Position: Head of Operations

Department: Operations

Starting Date: ASAP

Application Closing Date: December 15, 2024

Salary: $120,000 – $160,000

As the Head of Operations at St. George’s School, a leading independent boys’ school, you will play a key role in ensuring that all operational functions align with the core operating requirements of the School and support the School’s values and strategic direction. You will be responsible for the efficient and safe management of the school’s facilities, infrastructure, and grounds, including the project management of renovations. This position requires a dynamic and experienced leader with a strong commitment to operational excellence, safety, sustainability, and resource management.

The Head of Operations is responsible for managing a wide range of capital improvement projects at the School’s two main campuses and residential properties. This includes a full range, from small capital improvements to larger construction projects. This role would also be responsible for the school’s asset register and ensure that all building assets (roof, envelopes, HVAC equipment, etc.) are maintained and replaced in a proactive manner.

This individual embodies the following core competencies: empathy, integrity, humility, respect, responsibility, and resilience. In order to provide the best possible learning environment for our diverse, multicultural student population, St. George’s actively seeks to recruit staff from groups that have been traditionally underrepresented in independent and international schools. BIPoC and 2SLGBTQIA+ people and those with disabilities are warmly encouraged to apply, and invited to reach out for more information about our commitment to diversity, inclusion and belonging.

Responsibilities will include:

Leadership & Oversights

• Develop and implement the operational plans to support the school’s continuing focus on operational excellence.
• Manage and lead a team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, teamwork, and accountability.
• Collaborate closely with academic and administrative leaders to align operational practices with school needs.
• Overseeing the School’s online asset and project management database (eBase). Ensuring that all of the School’s property and facility assets are tracked and maintenance/replacement schedules are kept current. 
• Identify and implement environmentally sustainable practices across operations. Monitor energy usage and propose initiatives to reduce the School’s environmental footprint.

Facilities Management

• Oversee the maintenance and functionality of all buildings, including a heritage building, a boarding house, an existing senior school building that with planned renovations and retrofits upcoming, and three brand new state-of-the-art senior school buildings.
• Managing projects of varying scales from inception to completion.  This includes acting as General Contractor on smaller projects and as Owner’s Representative on larger projects with an external General Contractor.
• Ensure that all school facilities meet safety, regulatory, and functional standards.
• Engaging trades and contractors as required to ensure projects are completed in a timely, cost-effective and high-quality manner. 
• Ensuring WorkSafe BC standards are upheld at all times.

Budget & Financial Oversight

• Manage the operations budget, controlling expenses while optimizing resources for building projects, repairs, and general maintenance.
• Collaborate with Finance and Administrative colleagues on budget forecasting and long-term planning for capital projects.
  Team Development & Supervision
• Lead a team of front-line professionals, admin support and skilled workers, supporting their ability to fulfil operational needs within the organization.
• Conduct regular performance evaluations and professional development initiatives.

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Work closely with the Director of Risk Management and the Health & Safety Committee to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, conducting risk assessments and regular audits.
• Develop and maintain safety protocols and emergency response plans, training staff and preparing for any potential emergencies.

Qualifications will include:

• Bachelor’s degree in facilities management, operations, engineering, business administration, or a related field, ideally with strong mechanical aptitude.
• Minimum of 7–10 years of experience in facilities or operations management in a multi-building/multi-site environment.
• 3+ years in a team leadership role preferred. Strong leadership skills and has ability to motivate and mentor others.
• Experience working with construction professionals (architects, engineers, contractors, etc.) to bring projects to fruition.
• Experience in project administration (scheduling, budgets, contracts, financial controls).
• Problem solving mindset.
• Experience with building maintenance software would be a strong asset.
• Strong understanding of building systems, grounds maintenance, and compliance regulations.
• Proven budgeting and financial management experience.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and project management skills.
• Commitment to fostering a positive work environment and culture.
• Demonstrated professional manner –even when dealing with challenging situations.
• Team player with excellent interpersonal skills.
• Self-directed individual that has initiative to get jobs completed.

Interested applicants should email a cover letter and resume to: [email protected]