Director, Building Services, Grounds and Trades

The University of Toronto seeks an innovative and forward-thinking leader for the role of Director, Building Services, Grounds and Trades. The Director will join the institution at an exciting time as the Facilities and Services Division at U of T seeks to strengthen its processes, enhance the physical environment, and support the exponential growth of the university’s campus.

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, Property Services & Sustainability, the Director provides strategic leadership to a diverse and dynamic team across Trades Services, Caretaking, Grounds Services, Campus Services and Waste Management, and advisory and consulting services to the tri-campus university community. The Director develops and implements immediate and longer-term operational and strategic plans to spearhead the growth and continuous quality improvement processes within the portfolio; takes the lead on delivering benchmarking, work scheduling and customer service programs; and assumes an influential and important role in collective bargaining, contract implementation, and labour relations issues. In executing these duties, the Director is responsible for setting the strategic direction of the building services, grounds, and trades portfolio within the university’s Facilities & Services Division.

With a university degree in a related discipline, the ideal candidate possesses progressive leadership experience in the management of operations in one or more functional areas within the portfolio, and a proven track record of managing large teams in a complex, unionized environment. A diploma in facilities management and/or BOMA certification is an asset, as is knowledge of effective and efficient building operations and relevant codes and standards. With a strategic, business-minded approach, the Director must demonstrate expertise in fostering innovation, problem-solving, and introducing system improvements, and a commitment to providing excellent customer service. They will possess outstanding interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills, a successful record of establishing and motivating effective teams, and an ability to cultivate respectful and collegial relationships.

Established by royal charter in 1827, the University of Toronto is consistently ranked among the world’s top universities. Located in Toronto—Canada’s largest city—the University encompasses 18 Faculties and Schools, more than 100 departments, and 170 research centres and institutes. Its teaching programs are delivered on the historic St. George campus in the heart of Toronto’s downtown, on campuses in Mississauga and Scarborough, and in nine fully affiliated teaching hospitals. With approximately 22,000 faculty and staff, 93,000 students of which 25% are international, and an annual operating budget exceeding $3.0 billion, the University is one of the world’s largest publicly funded research-intensive universities, and contributes $15.7 billion to the Canadian economy each year.

Regularly named one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers and one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers, The University of Toronto is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from racialized persons / persons of colour, women, Indigenous / Aboriginal People of North America, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ2S+ persons, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas. Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply, but applications from Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. In accordance with the AODA Act, accommodation will be provided to individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.

Applications are encouraged immediately at https://www.odgersberndtson.com/en/careers/18083. The Committee’s consideration of candidates will commence in late June and continue until the position is filled. Nominations and inquiries should be directed to Krutika Hotwani of Odgers Berndtson at krutika.hotwani@odgersberndtson.com.