Assistant Director, Engineering

Ontario Society of Professional Engineers; Eastern Ontario; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A professional engineering organization is seeking an Assistant Director, Engineering to lead a team in developing engineering strategies and ensure quality service. The role requires 10+ years in building and utility systems engineering, leadership skills, and a Bachelor's degree in a related field. The ideal candidate will manage budgets, ensure compliance with regulations, and foster team collaboration. This position is based in Kingston, Eastern Ontario.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant engineering field; Master’s degree preferred.
• Registration as a Professional Engineer with PEO.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in building and utility systems engineering.

Responsibilities

• Lead engineering unit’s activities and performance targets.
• Manage unit budget and ensure fiscal responsibility.
• Ensure compliance with engineering regulations and safety protocols.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical skills

Strong technical skills

Communication

Problem-solving

Project management

Budget management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, or related Engineering

Master’s degree

Tools

CMMS

Revit/BIM

Job description

Overview

Facilities proudly builds, maintains and improves campus facilities to create a safe and welcoming environment in support of teaching, learning and research. Reporting to the Executive Director, Operations and Engineering, the Assistant Director, Engineering is responsible for developing and implementing engineering technical strategies and plans that align with the needs of the university community. This includes driving innovation and optimizing resources to deliver engineering quality and service excellence to the university community through a supportive attitude, anticipatory service and extensive knowledge on how to meet or exceed client service expectations.

As a professional engineer with cross-disciplinary knowledge of building and utility systems, the Assistant Director brings deep understanding of engineering principles, stays current on emerging technologies, and leads a team of professional engineers. The role requires knowledge of regulatory frameworks, risk management, safety protocols, and advances sustainability in alignment with the university’s climate and energy goals.

As a member of the Operations and Maintenance leadership team, the Assistant Director participates in annual and long-term planning, procedures and policy development and implementation, and provides input into financial planning and resource allocation.

Key Responsibilities

• Leads the development of short and long-term plans/programs and annual performance targets for the engineering unit’s activities.
• Participates in the development and ongoing review of strategic and health and safety initiatives and projects.
• Participates in the creation, maintenance, and prioritization of the Facilities deferred maintenance program.
• Directs, and has administrative accountability for, the delivery of engineering programs and operations in accordance with applicable legislation, regulations, codes, and standards.
• Provides leadership to the team in the formulation of service delivery programs, preparation of budgets, and supervision of approved engineering projects.
• Accountable for compliance with authorities having jurisdiction across campus and the cogeneration/district energy plant; leads reliability programs, audits, and corrective actions.
• Manages the unit’s budget and analyses, monitoring work to ensure fiscal responsibility and addressing budget variances in consultation with the Director.
• Co-develops and monitors business practices, policies, procedures and training to increase efficiency and deliver quality, client-centered services with metrics on satisfaction.
• Acts as liaison between Facilities and campus clients, supporting the Facilities mission, values and guiding principles.
• Ensures Engineering sections of the university Design Standard and Construction Guidelines are current and applied; collaborates on updating standards.
• Defines engineering best practices and design approaches.
• Coordinates with multidisciplinary Facilities teams to ensure representation in kick-off, design review, commissioning and handover stages of major construction projects.
• Oversees technically complex engineering activities, providing conceptual input and preparing/reviewing plans and designs as applicable.
• Provides technical or project guidance and reviews/approves engineering designs prepared by others for equipment in university buildings.
• Carries out complex engineering assessments, surveys, calculations or inspections and provides technical instruction to Operations & Engineering staff.
• Utilizes specialized engineering techniques to solve complex problems and liaises with internal and external project managers.
• Contributes to the development and regular review of the university’s deferred maintenance strategy and maintains the deferred maintenance database and audits.
• Determines the need for external contractors, coordinates selection in line with procurement protocols, and builds relationships with consultants and external partners.
• Evaluates and monitors work to ensure fiscally responsible expenditure including labour, materials and contractor services.
• Participates on the Facilities Joint Health and Safety Committee and enforces risk management strategies to ensure safety of staff and building occupants.
• Supports safe working practices under the Ontario Health and Safety Act, university safety policies, and Facilities’ safe work practices.
• Fosters a productive, collaborative, diverse and high-performance team environment and promotes inclusive decision-making.
• Plans, prioritizes, and manages staff work; identifies staffing needs and participates in staffing decisions.
• Manages performance through standards, reviews and ongoing feedback; identifies training needs to sustain performance.
• Investigates and resolves employee/labour relations issues, including disciplinary matters, with recommendations as needed.
• Performs other related duties as assigned by the Executive Director.

Special Skills

• Proven leadership, communications, organizational and analytical skills.
• Strong technical skills in building maintenance with ability to read and translate architectural, mechanical, electrical, and structural drawings and specifications.
• Knowledge of civil engineering and architectural drawings; strong computer aptitude and ability to learn new applications, especially building automation/control systems.
• Knowledge of ISO standards and Maintenance standards.
• Strong business and financial acumen; able to develop and monitor budgets and take corrective action as needed.
• Experience in strategic planning, policy development, data analysis and project management.
• Effective communication across diverse audiences; ability to prepare reports for technical and non-technical readers.
• Strategic thinking and ability to communicate long-term priorities to operations and maintenance groups.
• Analytical, problem-solving and negotiating skills with the ability to influence others.
• Adaptability to evolving priorities and changing environments.
• Business analysis skills with the ability to provide consultative solutions and recommendations.
• Attention to detail with strong organizational and planning capabilities for multiple priorities.
• Strong interpersonal skills, tact and discretion in sensitive matters; ability to develop professional relationships at all levels.
• Ability to lead a team to deliver on time and within scope; capacity to work under pressure and lead change; strong customer service orientation.

Decision Making

• Approve/improve/reject engineering designs prepared by others and certify drawings.
• Provide expert guidance and direction to other professionals; identify and resolve unique engineering problems.
• Select methods and equipment to meet user needs while conserving energy; determine applicable engineering design criteria to meet codes and standards.
• Set goals, objectives and strategic initiatives; determine content of business plans and planning documents.
• Undertake technical problem solving related to building systems and decide on best course of action.
• Manage budgets and expenditures; address variances and take corrective action as needed.
• Resolve client complaints and advise stakeholders; participate in procurement and coordination with suppliers.
• Provide input into major operational and maintenance decisions and maintenance plans; communicate strategies when issues arise.
• Allocate work and assess effectiveness; evaluate job candidates and recommend hires; manage staff performance and disciplinary actions as needed.
• Assess grievance outcomes and determine next steps; make recommendations on disciplinary actions up to discharge.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, or related Engineering. Master’s degree is an asset.
• Registration as a Professional Engineer with Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO).
• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in building and utility systems engineering and operations and energy management, preferably with facilities O&M leadership in an industrial, construction, or university environment.
• Understanding of Federal, Provincial and Municipal laws and codes related to design, operation, maintenance, energy efficiency, and Health and Safety (OHSA, Building Code, etc.).
• Minimum 10 years of experience interpreting and applying building equipment codes and standards.
• Management and project management experience in engineering; proficiency with CMMS and DDC/BMS; Revit/BIM is an asset.
• Capacity to supervise under the Ontario OHSA; demonstrated career progression and professional development.
• Satisfactory Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Check.
• Valid Ontario Class G driver’s license.