performance management, and staff development, ensuring compliance with union agreements and university policies.
• Leads change management initiatives, acting as a mentor and coach to departmental staff, and guiding the development of performance standards.
• Manages labour relations, addressing grievances, and participating in collective bargaining as needed.

Safety

• Ensure compliance with all safety regulations, university policies, and industry best practices across Campus Services and Facilities Management.
• Develop and enforce standard operating procedures to ensure the safe use of equipment and materials within Campus Services.
• Oversee the implementation of snow removal processes, campus accessibility strategies, and alignment with public health directives and environmental regulations.
• Collaborate with the Safety Office, Joint Health and Safety Committee, and other stakeholders to promote campus-wide safety initiatives and policy compliance.

Required Qualifications

Education

• University degree in Business, Public Health, Facilities Management, or a related field.
• Courses in Labour Relations/Management and Health & Safety are assets.

Experience

• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in facilities management, preferably in a post-secondary or healthcare environment.
• Progressive experience in a material handling facility an asset.
• Demonstrated leadership in managing large teams, including unionized and non-unionized staff, in a complex operational setting.
• Proven experience in strategic planning, process improvement, and budget management.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to assess risks, solve complex problems, and manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Experience in change management and the ability to lead transformational initiatives.
• Proficient in the development of operational specifications, standards, work practices, and procedures. Able to work effectively within the University’s unique culture and decentralized environment. Familiarity with relevant UW policies, procedures, and guidelines including Health and Safety, Staff Employment, Conflict Management and Human Rights, and AODA requirements is preferred.
• Knowledge of procurement processes, contract management, and facilities management principles.
• Proficiency in Office 365 tools.

Equity Statement

The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is coordinated within the Office of Indigenous Relations.

The University values the diverse and intersectional identities of its students, faculty, and staff. The University regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. The University of Waterloo seeks applicants who embrace our values of equity, anti-racism and inclusion. As such, we encourage applications from candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including applicants who identify as First Nations, Métis and/or Inuk (Inuit), Black, racialized, a person with a disability, women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.

Positions are open to qualified candidates who are legally entitled to work in Canada.

The University of Waterloo is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. If you have any application, interview, or workplace accommodation requests, please contact Human Resources at hrhelp@uwaterloo.ca or 519-888-4567, ext. 45935.