Housing and Conference Services (HCS) plays a vital role in supporting the University's mission to foster human and societal well-being, while advancing the broader vision of educating for capability. We are committed to delivering a distinctive living and learning environment that prioritizes community building, personal development, academic success, wellness, and inclusion. Through our programs and services, we create meaningful experiences that help students thrive both inside and outside the classroom.
HCS is currently in a time of significant expansion as capacity is expanding by 66% over the next several 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 upper year, 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 both the divisions of Student Affairs and Administration. HCS reports directly to both the divisions of Student Affairs, as well as Operations & Finance.
HCS is designated as an ancillary support team that operates continuously, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. As such, this position requires a high level of flexibility to accommodate a rotating or variable schedule.
Schedule
Monday - Friday (35 Hours per week)
Occasional weekends and evenings + flexibility in schedule is required
Education Level
University degree in Engineering, Architecture, Facilities Management, or a related field.
o Professional certification (e.g., PMP, L6S) is an asset.
Career Level
Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in facilities management, including 5+ years in a senior leadership role within a complex institutional environment.
Housing and Conference Services (HCS) is seeking a visionary and experienced leader to join our team as
Associate Director, Residence Facilities
. This is a pivotal opportunity for a strategic facilities professional who thrives in a dynamic, growth-oriented environment and is passionate about enhancing the student experience through innovative infrastructure and operational excellence.
In this role, you will lead the strategic planning and day-to-day execution of all residence facility functions, including maintenance, custodial services, furnishings, security systems, and infrastructure renewal. You will oversee a diverse portfolio of residence spaces spanning 15 buildings (totaling 2.7 million sq. ft.) and play a key leadership role in the development of a new residence building and the implementation of a long-term capital renewal strategy.
This position is ideal for a collaborative and forward-thinking leader who can balance operational excellence with long-term vision ensuring McMaster's residence facilities remain competitive, sustainable, and ready to meet the evolving needs of our campus community.
Lead the strategic direction and day-to-day operations of residence facilities. This includes developing long-term infrastructure plans, aligning operations with institutional goals, and overseeing custodial and maintenance services. The role ensures high-quality service delivery in a 24/7 residential environment. You will be responsible for integrating innovative technologies and sustainability practices into operations. This role will manage a facilities-related operating budget of approximately $38 million, with an oversight of capital budgets for major projects. Ensure cost-effective procurement, vendor management, and financial planning.
Capital Planning & Project Oversight:
Direct the planning and execution of capital investments, including the upcoming Spring 2026 residence project. Work closely with our Facility Services partners to scope, fund, and implement infrastructure projects that enhance student experience and meet institutional standards for accessibility, energy efficiency, and deferred maintenance.
Risk & Infrastructure Management:
Ensure all residence facilities comply with building codes, safety regulations, and environmental standards. Lead emergency preparedness, business continuity planning, and risk mitigation strategies. In collaboration with the Managers, provide leadership to the HCS Joint Health and Safety Committee and coordinate safety audits and preventative maintenance programs. Lead the creation and implementation of policies and procedures related to infrastructure, safety, and service delivery. Ensure compliance with institutional, provincial, and federal regulations, and manage sensitive information and reporting requirements.
People Leadership & Workforce Development:
Coach and lead a diverse team, including two direct managers and over 100 staff and student employees. You will foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement. Provide impactful coaching, manage unionized personnel in accordance with collective agreements, and implement succession planning and training initiatives.
Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including Facility Services, IT Services, EOHSS, contractors, and regulatory bodies. Represent HCS in university-wide planning initiatives and ensure alignment with broader institutional strategies.
Qualifications & Experience:
University degree in Engineering, Architecture, Facilities Management, or a related field.
Professional certification (e.g., PMP, L6S) is an asset.
Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in facilities management, including 5+ years in a senior leadership role within a complex institutional environment.
Proven expertise in capital planning, project delivery, and operational leadership across multiple teams or portfolios.
Strong working knowledge of Ontario Building Code, Fire Code, Plumbing and Electrical Codes, and regulations from the Ministry of Labour, Ministry of Environment, and TSSA.
Demonstrated experience in building maintenance, renovations, and skilled trades (electrical, structural, architectural, mechanical).
Strategic thinker with a track record of managing complex, non-standard problems and implementing innovative, data-informed solutions.
Experienced in reading and interpreting architectural blueprints, plans, and technical specifications.
Deep understanding of building systems, sustainability practices, and regulatory compliance.
Proficient in budgeting, financial analysis, job costing, and reporting on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
Knowledgeable in collective agreement administration and labour relations in a unionized environment.
Competent in CMMS (e.g., StarRez), Microsoft Office, and other facilities management systems.
Strong leadership, supervisory, and team-building skills; fosters a culture of accountability, service excellence, and continuous improvement.
Excellent interpersonal, communication, stakeholder engagement, and conflict resolution skills.
Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, 24/7 operational environment.
How To Apply
To apply for this job, please submit your application online.
Employment Equity Statement
McMaster University is located on the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee and Mississauga Nations and within the lands protected by the "Dish With One Spoon" wampum agreement.
The diversity of our workforce is at the core of our innovation and creativity and strengthens our research and teaching excellence. In keeping with its Statement on Building an Inclusive Community with a Shared Purpose, McMaster University strives to embody the values of respect, collaboration and diversity, and has a strong commitment to employment equity.
The University seeks qualified candidates who share our commitment to equity and inclusion, who will contribute to the diversification of ideas and perspectives, and especially welcomes applications from indigenous (First Nations, Metis or Inuit) peoples, members of racialized communities, persons with disabilities, women, and persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ+.
As part of McMaster's commitment, all applicants are invited to complete a confidential Applicant Diversity Survey through the online application submission process. The Survey questionnaire requests voluntary self-identification in relation to equity-seeking groups that have historically faced and continue to face barriers in employment. Please refer to the Applicant Diversity Survey - Statement of Collection for additional information.
Job applicants requiring accommodation to participate in the hiring process should contact:
Human Resources Service Centre at 905-525-9140 ext. 222-HR (22247), or
Faculty of Health Sciences HR Office at ext. 22207, or
School of Graduate Studies at ext. 23679
to communicate accommodation needs.
Hybrid Work Language
To ensure an ongoing and vibrant University community that meets the needs of our students, staff and faculty and supports the University mission, ability to work on-site continues to be a requirement for most University positions. The University is supportive of exploring flexible work arrangements that effectively balance operational needs and employee interests.
Interview Experience
At McMaster University, we believe in a comprehensive and inclusive interview process. Our interview methods encompass a variety of approaches that allow our hiring teams to provide a flexible and accessible experience for engaging with our candidates. Throughout your recruitment process at McMaster, you may be requested to participate in a variety of formats, that may include in-person, virtual or recorded interviews. If you have any questions as you move through the hiring process, please reach out to talent@mcmaster.ca or the HR contact associated with your position of interest.
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