Physical Plant
Thunder Bay
Full-time
Permanent
OverviewThis position will remain open until filled. Lakehead University is seeking a strategic and collaborative leader for the position of Director, Facilities Management. Reporting to the Vice President, Finance & Administration, the Director provides leadership and oversight for the planning, development, operation, maintenance, and renewal of the University's physical infrastructure and facilities operations across campus.
This role is responsible for ensuring that University facilities support an exceptional environment for teaching, learning, research, and student life while aligning with the University's Strategic Plan and government directives.
The Director oversees facilities operations, capital planning and construction, security services, maintenance, custodial operations, grounds, shipping/receiving, and sustainability initiatives. The successful candidate will work closely with senior leadership, faculty, staff, external agencies, contractors, and government partners to support the evolving infrastructure needs of the University.
ResponsibilitiesFacilities Operations & Strategic Planning
- Provide leadership and oversight for all facilities management operations including building maintenance, custodial services, grounds, utilities, shipping/receiving, and waste management.
- Lead long-term campus facility planning initiatives and infrastructure renewal strategies.
- Ensure facilities are safe, functional, sustainable, and aligned with institutional priorities.
- Manage leases, service agreements, vendor contracts, and procurement processes related to facilities operations.
- Ensure compliance with applicable legislation, building codes, environmental standards, and government reporting requirements.
Capital Projects & Construction Management
- Lead major construction, renovation, and infrastructure renewal projects from concept development through completion.
- Oversee capital planning processes, project budgets, timelines, tendering, and contractor performance.
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders to establish facility priorities arising from strategic and academic plans.
- Develop and manage multi-year capital plans and support provincial funding submissions.
Financial Management
- Develop, manage, and monitor annual operating and capital budgets for the department.
- Ensure expenditures are managed in accordance with University financial policies and procedures.
- Monitor financial performance and implement corrective actions where required.
Leadership & Management
- Provide leadership and direction to managers, supervisors, and staff within a unionized environment.
- Foster a collaborative, respectful, and service-oriented workplace culture.
- Support employee engagement, professional development, performance management, and labour relations activities.
- Lead recruitment, orientation, and succession planning initiatives within the department.
Stakeholder & External Relations
- Build strong working relationships with administrators, faculty, staff, government agencies, consultants, contractors, and community partners.
- Represent the University on committees, task forces, and external planning initiatives related to facilities and campus development.
- Communicate effectively with a broad range of stakeholders regarding facilities planning and operational matters.
Security &Emergency Response
- Oversee campus security services and support emergency preparedness planning.
- Participate in the management of emergency situations related to facilities operations and campus infrastructure.
- Be available for on-call response related to major operational or infrastructure emergencies.
Qualifications- Undergraduate degree in Engineering, Facilities Management, Architecture, Planning, or a related field.
- Minimum 12-15 years of progressive leadership experience in facilities management within a large institutional or campus environment.
- Extensive experience overseeing facilities operations, capital projects, and infrastructure planning.
- Strong financial management and budget administration experience.
- Experience leading teams in a unionized environment.
- Thorough knowledge of building systems, construction practices, building codes, and contract management.
- Excellent leadership, interpersonal, negotiation, and communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities and build collaborative relationships across diverse stakeholder groups.
