Regular/Temporary

Regular

Job Title

Manager, Skilled Trades

Job ID

70205

Location

Central Campus

Open Date

07/08/2025

Job Type

Continuing

Close Date

07/21/2025

Employee Group

TMG

Favorite Job

Department

Facilities Maintenance Project

Salary Grade/Band

Band L

Salary Range

$89346.00 - $134020.00 (annual)

Hours per Week

35

Job Description

The Facility Services Department supports McMaster University’s goal of advancing human and societal wellbeing, and the “Forward With Integrity” overriding vision of ‘educating for capability’, by physically preserving and enhancing the campus and its buildings. The Department is comprised of several operational divisions, which includes: Custodial Services, Maintenance Services, Design and Construction, Logistics and Grounds, Parking and Security, Engineering Operations, and Utilities and Energy Management. Facility Services is also supported by an internal Business Services unit.

McMaster’s central campus has a footprint of 300 acres, with more than 50 buildings accumulating an area of over six million square feet. More than 300 professional and support staff work within the Facility Services Department, and operate to advance the strategy of the university while always demonstrating the TRAIT values of Facility Services: Teamwork, Respect, Accountability, Integrity and Trust.

The Manager, Skilled Trades is a member of the Department management team and is a key member of the Maintenance Services Management group who work collaboratively to complete small and medium size projects on the campus

Job Summary:

The Manager, Skilled Trades is accountable for the management of campus renovations and construction projects and the Skilled Trade staff that perform this function. The Manager, Skilled Trades, under the direction of the Director, Maintenance Services, and in support of the University's strategic goals, develops and implements programs and strategies to complete the annual roster of campus projects in a safe and compliant manner.

This position leads and coordinates a team of approximately 20 Skilled Trades staff. The recruiting, hiring and training of staff is a critical responsibility for this Manager. Ensuring high staff morale and engagement, the Manager maintains a safe workplace, with readily available materials and equipment needed to perform the campus project activities. The Manager will also retain and coordinate the activities where contractors external to McMaster are required.

The Manager will lead a culture of Continuous Improvement with the staff of the area.

Accountabilities:

• Manages and directs the University Skilled Trade staff (currently 20 full time skilled trades) in eight different trades discipline, within a unionized environment in campus project activities.
• Recruit, interview, select new staff to ensure appropriate staffing compliment
• Manage staff by evaluating, coaching and counselling.
• Completes the Campus project operational requirements by determining work priorities, scheduling and assigning employees, and follows up on work requests.
• Reviews and implements Health and Safety measures with staff, while ensuring compliance to Departmental, University and Government regulations.
• Issue and evaluate RFX’s for the procurement of external vendors, and negotiate contracts for building maintenance activities.
• Select, manage and arrange for specialized contractors so university maintenance work can be achieved.
• Ensures customer service satisfaction through meetings, interviews and surveys with the campus community.
• Provide cost and labour estimates to customers on customer‐initiated job estimate requests.
• Ensures adherence to University and Departmental policies on material, service standards, environmental and energy standards.
• Purchase and maintains inventory of common project materials and tools.
• Has responsibility for developing, tracking, and evaluating Team work performance, and adjusting team activities to improve work performance, and report out the Key Performance Indicators.
• Responsible for the implementation of LEAN process improvement projects, and also for mentoring staff who implement LEAN projects.
• Support and Mentor staff to achieve LEAN accreditation
• Meets University Standards on Core Competency and maintains professional and technical knowledge.
• Participate in the creation and give input on the prioritization of the University’s Deferred Maintenance lists.

Qualifications:

Education: Completion of University or College level education, in a program relating to building construction or operations (Professional Engineer, Architect or Certified Engineering Technologist, etc.)

Experience: Minimum of 10 years experience in progressive management positions with oversight of a large diverse building portfolio, and skilled trade work force. Experience in project management for small to medium size project for commercial, industrial and/or residential buildings.

Knowledge/Skills:

• Have a diverse knowledge of Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, Welding, Sheetmetal, HVAC, Locksmithing, Fire Code, Glazing, Roofing and Exterior Envelope building systems to manage the diverse skilled trades group that reports into this position

• Working knowledge of Ontario Building Code, Ontario Fire Code, Electrical Code, Plumbing Code, etc. and various codes and regulations as set out by the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Ontario Ministry of Environment and other authorities having jurisdiction

• Expert knowledge and experience with building maintenance, repairs, and renovation activities including the skilled trade disciplines within the areas of electrical, structural, architectural and mechanical

• Proven ability to work in a unionized environment.

• Ability to manage and implement renovation and construction projects.

• Ability to read and interpret plans, diagrams, architectural drawings and specifications.

• Ability to communicate effectively with people who have a wide range of skills, experience and responsibilities inside and outside the University community.

• Attention to detail with excellent organizational and planning skills to manage multiple priorities and make decisions regarding competing and sensitive priorities.

• Knowledge of collective agreements and their application, administration, and interpretation in a unionized workplace.

• Analytical and problem‐solving skills.

• Building project job estimation skills.

• Leadership, managerial and teambuilding skills. .

• Ability to lead a unionized team of professionals to ensure deliverables are met on time and within the scope.

• Possess proficiency in specialized training such as: Fall Protection Working at Heights, Aerial Lift certification, Confined Space Entry, Asbestos Work

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, Métis 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.

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.