Assistant Manager, Maintenance Operations

The Assistant Manager provides daily leadership and management to a team of maintenance and trades professionals responsible for the improvements, repairs, and upkeep of all campus buildings and infrastructure. Reporting to the Director, Facilities Management and Development, this position contributes to the department by maintaining a safe and functional campus environment, aligning it with VIU's strategic goals and supports the institution's academic, research and operational needs. The Assistant Manager ensures that all work is conducted in accordance with building codes, safety and environmental regulations, industry best standards, and university policies.

Duties:

1. Oversee daily maintenance and trades operations, providing ongoing preventive, predictive, corrective and emergency services in a cost-effective manner. This includes the planning, coordination and execution of assignments and workflow through the effective coordination of prioritized tasks using a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) and a Direct Digital Control System (DDC). Ensure accurate and timely response to maintenance requests and urgent repairs. Coordinate and oversee contractor services for specialized maintenance and repairs.
2. In collaboration with the Director, Facilities Management and Development, support a proactive maintenance strategy that requires regular inspection and upkeep of assets. Recommend and implement maintenance schedules and programs to address potential issues before they become serious repair or replacement needs. Identify areas for improvements, advising on priorities and carrying out construction, renovation, service and repair projects.
3. Demonstrate leadership with daily problem-solving, crisis management, and emergency response planning.
4. Recommend, review, and maintain department specifications, service level standards, work processes and practices appropriate and necessary for the deployments and operations within all managed groups.
5. Liaise with regulatory bodies and local authorities to ensure compliance with building codes, environmental regulations, and safety standards.
6. Responsible for employee relations of staff reporting to the position, fostering a client-focused, service-oriented, and productive work environment. Establish and maintain good working relationships among staff, encourage and coach team members to work together, to support one another, and to communicate effectively. Provide ongoing feedback to team members, and ensure compliance with HR employment policies, including any grievance or disciplinary procedures, with support from the Director, Facilities Management and Development. Provide a personalized and supportive approach to administering effective performance management practices with each team member.
7. Coordinate and lead regular team meetings and actively participate in department operational planning sessions.
8. Monitor metrics to ensure operational efficiency and effectiveness, servicing client needs, and meeting campus needs on time and within budget. Maintain accurate record keeping and financial reporting throughout the fiscal year. This includes developing cost projections, maintaining asset records, and detailed record keeping for materials and resource allocation.
9. Provide support in the annual reporting of facility condition assessments to the ministry.

Required Qualifications:

1. Minimum of 6 years' experience in facilities maintenance, construction, or a related field, with strong leadership experience. Journeyman or Red Seal certification in a skilled trade, preferably in Power Engineering or HVAC. Two recent years of direct supervision of trades, maintenance workers, and/or contractors. Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
2. Extensive experience with CMMS and DDC software.
3. Advanced understanding of various trades such as mechanical, HVAC, water and sewage, hydraulic, electrical systems, emergency systems, fire suppression as well as equipment maintenance processes and methods.
4. Proficiency in reading and interpreting construction and technical drawings, operating manuals, technical documents, and maintenance record keeping.
5. Strong critical thinking skills, able to foresee, diagnose, and solve a wide range of maintenance and repair issues without direction or external assistance.
6. Knowledgeable of all applicable codes, statutes, and related regulations (safety, construction, environmental, accessible, etc.).

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Certified Maintenance and Reliability Professional (CMRP) an asset.

VIU is pleased to offer eligible employees a comprehensive benefit plan; ample paid holiday time; professional development opportunities and a desirable pension plan. As part of the VIU campus community, our employees work with supportive colleagues within an encouraging environment and are provided with the tools and training that promote learning and development.