Residence Custodial Coordinator

McMaster University; Hamilton; On-site; CAD 71,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

McMaster University’s Housing & Conference Services is seeking a Custodial Coordinator to lead custodial operations within residence and conference facilities. You will manage a unionized staff, ensure service standards, and coordinate seasonal transitions to support a high-quality living and conference environment.

The role requires a post-secondary diploma, 6+ years in custodial or facilities operations with leadership experience, and strong scheduling and safety competencies.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary diploma or degree (or equivalent experience) required.
• Specialization in facilities management, building operations, construction, or planning is an asset.
• Minimum 6 years of progressive experience in custodial or facilities operations, including team leadership or supervisory responsibility.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate daily custodial operations to ensure high-quality cleaning, safety, and customer service.
• Plan, prioritize, and adjust work schedules to meet operational requirements and seasonal fluctuations.
• Oversee end-of-term residence turnover and conference readiness during peak periods.

Skills

Leadership

Team coordination

Scheduling

Communication

Problem solving

Safety & compliance

Customer service

Mentoring

Education

Post-secondary diploma or degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Housing and Conference Services (HCS) plays a vital role in supporting McMaster University’s mission to advance human and societal well-being and its overarching vision of educating for capability. We are committed to delivering a distinctive living and learning environment that prioritizes community building, personal development, academic success, wellness, and inclusion. HCS provides a transformative residential experience for approximately 3,900 students, with a focus on key educational priorities.

HCS concurrently drives a positive McMaster experience for guests, alumni, staff, faculty, and students by providing accommodation and event coordination, which meet the highest standards of service excellence. HCS is a proud and significant ancillary contributor to the financial health of the University and the core academic and research mission of McMaster.

HCS is currently undergoing a period of significant expansion, increasing capacity by 66% over the next several years. Moving from 3,900 to 6,000 bed spaces across 15 buildings. This growth will diversify the housing portfolio beyond its traditional focus on first-year undergraduate students to include upper-year, graduate, and family housing, as well as a constantly evolving internal and external client base.

The department operates with an annual pre-expansion budget of approximately $31 million and employs over 100 full-time and 250 part-time staff. HCS reports directly to both the Divisions of Student Affairs and Operations & Finance.

McMaster currently owns and operates 15 on campus residence buildings with a space of over 1 million square feet. We offer housing in traditional co-ed and single–sex facilities in small, medium and large building choices. The custodial services and operations are provided on a 24 hours a day, 7 days a week schedule for the 8 month school year (Sept to April) and on a reduced schedule for the summer months.

McMaster provides custom-tailored events, arranges housing, meals, meeting requirements, parking, recreation, audio-visual and much more to the McMaster community and beyond, so conference participants can feel at home and welcome at McMaster. The Coordinator, Custodial supports this operation with high quality operation of our building services.

Schedule

Sunday - Thursday

from 3:00pm - 11:00pm

Education Level

Completion of a post-secondary diploma or degree (or equivalent experience) required

Career Level

Minimum 6 years related experience in the custodial services field with lead hand and/or progressively higher level of management responsibilities required

Targeted Salary Range

$71,000 - $80,000

Job Description #

001311

Job Description

Reporting to the Manager, Building Operations, the Custodial Coordinator is responsible for the day-to-day leadership and coordination of custodial operations within the Residence Custodial Services unit. This role acts as a subject matter expertise with people leadership to deliver operational excellence through collaboration, influence, and continuous improvement. Working as part of a team of Coordinators in a 7-day, split-shift environment, the Custodial Coordinator oversees staff in a unionized setting, ensures service standards are met, and contributes to the effective operation of residence and conference facilities, including large-scale seasonal transitions and conference readiness.

Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities

• 1. Operational Leadership & Service Delivery

  Coordinate and oversee daily custodial operations to ensure high-quality cleaning, safety, and customer service standards are consistently met.

  Plan, prioritize, and adjust work schedules in response to operational requirements and seasonal fluctuations.

  Monitor service delivery through inspections, audits, and performance measures; take appropriate action to address gaps.

  Coordinate facility-related responses, including participation in emergency response activities as required.

  Manage inventory and ensure effective use of custodial supplies, equipment, and resources.

  Provide day-to-day supervision, guidance, and support to custodial staff within a unionized environment.

  Lead and coordinate the work of a Coordinator Assistant, ensuring alignment of priorities and effective workflow.

  Train, coach, and develop employees in cleaning practices, safety standards, and customer service expectations.

