Manager, Space Planning and Strategy

Mount Royal University Career Services; Calgary; Hybrid; CAD 98,000 - 118,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent Canadian university in Calgary is seeking a Manager, Space Planning and Strategy to oversee space management and planning initiatives. The role involves leading major projects, budget management from $5K to $100M, and ensuring client satisfaction. Candidates should have a university degree, strong leadership abilities, and 6-10 years of relevant experience. This full-time position offers a competitive salary and a hybrid work model.

Benefits

Competitive total compensation package

Paid vacation and personal days

Free access to recreation centre

Qualifications

• 6 to 10 years of relevant experience required.
• Working knowledge of construction procedures and building codes.
• Experience in hazardous material management.

Responsibilities

• Oversee strategic planning and allocation of space across campus.
• Analyze project requests for resource allocation.
• Manage execution of space and planning activities within budget.

Skills

Leadership abilities

Excellent oral communication skills

Time management

Stress management

Problem solving

Education

University Bachelor Degree

Interior Design/Planning experience

Tools

Computerized systems/software

Job description

Job Title

Manager, Space Planning and Strategy

Job Type

Permanent

Union

Management

Position Classification

MLV4 Management

Salary Grade

FT or PT

Full-time

Hybrid Work

This position is eligible

Position End Date (if applicable)

Location

MRU Main Campus - Calgary, AB T3E 6K6 CA (Primary)

About This Position

About the Department

Mount Royal University’s Facilities Management department is responsible for the planning, development, construction, design, operation, maintenance, safety, security and stewardship of all the buildings, infrastructure, sites and services within Mount Royal's campus community. Through efficient and environmentally sustainable operation, we offer grounds, custodial, building operations, facilities planning, security services and engineering professional services to provide a physical environment that supports and enhances our academic space for students and staff. Our team of professionals are dedicated to providing customer service excellence. Our staff respond to daily service requests and emergency/ priority situations as needed.

About The Role

The Manager, Space Planning and Strategy is responsible for strategic space planning, interior design, furniture planning, signage coordination, move logistics, and inventory management across campus. This position will lead major space-related initiatives, capital planning input, and space utilization studies. The Manager approves design direction, layout solutions, and final furniture purchases. Reporting to the Director, Planning and Project Delivery and engaging closely with other stakeholders including senior leadership and the Board of Governors, this position will manage the execution of multiple concurrent space and planning activities with individual budgets ranging from $5K to $100M.

Working conditions require physical effort due to the need to traverse 2.3M square feet of building space on a 118-acre campus in all weather conditions at any time of the day or night. During potential emergency situations, long working hours will be required.

Responsibilities

Space Planning and Strategy

• Oversee strategic planning and allocation of space across campus, ensuring that scarce MRU space is allocated in support of the MRU Strategic Plan
• Analyze new project requests and develops or supports the creation of high-level project scopes through consultation with requestors. Identify synergies, conflicts, scheduling issues, and resource constraints to create, maintain, and communicate a multi-year perspective on space strategy initiatives.
• Develop and maintain MRU space standards and specifications and monitors activities and projects for adherence.
• Oversee consultants and contractors, Facilities Management staff and contract labour performing work on assigned activities. Track time and resources to ensure activities are accomplished within funding constraints and allowable performance periods.
• Prepare and evaluate Request for Proposal packages, bid reviews, and vendor performance monitoring for space related activities.
• Develop, maintain and update space and furniture standards across campus.
• Manage and coordinate space allocation decisions and staff moves.
• Maintain complete documentation on assigned activities and provide periodic status briefings to the Director, Planning and Project Delivery and others as required (including, but not limited to, FM Project Analyst, AVP, Facilities Management, project stakeholders, etc.)
• Serve as a Subject Matter Expert to the MRU Space Committee, preparing the presentation package that is circulated to the Space Planning Committee for voting and project budget approvals.
  
