Algoma University is committed to undoing systemic and institutional discrimination and being publicly transparent and accountable. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are fundamental to our Special Mission. In keeping with the Seven Grandfather teachings that are the core values that inform our decisions as an institution, we are committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive, respectful, and safe environment where everyone belongs. We live these values through the strength and richness that diversity brings to our workforce and welcome contributors from equity-deserving groups including: Indigenous Peoples, Black and racialized persons, women, Persons with Disabilities, 2 Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer persons.
Job Title: Manager, Physical Plant
Administration
Department: Facilities
Position Status: Permanent, Full-time
Non-Union
Location: Sault Ste. Marie, ON
Supervision Received: Director, Facilities
Supervision Exercised: All Maintenance and Custodial Staff
Number of Positions: 1
Salary Scale: $91,863 to $114,829 annually.
PRIMARY FUNCTIONS:
A. Facilities & Operations Management 60%
B. Contracted Services Management 15%
C. Capital Project Management and Support 15%
D. Other Duties 10%
TOTAL 100%
The Manager, Physical Plant is a key member of Algoma University’s Facilities team. The role will focus on providing leadership in operations and maintenance services, including custodial services, maintenance of all building systems and equipment, grounds maintenance, and other building maintenance activities. The Manager, Physical Plant oversees budget and staff resources within their team, and manages all Plant-related contracted services, procurement, and contracts relating to these areas.
Reporting to the Director, Facilities, the Manager, Physical Plant will provide support for capital projects relating to facilities renewal and improvements, including managing, overseeing, and assisting in new construction projects, as required.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Operations and Maintenance Services Management (60%)
Manage business administration processes of Operations & Maintenance, and Parking Services.
Provide leadership and direction to all maintenance and custodial staff, including prioritizing workloads and issues in consultation with staff.
Develop policies, procedures, annual department objectives, and supervisory staff annual goals in collaboration with the Director, Facilities and other management team members.
Maintain responsibility of electrical/mechanical building services, utilities, building structure and envelope, custodial services, grounds maintenance, and parking services.
Establish and promote excellence in performance standards, customer service and relationship management.
Plan, develop and monitor annual operating budget for Operations & Maintenance, and Parking Services.
Review monthly expenditures to ensure that budgets are effectively managed and that
costs are controlled within guidelines; consult with the Director on potential cost overruns.
Develop and manage staff resource plans and scheduling; define functional responsibilities of in-house staff, coordinate staff hiring process with the People & Culture Department.
Establish balance between internal capacity for providing services, and externally contracted services.
Manage the “on-call” program for after-hours emergency response.
Contracted Services Management (15%)
Manage business administration and procurement processes of all contracted services.
Define scope of work for externally provided services in all areas under the responsibility of the Manager, Physical Plant.
Develop and maintain performance and quality standards, and manage contractor performance.
Act as key team member in carrying out and supporting the contractor selection process.
Capital Project Management and Support (15%)
Participate in the planning of new capital projects pertaining to Operations &
Maintenance, and Parking Services.
Manage, oversee, and assist with new capital projects and major building system updates as required and assigned.
Participate in site meetings and liaise with university planners, architects, consultants and contractors as required.
Review and approve payment progress certificates and/or invoices.
Ensure all assigned projects are completed safely, on schedule, and on budget.
Recommend and review university standards for equipment and building system selections for university planners, architects, consultants, and contractors.
Manage the transition of completed capital projects for the Operations & Maintenance teams.
Other Duties/Responsibilities (10%)
Other duties, as assigned.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Physical Effort
Moderate: Work activities require intermediate periods of moderate physical effort (e.g. sitting in one place, standing, walking, sustained keyboarding)
Physical Environment
Considerable: Works in an environment with frequent exposure to unpleasant or disagreeable conditions
Sensory Attention
Moderate: Some requirement for high volume of work to be completed while accommodating competing and consistent interruptions
Mental Stress
Considerable: Work activities are performed in an environment with frequent exposure to mental pressures and conditions where mental stress may be noticeable (e.g. conflicting deadlines, dealing with unpleasant clients/members of the public, and disruption of personal life or requirement to travel)
Incumbent may be required to take evening or weekend calls to source emergency workers from time to time.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Undergraduate degree in engineering, facilities management, or a related field and a minimum of five (5) years of experience in progressively responsible roles in all aspects of facilities management, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, is required.
Management experience with leadership, team building, motivating and negotiation skills.
Knowledge and understanding of the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act, WHMIS, and other health and safety legislation pertaining to plant operations, is required.
Ability to manage staff collectively in a unionized environment.
Ability to manage business administration processes, including negotiating contracts, agreements and warranties, budgeting, project planning, organizational skills, etc.
Ability to analyze facts and exercise sound judgment.
Experience in working with consultants (architects and engineers), contractors and construction trades.
Strong knowledge of mechanical and electrical systems, particularly in HVAC.
Strong understanding of building envelopes and roof systems.
Knowledge of government acts, codes, regulations and requirements.
Ability to develop long-term business plans.
Project Management certification is considered an asset.
Valid driver’s license required.
To apply for this position please submit a resume and cover letter at:
https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=325cbdb8-d490-4480-ae8d-d332911ec006&ccId=19000101_000001&jobId=543866&lang=en_CA&source=CC2
no later than 4:00 p.m. on May 16, 2025.
Algoma University is strongly committed to fostering diversity and inclusivity within our community and is an equal-opportunity employer. The university invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals who would contribute to the further diversification of our Institution, including equity-deserving groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment (Indigenous peoples, racialized persons, women, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQQIPA+ persons).
In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, upon request, accommodation will be provided by Algoma University throughout the recruitment, selection, and/or assessment process to applicants with disabilities.
