Manager, Administration & Operations

McMaster University; Hamilton; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university in Ontario is seeking a Manager for Housing and Conference Services. This role involves innovative leadership in administration and operations, focusing on exceptional service delivery and financial management. Join a dynamic team dedicated to enhancing the student experience and community wellbeing through effective management of housing and events.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in administrative and operational management.
• Strong leadership and team management abilities.
• Experience in budget management and financial planning.

Responsibilities

• Lead administrative and operational functions ensuring exemplary customer service.
• Manage financial resources and ensure compliance with university policies.
• Implement processes to enhance service delivery and operational efficiency.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Analytical Skills

Education

University Degree

Job description

Housing and Conference Services (HCS) at McMaster University supports human and societal wellbeing through 'educating for capability.' We offer a unique living and learning experience for 3,600 students, focusing on community development, personal growth, wellness, academic excellence, and inclusion. HCS enhances the McMaster experience for guests, alumni, staff, faculty, and students with high-quality accommodation and event coordination. We contribute significantly to the University's financial health and support its academic and research missions. HCS is expanding by 66% over the next five years, increasing capacity from 3,600 to 6,000 bed spaces across fifteen buildings, including upper-year, graduate, and family housing. With an annual budget of $31 million (pre-expansion) and a team of over 100 full-time and 250 part-time staff, HCS reports to Student Affairs and Operations & Finance. Join us in making a positive impact on the McMaster community and beyond!

About the Role: Housing and Conference Services (HCS) at McMaster University is seeking an innovative leader for the role of Manager, Administration & Operations, reporting to the Associate Director, Administration. The Manager is responsible for leading, designing & implementing innovative client-centered initiatives & centralized administrative processes. This role involves collaboration with multiple units to ensure efficient management of financial, human, and physical resources in support of students, conference attendees, and event guests at McMaster University. The Manager leads operations of HCS service centers, ensuring exceptional service delivery and creating positive experiences for students and guests.

Why join us?

• Impactful Work: Contribute to the University’s goal of advancing human and societal wellbeing.
• Growth Opportunities: Be part of a significant expansion, increasing capacity by 66% over the next 5 years.
• Dynamic Environment: Work with a diverse client base, including students, staff, and external guests.
• Supportive & Solutions Oriented Team: Join a team dedicated to operational excellence and continuous improvement.

Key accountabilities:

• Leadership and Operational Management: Lead administrative and operational functions, ensuring exemplary customer service and technological advancements. Manage internal contacts, external suppliers, and stakeholders for smooth operations and relationship building. Oversee vendor contracts, record-keeping systems, and contract lifecycle management.
• Independent Decision Making: Exercises independent decision-making within a delegated authority, including exploring new and innovative opportunities to streamline procedures to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of both administrative and operational functions of the department.
• Team Leadership: Provide direction, vision, and leadership to coordinators and the Housing Service Desk Team. Develop high-performance teams and foster a service culture. Implement training plans for continuous staff development. Communicate operational disruptions to staff and users. Oversee hiring, training, and supervisory responsibilities. Manage service operations, resolve concerns, and engage with residents. Participate in crisis-response planning. Recommend solutions for personnel and service issues. Keep the Associate Director informed of actions taken. Ensure staff are trained on policies and risk management strategies.
• Detail-Oriented and Organizational Skills: Establish and maintain structures for policies, contracts, and other administrative processes, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
• Financial Management: Manage financial resources, advise on budget needs, and ensure compliance with university policies. Compile reporting and year-end documentation, monitor accounts, and make financial recommendations. Lead business planning for the Service Center Administration & Operations unit.
• Continuous Improvement: Implement processes to enhance service delivery and operational efficiency. Lead projects and manage change initiatives, guiding and inspiring other leaders within the organization.
• Office Space Planning & Allocation: Ensure common spaces are maintained through staff resource allocation. Oversee storage space inventory for supplies and furniture. Lead risk/safety audits and inspections with EOHS and industry partners. Oversees all storage space inventory for record-keeping supplies and furniture.

Qualifications & Experience:

• University Degree or equivalent combined with formal training and demonstrated supervisory experience in an academic environment is preferred.
• Proven experience in administrative and operational management, preferably in a customer or client service-focused industry such as hospitality, hotel management or preferably in an academic and unionized environment.
• Strong leadership and team management abilities, with a track record of driving strategic initiatives and managing high-performance teams. Success in managing human resources within a unionized setting.
• Experience in budget management and financial planning.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal. Ability to work and thrive in a collaborative, team-based environment, fostering strategic partnerships and developing strong working relationships with stakeholders at all levels.
• Ability to develop creative solutions, improve processes, and apply critical thinking. Strong analytical and quantitative skills.
• Demonstrated ability to influence strategic direction, manage effectively without direct authority, use discretion, maintain confidentiality, and exercise sound and independent judgment in strategic decision-making.
• Ability to multitask, prioritize effectively in a fast-paced and dynamic workplace, and work well under pressure with short deadlines and competing priorities.
• Commitment to providing exceptional service to students, staff, and guests.
• Willingness to carry a cellphone to respond to requests from staff and management during work hours and off hours, including weekends.

How To Apply

To apply for this job, please submit your application online.