  

Coordination, Administration & Environmental Health and Safety

• Continuously scan the rapidly changing MRU space and planning environment, understand the complexities of individual activities, distill and document the critical points in each of them, and communicate with stakeholders regarding areas where the interests and activities of projects intersect.
• Build and maintain high customer service standards ensuring client satisfaction and a positive reputation.
• Ensure management, project managers, and teams within Facilities Management are aware of the activities in other activities and projects.
• Proactively seek intervention opportunities to prevent conflicts around schedules, materials, and resources, minimize the number of service interruptions, and identify and exploit opportunities for synergies.
• Ensure all team activities align with institutional goals and budget frameworks.
• Develop and be accountable for the business processes and maintenance of a record keeping system.
• Ensure all work conducted is in compliance with the Government of Alberta Occupational Health and Safety legislation and practices; have knowledge of and adhere to MRU safety systems, policies, procedures and safe work guidelines.
  
  

Qualifications

• University Bachelor Degree, trades certificate, or combination of education, professional development, and lived experience.
• Formal education and/or training such as a degree or trade certificate augmented with Interior Design/Planning experience and on-the-job training and professional development.
• 6 to 10 years of experience including:
• Working knowledge of construction procedures, code requirements, engineering and/or architectural/interior design background, computerized systems/software.
• Ability to interpret specifications and drawings to support the preparation of construction estimates.
• Working knowledge of building codes, fire and safety codes and requirements.
• Proven ability to maintain, manage and prepare reports and records.
• Experience in an automated work control environment.
• Hazardous Material Management experience
• Strong human relations abilities, excellent oral and written communication skills, and demonstrated leadership abilities.
• Proven mental stamina, stress management and time management.
  

MRU Leadership Competencies

• Communication
• Have integrity and are inclusive
• Teamwork
• Engage and support others
• Attention to detail
• Results oriented
• Problem solving
  
  

Salary: $98,502.00 - $117,216.00 per annum

Closing Date: July 31, 2025

A cover letter and resume should be submitted in one .pdf document. Please title your .pdf document as follows: [Last Name], [Requisition Number], [Document Title].pdf (ex. Smith, 999999, CV.pdf).

We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however, Canadian citizens, permanent residents and others currently legally authorized to work in Canada will be given priority. Please note only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. After the close date, you can check on the status of your application through your Career Centre. New career opportunities arise frequently and are posted as they become available. Please check back often to view our latest postings on our Career Opportunities page.

If you require accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please notify [e-mail] and we will work together on your accommodation request.

About MRU

Founded in 1910 and located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Mount Royal University grew into a vibrant college in the 1930s and became a mid-sized university in 2009. A student-focused undergraduate university built on teaching excellence, Mount Royal University is known for our top-calibre programs, high-quality teaching and learning experience, robust delivery of liberal education, scholarly teaching, experiential learning and undergraduate research. MRU serves approximately 15,782 students, including 11,752 full-time and 4,030 part-time learners. MRU offers 13 bachelor's degrees encompassing 37 majors across faculties such as Arts, Business, Communications, Health, Community & Education, and Science & Technology. With over 74% of its student body drawn from the local area, Mount Royal University primarily serves Calgary and its surrounding region. MRU is a diverse yet close community with over 1,800 employees. Mount Royal provides employees the support they need to lead and advance institutional goals. Learn more about MRU's Academic Plan and Strategic Plan.

What We Offer

Talented and committed employees are the driving force behind student success. We strive to be an employer of choice among Canadian post-secondary institutions. At MRU, we recognize that people are a combination of many intersecting identities; we work to cultivate an environment that welcomes the whole person, and harnesses the strength that is available in our diversity, creating a rich and inclusive workplace.

Investing in the learning and development of our employees benefits the individual and the University. A variety of services, resources and programs encourage a healthy, productive workplace. MRU offers a competitive total compensation package including learning/training paid by employer, paid vacation, winter holiday closure, personal days and a free membership in our fully equipped recreation centre. Positions over six months may also be eligible for health and dental benefits, pension, health and personal spending accounts, and disability benefits.

Our campus offers the convenience of a full medical clinic, dentist and pharmacy, as well as a variety of wellness services such as physiotherapists and massage therapists. Campus Recreation offers many activities, including personal training, fitness classes, climbing, aquatics, sports, tournaments and certifications for students, employees and the public.