Director, Maintenance & Operations, Maintenance Services

Laurentian University/Université Laurentienne; Northeastern Ontario; On-site; CAD 125,000 - 156,000; Full time

Job summary

Laurentian University in Ontario invites applications for the Director, Maintenance & Operations. You will provide strategic leadership for campus facilities management, oversee an annual operating budget, and lead a team delivering building services, mechanical systems maintenance, and contracted operations in line with regulatory standards.

The role requires a engineering degree, 10+ years in facilities management, and experience with unionized staff; P.Eng./FMP preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related technical field.
• 10+ years in facilities management or physical plant operations.
• 3–5 years managing unionized technical staff.
• P.Eng. designation or FMP/CFM certification preferred.
• Advanced knowledge of Ontario Building Code, Fire Code, and OHSA.
• Experience with BAS, HVAC, and mechanical/electrical systems.
• Strong budgeting and financial management.
• Public sector/educational environment experience.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations and maintenance of campus facilities and infrastructure.
• Manage annual operating budget and contracted services.
• Direct a diverse team and mentor staff for high performance.
• Develop strategic deferred maintenance plans and coordinate with leadership.
• Negotiate SLAs with vendors for cleaning, grounds, and snow removal.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Project management

Communication skills

Building codes knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related technical field

P.Eng. or FMP/CFM certification preferred

Tools

Financial Software & Budgeting Tools (QuickBooks, SAP, Oracle)

Job description

Director, Maintenance & Operations, Maintenance Services

Position No.: JOBPOST-2026-001321

Salary: $ 125,120 - $ 155,977 per year

Competition ends: Thursday, July 30th at 4:00 pm

Reporting to the AVP, Facilities & Planning, the Director, Maintenance & Operations provides strategic leadership and oversight for campus facilities management, ensuring the long‑term sustainability and integrity of university infrastructure. The Director manages an annual operating budget and leads a diverse team to deliver essential building services, mechanical systems maintenance, and contracted operations in alignment with the university’s tricultural mandate and regulatory standards.

Facilities Management - 40 %

• Oversees daily operations and maintenance of campus facilities and infrastructure to ensure compliance with safety, building codes, and environmental regulations.
• Maintains the integrity of building systems including building envelope, mechanical,electrical, and HVAC systems.
• Inspects underground utilities, roads, and sidewalks to prioritize repairs and ensure campus accessibility and safety.

Budget Development & Management - 15%

• Prepares and manages an annual operating and maintenance budget, including operational repair and maintenance expense allocations and cost recoveries.
• Forecasts future financial needs and resource allocations to ensure institutional stability and infrastructure longevity.
• Reconciles expenditures and identifies financial risks to optimize the delivery of facilities services.

Leadership & Development - 15%

• Directs a team, ensuring goal alignment, operational efficiency, and professional development.
• Mentors direct reports to foster a high-performance culture.
• Supports recruitment and staffing planning.
• Implements process improvements and guides the team through organizational transitions and policy changes.

Strategic Planning & Initiatives - 15%

• Develops and implements comprehensive strategic deferred maintenance plans to address long-term infrastructure needs.
• Collaborates with university leadership and capital project teams to support seamless transitions from construction to operations.
• Formulates performance standards and policies that enhance service delivery and promote sustainable campus operations.

Customer & Stakeholder Relations - 10%

• Negotiates service level agreements and terms with various third-party vendors and contractors for cleaning, grounds, and snow removal.
• Advises senior university leadership on maintenance budget requirements and business cases for deferred maintenance funding.
• Collaborates with regulatory bodies and consultants to ensure infrastructure compliance and effective service delivery.

Other Duties

• Performs other duties within the professional scope and skill level of the position, in full compliance with applicable legislation, university policies, and collective agreements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, or Civil) or a related technical field.
• More than ten (10) years of experience in facilities management or physical plant operations.
• Three (3) to five (5) years of experience managing unionized technical staff and large-scale operations.
• Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) designation or Facility Management Professional (FMP/CFM) certification is preferred.
• Advanced knowledge of the Ontario Building Code, Fire Code, and Occupational Health and Safety Act.
• Expertise in Building Automation Systems (BAS), HVAC, and mechanical/electrical systems.
• Strong financial and business acumen including large-scale budget management.
• Proven project management expertise within a public sector or educational environment.
• Knowledge of TSSA regulations regarding boilers, pressure vessels, and vertical systems.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated problem‑solving, attention to detail, and conflict resolution skills.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills; ability to meet deadlines.
• Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously in a fast‑paced environment.
• Proven discretion and sound judgment when managing highly confidential business, financial, or personnel data.
• Knowledge of the collective bargaining process and experience working with collective agreements / unionized environment.
• Specific experience in unionized environments, including contract negotiations, grievance handling, and interpreting collective agreements.
• Proficiency in budgeting and financial management within a university framework.
• Experience in identifying and mitigating financial and operational risks to ensure institutional stability.
• Demonstrated ability to manage large-scale construction or renovation projects from the planning phase to completion.
• Experience in implementing and overseeing initiatives aimed at reducing energy consumption and promoting sustainable campus operations.
• Expertise in overseeing the daily operations, maintenance, and repair of buildings, grounds, and other campus infrastructure.
• Experience in selecting, negotiating with, and overseeing third-party vendors and contractors for maintenance and capital projects.
• Experience in Financial Software & Budgeting Tools (QuickBooks, SAP, Oracle, etc.) is considered an asset.
• Ability to work fluently (verbal and written) in both official languages, French and English, is required.

Applications are being accepted to fill an active vacancy within the University

The official University hours of operation shall be from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, during, and including, the months from September to April, and from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m Monday through Friday during and including May to August., amounting to thirty‑three and three‑quarter (33.75) hours per week.

At Laurentian University, we recognize that work‑life balance is essential for both personal well‑being and professional success. Our policy offers employees some flexibility to better balance personal needs while maintaining effective service delivery.

Laurentian University is an inclusive and welcoming community committed to employment equity. Applications are encouraged from members of equity‑seeking communities including women, racialized and Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, and persons of all sexual orientations and gender identities/expressions. Laurentian University’s bilingualism policy provides a provision regarding the language requirement for persons self‑identifying as First Nations, Métis or Inuit.

Laurentian University is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier‑free experience to applicants with accessibility needs. Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage during the recruitment process. Please contact Human Resources for more information ([e-mail]).