  Promote a respectful, inclusive, and team-oriented work environment that supports engagement and accountability.

  Address performance, attendance, and conduct matters in accordance with collective agreements and University policies.

• 3. Seasonal Operations & Conference Readiness

  In partnership with Custodial Management team, oversee the coordination and execution of end-of-term residence turnover, ensuring all spaces are prepared within tight timelines.

  Coordinate transition activities from academic operations to conference season, including planning, scheduling, and quality assurance.

  Oversee conference-style cleaning operations during the summer period, ensuring spaces meet hospitality-level expectations.

  Supervise and support summer student staff, including onboarding, task assignment, and quality monitoring.

  Develop and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

  Act as a key point of contact for service-related questions, concerns, and issue resolution.

  Engage with clients to understand needs and align service delivery with expectations.

  Identify and implement improvements to workflows, scheduling, and service delivery processes.

  Support the development and monitoring of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and service standards.

  Recommend operational enhancements to improve efficiency, quality, and customer satisfaction.

  Maintain current knowledge of best practices in custodial services, particularly in residence and hospitality environments.

  Contribute to planning activities by reviewing processes and recommending enhancements to improve service outcomes.

• 6. Collaboration & Organizational Effectiveness

  Collaborate with Residence Facilities Management and campus partners on operational, process, and policy improvements.

  Contribute as an active member of the custodial leadership team, fostering a team-first, collaborative approach.

  Participate in broader operational initiatives aligned with HCS and University priorities.

Qualifications & Competencies

• Post-secondary diploma or degree in a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Specialization in facilities management, building operations, construction, or planning is an asset
• Relevant facilities management certifications are considered an asset.
• Minimum 6 years of progressive experience in custodial or facilities operations, including team leadership or supervisory responsibility.
• Experience working in large, complex operational environments; exposure to multi-site or high-volume facilities is an asset.
• Experience in post-secondary, housing, hospitality, or conference services environments is an asset.
• Proven ability to lead, coach, and develop teams, including scheduling, performance management, and conflict resolution (experience in a unionized environment is an asset).
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver under tight timelines, particularly in high-demand or seasonal operations.
• Experience with budget coordination, resource planning, and inventory management, with a focus on efficiency and accountability.
• Strong knowledge of custodial operations, equipment, and health & safety standards, including applicable legislation and best practices.
• Effective problem-solving and decision-making skills, with the ability to analyze information and apply sound judgment.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships, collaborate, and positively influence others.
• Highly organized and adaptable, with the ability to prioritize in a fast-paced, service-focused environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and standard workplace systems.
• Demonstrates a commitment to service excellence, inclusion, safety, and continuous improvement, while modeling the values of Housing & Conference Services.

Pay Transparency Statement

The posted hiring range represents McMaster's typical hiring range for this position. Actual starting salary will depend on factors such as relevant experience, qualifications, internal equity, and market conditions.

Individuals with extensive experience, deep specialized expertise, and/or those who can demonstrate exceptional past performance, as applicable, may be hired at a higher rate within the full range, in accordance with the University compensation policies.

Employment Equity Statement

McMaster University is located on the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee and Mississauga Nations and within the lands protected by the “Dish With One Spoon” wampum agreement.

The diversity of our workforce is at the core of our innovation and creativity and strengthens our research and teaching excellence. In keeping with its Statement on Building an Inclusive Community with a Shared Purpose, McMaster University strives to embody the values of respect, collaboration and diversity, and has a strong commitment to employment equity.

The University seeks qualified candidates who share our commitment to equity and inclusion, who will contribute to the diversification of ideas and perspectives, and especially welcomes applications from indigenous (First Nations, Métis or Inuit) peoples, members of racialized communities, persons with disabilities, women, and persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ+.

As part of McMaster’s commitment, all applicants are invited to complete a confidential Applicant Diversity Survey through the online application submission process. The Survey questionnaire requests voluntary self-identification in relation to equity-seeking groups that have historically faced and continue to face barriers in employment. Please refer to the Applicant Diversity Survey - Statement of Collection for additional information.

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At McMaster University, we believe in a comprehensive and inclusive interview process. Our interview methods encompass a variety of approaches that allow our hiring teams to provide a flexible and accessible experience for engaging with our candidates. Throughout your recruitment process at McMaster, you may be requested to participate in a variety of formats, that may include in-person, virtual or recorded interviews. If you have any questions as you move through the hiring process, please reach out to [e-mail] or the HR contact associated with your position of interest.

AI Statement

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