Manager, Mechanical Services

Manager, Mechanical Services Location: Waterloo, Ontario, Canada At the University of Waterloo, we create and promote a culture where everyone can reach their full potential. As an employee, you get support & opportunities that empower you to advance your career. Explore how we can bring big ideas to life, together. The University is a welcoming workplace for those of all abilities, interests, and expertise. As part of our workforce, you can do what you do best, every day. Learn more about our recruitment process. Job Requisition ID: 2026-00726 Time Type: Full time Employee Group: Staff Job Category: Facilities Planning and Logistics Employment Type: Permanent Department: Facilities Hiring Range: Posting Information: This posting is for an existing vacancy. The internal posting deadline for this position isThursday, June 11, at 11:59PM Job Description: Primary Purpose Reporting to the Director, Energy & Infrastructure, the Manager, Mechanical Services is responsible for the operational management of mechanical services across campus, ensuring the effective delivery of maintenance programs that support the reliability, safety, and performance of the University’s mechanical infrastructure. The Manager oversees the Supervisor, Mechanical Services, building operators, and technical staff responsible for the maintenance, repair, and operation of mechanical systems and infrastructure across campus facilities. This includes mechanical distribution systems, pumps, piping networks, and associated equipment that support building operations and campus infrastructure. The Manager ensures that preventative maintenance programs, corrective maintenance activities, and service requests are delivered efficiently and in accordance with University standards, applicable legislation, and safety requirements. The role coordinates mechanical maintenance priorities, manages operational resources, and supports infrastructure renewal initiatives to ensure the continued reliability and sustainability of campus facilities. Key Accountabilities Strategic Planning and Asset Stewardship Supports the Director, Energy & Infrastructure in the development and implementation of long-term strategies for the maintenance, reliability, and renewal of the University’s mechanical infrastructure assets. Contributes to lifecycle planning and capital renewal strategies for mechanical infrastructure including piping systems, pumps, mechanical distribution components, and associated mechanical equipment supporting campus facilities. Identifies infrastructure risks, deferred maintenance priorities, and opportunities to improve reliability, maintainability, and lifecycle value of mechanical assets. Provides operational and technical input into campus infrastructure planning, facilities asset management initiatives, and infrastructure renewal programs. Supports the development of maintenance standards, operational practices, and service delivery approaches that promote efficient and sustainable facilities operations. Operations Management Provides operational leadership for mechanical services responsible for the maintenance, repair, and reliability of mechanical infrastructure across campus facilities. Oversees the Supervisor, Mechanical Services and associated technical staff responsible for mechanical maintenance and service delivery. Establishes operational priorities, service standards, and work planning processes to ensure mechanical services are delivered safely, efficiently, and in alignment with institutional expectations. Ensures work requests, preventative maintenance activities, and repair work are prioritized and coordinated to maintain the reliability of mechanical infrastructure and minimize disruption to teaching, research, and administrative operations. Coordinates mechanical maintenance activities with other Facilities units to support efficient service delivery and effective use of staff resources. Ensures effective response to equipment failures, infrastructure incidents, and emergency maintenance situations affecting mechanical systems. Preventative Maintenance and Asset Management Oversees the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of preventative and predictive maintenance programs for mechanical infrastructure and associated equipment. Supports infrastructure inspections, condition assessments, and asset evaluations used to inform maintenance planning and infrastructure renewal priorities. Ensures preventative maintenance programs align with regulatory requirements, manufacturer recommendations, and industry best practices. Works with the Supervisor, Mechanical Services to monitor asset performance, identify recurring maintenance issues, and implement corrective strategies to improve reliability and lifecycle performance. Supports the use of facilities management systems and asset management tools to track maintenance work, inspections, and asset condition data. Maintenance Work and Project Coordination Oversees the delivery of maintenance-related renovation work, mechanical repairs, and infrastructure improvement projects across campus facilities. Coordinates internal technical staff and external contractors to ensure projects are delivered safely, efficiently, and in accordance with established standards. Supports project planning activities including scope development, work scheduling, procurement coordination, and implementation of mechanical