Job Title

The University of Lethbridge invites applications for the position of Director, Facility Operations and Maintenance. This is a meaningful leadership opportunity for a skilled, technically grounded, and empowering leader to oversee the operational excellence of one of Canadas leading researchintensive universities at an exciting time of growth and renewal. The Organization Founded in 1967, the University of Lethbridge is a comprehensive academic and research institution recognized for its commitment to liberal education, experiential learning, and community engagement. With campuses in Lethbridge and Calgary, the University serves approximately 8,000 students and employs over 1,000 faculty and staff. Guided by a new strategic plan and energized by recent academic program expansions, including the development of new medical and engineering programs, the University is poised for transformative growth. The University of Lethbridges Blackfoot name is Iniskim, meaning Sacred Buffalo Stone. The University is located in traditional Blackfoot Confederacy territory. We honour the Blackfoot people and their traditional ways of knowing in caring for this land, as well as all Indigenous Peoples who have helped shape and continue to strengthen our University community. The Role The Director, Facility Operations and Maintenance is a senior operational leader responsible for the safe, efficient, and wellmaintained physical environment of the University of Lethbridge. Reporting to the Associate VicePresident (AVP), Facilities, the Director leads six direct reports (the Associate Director, Utilities; the Manager, Caretaking Services; the Manager, Building & Grounds Maintenance; the Manager, Campus Mobility; the Manager, Facilities Administration and the Facilities Sustainability Manager) along with a team of approximately 95 staff. The Director oversees an operating and costrecovery budget totalling approximately $1.75million and administers $4.2million annually in Capital Maintenance and Renewal (CMR) grant funding. This role is central to preserving and enhancing the longterm value of the Universitys infrastructure and to building a highfunctioning, engaged, and accountable facilities team. Key areas of responsibility include Operational Leadership Provide direction to the Utilities, Caretaking, Building & Grounds Maintenance, Campus Mobility, Facilities Administration and Facilities Sustainability units, ensuring continuity of service, economy of scale in resource use, and minimal disruption to university programs. Supervise and support direct reports through regular meetings, progress reporting, and individual coaching. Managerial Decision-Making and Financial Oversight Establish and monitor performance measures, oversee units individual operating and costrecovery budgets, and administer CMR grant funding. Work closely with the AVP and Facilities Administration Manager on procurement of energy contracts for natural gas and electrical power on a fiveyear base. Planning and Infrastructure Renewal Plan utility infrastructure, building systems renewals, and staffing across units. Maintain a balanced demand, reactive, and preventive maintenance program and participate in annual APPA facilities benchmarking. Project Management Oversee special capital and operating projects with campuswide impact, as assigned by the AVP Facilities. Coordinate technical and specialized services provided by facilities units in support of project commissioning. The Ideal Candidate As the ideal candidate, you are an empowering, technically strong leader who brings deep knowledge of building systems and a genuine commitment to operational excellence. You are comfortable operating at both a strategic and handson level, equally capable of navigating complex infrastructure decisions and building the trust of frontline staff. You are organized, solutionsoriented, and skilled at balancing competing demands while maintaining high standards of safety, sustainability, and service. Qualifications and Experience While the Search Committee recognizes that no one candidate is likely to meet all qualifications in equal measure, those listed below are desirable and will be used to compare candidates. A Bachelors degree in an engineering discipline with professional engineering experience. Candidates with equivalent combinations of relevant education and experience will be considered. A minimum of seven years of progressive, proven leadership experience in a facilities or operations environment; ten or more years is preferred. Preferred designations include PMP (Project Management Professional) and APPA Leadership in Educational Facilities. Strong knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and building systems, and a solid understanding of building construction standards and best practices. Demonstrated experience managing facilitiesrelated capital projects and budgets in excess of $1million. Experience managing large teams in a unionized environment, including performance management, coaching, and employee engagement. Experience in supply and service contract negotiation, including energy procurement. Comprehensive understanding of sustainability best practices and a demonstrated commitment to environmental stewardship. Proven experience in strategic planning and change management. Demonstrated commitment to health and safety compliance, accessibility legislation, and universal design principles. Demonstrated commitment to advancing accessibility, belonging, and community in the workplace. Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust across diverse teams and institutional partners. Skills and Attributes An empowering and approachable leader who motivates teams and builds a positive, engaged workplace culture. Technically grounded, with sound judgment and a practical, solutionsfocused mindset. Able to operate strategically and at a systems level while remaining accessible and handson when needed. Transparent and principled, with a commitment to clear communication and accountable decisionmaking. Adaptable and resilient, able to manage competing demands and operational challenges with calm and focus. Skilled in working with diverse populations, with a demonstrated commitment to equity and inclusion. Why Join the University of Lethbridge? This is an opportunity to take on a substantive operational leadership role at a dynamic institution during a period of significant physical and organizational renewal. You will lead a skilled and dedicated team of approximately 95 staff and play a direct role in shaping the quality and sustainability of the campus environment that supports the Universitys academic and research mission. As Director, you will be a key contributor to the Facilities leadership team and a steward of one of the Universitys most essential functions. Application and Equity Statement The University of Lethbridge is committed to Accessibility, Belonging and Community and strives to best support its diverse campus community. The University welcomes candidates who selfidentify as Black, Indigenous or a person of colour with lived experience and expertise in incorporating EDI practices into teaching and research. Joining a vibrant community at the University where we aspire to achieve equity and diversity in all areas, the successful candidate will be expected to show evidence of leadership and commitment to access and equity that promotes a collegial, collaborative and respectful working environment. #J-18808-Ljbffr