Manager, Custodial Services

OKANAGAN COLLEGE

Okanagan College transforms lives and communities. We are one of Canada's leading colleges. We create outstanding educational experiences for our learners, both students and employees. We work and learn in a welcoming and caring culture. We are a catalyst for change through collaboration with our learners and partners. We serve, lead and anticipate the social, economic and environmental needs of communities.

Position Title:
Manager, Custodial Services

Competition Number:
C002980

Division/Portfolio:
Facilities Management

Department/Program:
Facilities Administration

Campus/Centre:
Kelowna

Your Opportunity:

The Manager, Custodial Services is responsible for the effective planning, budgeting, and management of custodial, pest control, waste management, and related services across multiple college campuses. This position ensures that all operations are efficient, cost-effective, and aligned with government regulations, College policies, and the strategic direction of the institution. The Manager oversees a large team of employees and manages contractors, ensuring that custodial and waste management services meet the needs of the College’s educational and institutional environment. Key responsibilities include budgeting, monitoring operations, and supporting staff development, while maintaining high standards of service quality and operational efficiency. This role involves addressing challenges related to structuring custodial services within a large, diverse, multi-campus environment, all while upholding the College’s mission, values, and goals.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in business administration or management with a focus on Facilities Management, Property Management, or Custodial Management.
Minimum 5 years of management experience preferably in a unionized environment, leading a diverse team, with strong leadership and performance management skills to effectively oversee operations and navigate competing priorities across multiple campuses.

Functions and Duties:

Strategic Planning and Execution:

The Manager, Custodial Services plays a critical role in the strategic planning and execution of custodial operations across all College locations. This includes overseeing custodial staff,
contracted services, and service contracts related to waste removal, recycling, and snow and ice control.
The Manager is responsible for setting priorities, scheduling tasks, and selecting materials and equipment to ensure efficient service delivery.
Develop and implement comprehensive cyclical custodial maintenance programs for all college facilities to ensure long-term asset preservation and operational efficiency.
Provide input and make recommendations for the development and implementation of short and medium-range plans, operating and capital budgets, and procedures for the
division.

Operational Management:

Manage in-house staff by providing leadership, setting priorities, and ensuring that all custodial activities align with institutional goals and best practices.
Supervise custodial contractors by overseeing their work, ensuring adherence to contract terms, and coordinating with in-house operations to maintain service quality and compliance.
Ensure all custodial activities comply with health and safety regulations, providing necessary training and instructions to staff.
Prioritize, review, and process work requests, monitoring work orders to ensure timely completion and quality performance, balancing tasks between in-house staff and contractors as needed.

Financial Oversight:

Manage multiple large budgets totaling approximately $2.4 million, consisting of continuing and non-continuing staffing budgets, contracted services and consumable supplies on multiple campuses.
Evaluate and prioritize custodial/maintenance requests, making informed decisions on budget allocation to address the most critical needs across all campuses.

Leadership and Team Development:

Provide leadership and guidance to the maintenance team, promoting a culture of safety, efficiency, and professional development.
Manage performance evaluations, address disciplinary issues, and implement conflict resolution strategies to maintain a productive and harmonious work environment.
Review and recommend professional development plans for staff, monitor follow-up activities, and ensure high standards of performance, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Stakeholder Engagement and Service Excellence:

Serve as the primary liaison for custodial issues within the manager’s portfolio, ensuring transparent and effective communication with faculty, staff, students, and the public.
Develop and maintain strong relationships with campus partners, external vendors, and contractors, facilitating the smooth execution of custodial services and initiatives.
Proactively address and resolve facilities-related inquiries and concerns, leveraging influence and negotiation skills to balance stakeholder needs with resource limitations and requests that often exceed available funding. Make logical, transparent decisions that prioritize accessibility and communicate effectively, ensuring a fair, accessible, and well-maintained campus environment within available funding constraints

Skills and Abilities:

Strong knowledge of custodial and property management principles.
Proven leadership and team management skills in a unionized environment, with the ability to resolve conflicts and manage performance.
Strategic planning and resource management skills for developing and implementing custodial programs across multiple campuses.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools (Teams, Excel, Outlook), CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management Systems) for managing both reactive and preventative work orders, Microsoft Planner, and MS 365, as well as familiarity with financial and HRIS programs.
In-depth understanding of health, safety, and environmental regulations, along with labor laws and contracting rules.
Expertise in contract administration and vendor management to ensure compliance with service agreements.
Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities to address complex maintenance issues promptly and effectively.
Excellent communication skills for engaging with stakeholders, providing updates, and coordinating with diverse groups.
High integrity and attention to detail, ensuring transparency and adherence to institutional values.
Adaptability and resilience in managing unexpected challenges and shifting priorities

Appointment Type:
Exempt - Continuing Full-time

Appointment Start Date:
02/03/2025

Annual Salary/Hourly Rate:
Range $85,711 to $125,709. Typical Hiring Range $102,853 to $114,281.

Posting Opening Date:
01/03/2025

Posting Closing Date:
01/13/2025

APPLICATIONS:

To apply for this position, please go to our employment site: https://www.employmentopportunities.okanagan.bc.ca and complete an on-line application.

All applications must be submitted through our employment site to be considered.

Okanagan College is committed to increasing the equitable and inclusive participation of marginalized people in all aspects of college life. We welcome and encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples, Black People, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, people with disabilities and people with diverse gender identities or expressions. People with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, AccessibilityHR@okanagan.bc.ca