Director, Building Sustainment Planning

McGill University; Sherbrooke; On-site; CAD 129,000 - 199,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Dental, Life Insurance

Defined contribution pension plan

RRSP/TFSA participation

Great vacation policy

Personal days

Remote work up to two days/week

Job summary

McGill University is seeking a senior leader to direct Building Sustainment under Facilities Management and Ancillary Services. You will shape strategic directions, oversee asset management, lifecycle planning and capital renewal while aligning with the University’s priorities and objectives.

You will lead a multidisciplinary team, manage budgets, and ensure compliance with governmental and university policies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 8 years in facilities planning/asset management.
• Experience supervising teams and leading cross-functional projects.
• Bilingual English and French communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Set strategic direction for Building Sustainment and oversee long-term plans.
• Lead budget, policy, and process development for the sub-unit.
• Direct multidisciplinary team and ensure alignment with strategic plan.
• Manage annual operating and capital budgets for the sub-unit.
• Represent the university with external authorities on building sustainment.

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting

Strategic planning

Communication (EN/FR)

Education

Bachelor's degree

MBA or finance post-grad (asset)

Tools

Facilities management knowledge

Job description

Position Summary

Facilities Management and Ancillary Services (FMAS) is the steward of McGill University’s physical campuses and infrastructure. It oversees the management of the University’s facilities portfolio in support of institutional strategic priorities and operational needs. FMAS comprises more than 400 employees organized under four functional pillars: Integrated Planning, Project Delivery, Operations, and Ancillary and Support Services. Reporting to the Senior Director, Integrated Planning, the incumbent is responsible for establishing, planning, organizing and directing the activities of the Building Sustainment sub-unit including its budget and financial activities. They provide leadership to managers and experts under their responsibilities in the strategic planning of budget, policies, procedures and processes. They ensure alignment with Facilities Management and Ancillary Services mission and strategic plan.

Primary Responsibilities

Establish the strategic direction of the Building Sustainment sub-unit in collaboration with the Senior Director Integrated Planning and oversees the implementation of short- and long-term plans related to the function of building sustainment planning, asset management, capital renewal and investment planning including budget, policies, procedures and processes. Define and implement key performance indicators aligned with Facilities Management and Ancillary Services strategic plan and operations as related to Building Sustainment. Lead the evolution of the Building Sustainment sub-unit to ensure alignment with external drivers such as Horizon McGill or the University’s Priorities and Objectives. Direct a multidisciplinary team of experts in their day-to-day operations. Provide operational leadership regarding the sub-unit’s goals and objectives. Direct building and sustainment infrastructure strategic plans, including deferred maintenance, capital renewal, lifecycle management, asset performance, risk and resilience, supported by data-driven planning, and the University wide portfolio management process and governance for capital projects. Establish and direct annual operating and capital budgets of the sub-unit under their authority. Assess budgetary impacts resulting from organizational and/or operational changes in Facilities Management and Ancillary Services. Establish training needs and work with the responsible managers and subject matter experts in developing training programs or in scheduling outside resources to address training needs for the Building Sustainment sub-unit. In collaboration with the Senior Director Integrated Planning, evaluate the effectiveness of the Building Sustainment sub-unit’s business and operational models. Develop methods of improving and/or expanding these models while ensuring integration with other FMAS processes. Provide technical expertise and leadership as required to support the Senior Director, Integrated Planning’s role to guide the McGill community on the delivery of services related to Building Sustainment. Foster relationships with McGill’s stakeholders and external organizations related to the Building Sustainment mandate. Ensure that all the responsible sub-units’ work is completed in compliance with the University and the Government building and construction policies, rules and regulations. Direct and ensure, in conjunction with other Facilities Management and Ancillary Services units, that Building Sustainment guidelines and standards are implemented and adhered in all renovation and/or construction. In collaboration with other internal stakeholders, negotiate service agreements related to their sub-units. Represent the University with public authorities, partners and stakeholders on matters related to building sustainment, infrastructure and asset management Provide strategic guidance and recommendation to McGill senior leadership and governance bodies in support of institutional decision-making Lead and organize multidisciplinary teams, including external expertise as required, to support building sustainment and asset management initiatives. Ensure alignment of the University’s building sustainment priorities with applicable external planning frameworks and regulatory requirements.

Other Qualifying Skills and/or Abilities

An undergraduate degree in Architecture, Urban Planning, Engineering, or a related field is preferred. Eight (8) years of related experience in facilities, planning, real estate, infrastructure, or an equivalent domain. MBA or post‑graduate studies in finance or a related field is an asset. Eight (8) years of experience supervising teams, including leadership of professional staff. Excellent organizational, leadership, and delegation skills, with a demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across diverse teams. Strong written, presentation, and oral communication skills in both English and French, with the ability to communicate effectively with internal stakeholders at all organizational levels as well as external partners and authorities. Technical expertise in facilities management, including knowledge of compliance obligations and regulatory frameworks. Team management skills and ability to communicate diplomatically and firmly. Superior persuasion and negotiation skills, including the ability to diagnose key issues and achieve consensus. Advanced problem‑solving and change‑management abilities, with demonstrated success leading organizational or process transformations. Work experience at a senior management level in an academic and corporate environment is a strong asset. Demonstrated ability to strategically prioritize and manage multiple tasks and projects in a dynamic and evolving environment. Demonstrated technical skills appropriate to facilities planning, asset management, and infrastructure strategy.

Competitive benefits package

• Competitive benefits package (Health, Dental, Life Insurance) (if eligible)
• Defined contribution pension plan (with employer contribution up to 10%) (if eligible)
• Group Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) and Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA)
• Competitive vacation policy
• Two (2) personal days
• Two (2) floating holidays
• Nine (9) "Summer Fridays" - paid days off between the St-Jean Baptiste holiday and Labour Day
• Paid time off over the December holiday period
• Tuition waiver for regular employees and their dependents
• Up to two (2) days of remote work per week where the position permits

Minimum Education and Experience

Bachelor's Degree

8 Years Related Experience / Annual Salary: (MPEX Grade 10) $129,460.00 - $161,820.00 - $199,290.00

Job Profile: MPEX-LOG4E - Project Management - Director or equivalent Hours per Week: 33.75 (Full time) Supervisor: Senior Director, Integrated Planning Position End Date (If applicable): Deadline to Apply: 2026-09-15

Before applying, please note that to work at McGill University, you must be both authorized to work in Canada and willing to work in the province of Quebec at the campus where the position is based / located.

McGill University hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community. We welcome applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities. McGill implements an employment equity program and encourages members of designated groups to self-identify. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, [e-mail].

Located in one of the world’s great multicultural and multilingual cities, McGill University is internationally recognized for its excellence as a leading institution of higher education and research. For nearly 200 years, through the work of dedicated people, McGill has been breaking ground in diverse fields and contributing solutions to some of the world’s most significant issues. McGillians are proud to be part of a community that is both global and local, inspired by challenge and committed to shaping a better future. McGill received a Platinum STARS rating in sustainability, is among Canada’s greenest employers, and is a top Montreal Employer. Grandescunt Aucta Labore. By work, all things increase and grow. Find a sense of purpose. Develop your future. Join us today.