infrastructure work. Ensures mechanical maintenance activities are effectively coordinated with other Facilities units including building maintenance, utilities, and capital project teams. Maintains relationships with campus stakeholders to support service delivery and coordination of maintenance activities. Financial Management Supports the Director, Energy & Infrastructure in the development and management of operating budgets and contributes to capital planning related to mechanical infrastructure renewal. Monitors operational expenditures including labour, materials, equipment, and contractor services to ensure responsible financial stewardship. Approves operational expenditures within delegated authority and ensures procurement activities follow University policies and procedures. Tracks operational and financial performance indicators to support effective management of mechanical maintenance programs and resources. Staff Leadership Provides leadership, direction, and operational guidance to the Supervisor, Mechanical Services and associated mechanical services staff. Ensures effective workforce planning, staffing, and scheduling to support operational service requirements. Establishes performance expectations and supports employee development through coaching, training, and performance management processes. Promotes positive labour relations and ensures compliance with the CUPE collective agreement and University employment policies. Supports succession planning and knowledge transfer within the mechanical services workforce. Health and Safety Ensures mechanical services operations are conducted in compliance with applicable health, safety, and environmental legislation and University policies. Promotes and maintains a strong safety culture within the mechanical services team. Ensures staff follow safe work practices and receive appropriate training related to mechanical infrastructure maintenance and operational environments. Supports incident reporting, investigations, and corrective actions to address workplace hazards and prevent recurrence. Works collaboratively with the Training, Safety and Compliance Specialist and University safety personnel to support safe facilities operations. Other Supports continuous improvement initiatives across Facilities operations and within the Energy & Infrastructure team. Contributes to departmental planning, operational reviews, and service delivery improvements. Performs other related duties as assigned. Required Qualifications Education College diploma in engineering technology, building systems, construction management, facilities management, or a related discipline, or a Certificate of Apprenticeship and Certificate of Qualification in a relevant trade, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Additional professional or facilities management designations considered an asset. Experience Minimum 5-7 years of experience in facilities operations or infrastructure management, preferably within a large institutional environment. Demonstrated experience managing mechanical teams and programs. Experience working in a unionized environment preferred. Knowledge/Skills/Abilities Knowledge of mechanical building systems, infrastructure operations, and maintenance practices supporting large institutional facilities. Demonstrated leadership and team management skills in supervising technical staff and coordinating operational service delivery. Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills with the ability to assess infrastructure issues, operational risks, and maintenance priorities. Ability to plan, coordinate, and prioritize maintenance activities across multiple facilities while managing competing operational demands. Ability to manage financial resources responsibly, including monitoring operational expenditures and supporting infrastructure renewal planning. Strong interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills with the ability to work effectively with technical staff, campus stakeholders, and external service providers. Knowledge of relevant legislation, codes, and standards governing facilities operations, mechanical systems, and occupational health and safety. Familiarity with facilities maintenance systems, asset management practices, and maintenance tracking platforms used to support infrastructure operations. Ability to exercise sound judgment and respond effectively to operational issues in a complex institutional environment. Equity Statement The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is coordinated within the Office of Indigenous Relations. The University values the diverse and intersectional identities of its students, faculty, and staff. The University regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. The University of Waterloo seeks applicants who embrace our values of equity, anti-racism and inclusion.  As such, we encourage applications from candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including applicants who identify as First Nations, Métis and/or Inuk (Inuit), Black, racialized, a person with a disability, women and/or 2SLGBTQ+. Positions are open to qualified candidates who are legally entitled to work in Canada. The University of Waterloo is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. If you have any application, interview, or workplace accommodation requests, please contact Human Resources at hrhelp@uwaterloo.ca or 519-888-4567, ext. 45935.