Job Graduate General Manager in Hamilton

Housing and Conference Services (HCS) directly supports the University’s Mission & Vision of Impact, Ambition and Transformation through Excellence, Inclusion and Community: Advancing Human and Societal Health and Well-being. We currently provide a distinctive living and learning experience for 3900 students focused on key educational priorities including self-discovery and learning; sustainability and wellness and inclusive excellence.

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 in a time of significant expansion as capacity is expanding by 54% over the next 5 years, moving from 3900 to 6000 bed spaces across 15 buildings. This expansion will diversify the housing operation dramatically, from a traditional focus on the housing needs of first year undergraduate students, to the introduction of graduate, and family housing, in addition to a constantly diversifying internal and external client base.

The annual budget for HCS is currently (pre-expansion) approximately $31 million and we employ 100+ full-time and 250 part-time staff. HCS reports directly to the divisions of Student Affairs, as well as Operations & Finance.

Reporting to the Director, Housing and Conference Services, 75% of this position will focus on the management oversight of all facility related operations of the Graduate Residence Building, including custodial and maintenance services, operational contract management, front desk operations, mail and parcels, building life safety and security, and property management services such as snow clearing, waste management, and property landscaping. This position will also be responsible for managing the operating and maintenance budget for the facility to ensure costs are in line with projections.

The remaining 25% of this position will be focused on managing similar property operation and maintenance functions within four large residential properties, which make up Signature Venue offerings.

Accountabilities:

Operational Management

• Responsible for all operational requirements and service contracts, working with contractors to manage the day-to-day operations of the building including building maintenance, security, and custodial duties.
• Directly manage the front desk operations that support the student experience.
• Retain and direct contractors for custodial, maintenance, HVAC, emergency power and electrical services.
• Plans, administers, monitors and evaluates schedules and procedures for cost effective service programs.
• Maintain records for fire life safety systems, emergency power, elevators, roof anchors etc.
• Identify operational priorities and ensure the diverse needs of the stakeholder groups are considered and incorporated.
• Create and foster a high-performance team environment that is focused on quality service, operational efficiency, and continuous improvement.
• Responsible for establishing a consistent monitoring process, review of key performance indicators and all other measures of performance.

Stakeholder Relationships

• Working collaboratively with the Residence Life Area Coordinator, responsible for student life deliverables to ensure a high-quality living-learning environment is achieved.
• Respond to tenant inquiries and concerns with a high level of professionalism and tact, ensuring that tenant is supported, and any emergencies are dealt with immediately and effectively.
• Develops and encourages a strong team environment and commitment to client services.
• Maintains excellent relationships with all internal and external departments, collaborating with all units within HCS and other McMaster University departments.
• Responsible for adherence to University and departmental policies on materials and service standards.
• Ensures compliance to Standard Operating Procedures and procurement rules, including the Broader Public Sector procurement guidelines.

Financial Management

• Oversee and manage the operations budget of properties custodial and maintenance functions.
• Responsible as the primary signing authority on operating accounts and ensures compliance with University and departmental budget policies and financial procedures.
• Manage and monitor all vendor contracts to ensure that appropriate service levels are maintained.

Human Resources

• Effectively manage the hiring, supervision, and professional development of operational staff in conjunction with HCS stakeholders.
• Maintains confidentiality in all issues relating to staff members.
• Ensures compliance with human resource policies and procedures.

Project Management

• Takes a leadership role for all Capital projects at the Graduate Residence Building.
• Establish project schedules and budgets, ensure conformance to plans and revise as appropriate to meet changing needs and requirements.
• Participates in projects and departmental programs as required.
• Oversee the facility related coordination of all move-in/out activities of tenants.

Qualifications

Education:

• Completion of College/ University program relating to building management.
• Education/ Training in building operations

Experience:

• 3-5 years working in building operations
• Leadership, supervisory and team building skills a strong asset.

Knowledge/ Skills:

• Knowledge of building control software.
• Exceptional communication and customer service skills.
• Demonstrated conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to prepare budgets, financial analyses, and job costing.
• Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to read and interpret plans, diagrams, architectural blueprints and specifications.
• Knowledge of skills required to perform building maintenance and repairs/renovation activities including skilled trade disciplines of electrical, structural, architectural, and mechanical.
• Demonstrated job estimation skills as they relate to building maintenance and operations.
• Working knowledge of Ontario Building Code, Ontario Fire Code, Plumbing Code, Electrical Code and various codes and regulations as set out by the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Technical Standards and Safety Authority, and all other authorities having jurisdiction.