Director, Business Operations

Regular, full-timeGuelph, ONAre you an experienced business operations leader with a strong background in strategic planning, financial management, and organizational leadership? The University of Guelph is seeking a Director, Business Operations to join its newly established College of Engineering and work closely with the Dean, Associate Deans, and Department Chairs to support the College’s strategic vision and operations.
In this role, you will provide strategic oversight across operations, administration, human resources, finance and accounting, IT procurement, facilities management, and project management. You will play a key role in financial accountability, resource allocation, space planning, major initiatives, and ensuring day-to-day operations align with the College’s broader goals.
As a strategic partner to senior leadership, you will provide leadership and mentorship to managers and professional staff, support complex projects and change initiatives, and build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders. You will also serve as a key resource on initiatives including research applications, funding opportunities, department reviews, new program development, and other strategic activities.
Join the newly established College of Engineering at the University of Guelph and help shape its operations, strategic direction, and continued growth as it builds toward becoming one of Canada’s leading engineering schools.
Your key responsibilities will include:Leadership and Management (40%)
Responsible for strategic operations management, including oversight of those accomplishing day-to-day operations.
Represent the College in multiple partnerships by sitting on internal and external committees from a financial best practices perspective.
Provide leadership and mentorship to managers and professional staff by supporting the development of their leadership and management. This includes being responsible for the performance and results of multiple groups and teams.
Financial Management (30%)
Play a key role in financial accountability for a complex portfolio. This includes ownership of the operating budget, resource allocation, revenue forecasts, and expenditures.
Operate as a strategic partner on financial matters for the College, ensuring operations support the overall goal.
Provide support to senior leadership and management on issues that need a strategic perspective. This includes providing financial mentorship to all senior leaders within the College.
Oversee the strategic development of tools, systems, and databases.
Facilities Management (15%)
Lead space planning meetings to assist with securing adequate learning space from a growth and learning perspective for students.
Serve as key business partner to external stakeholders working with the College of Engineering. This role oversees/monitors the progress of any expansion or renovation project.
Support projects involving space planning initiatives with central planning teams.
Project Management (15%)
Lead the change management for major initiatives as required. This includes planning and oversight of information technology changes and various changes that need a strategic perspective.
Serve as a key resource within the College on special activities including search committees, development of funding initiatives, major research applications, department reviews, and new program development.
Requirements
A master’s degree in business administration or related field, with a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in an operational leadership role.
Advanced knowledge of Policies, Procedures, Operating Requirements, and Governance Structure in a post-secondary environment, including a sound understanding of collective agreements and their implementation.
A combination of Financial Management experience including budget management, financial planning, implementation of policies around financial controls, and expert knowledge of Financial Legislation.
A background in Strategic Management Principles, including situation analysis, strategic planning, human resource management and principles of organizational development.
Sound communication and relationship building skills. This must include mediation, conflict resolution and consensus building.
Ability to operate within a complex, multi-faceted and highly demanding work environment. Skilled in forging harmonious and supportive working relationships internally and externally.
Ability to deal with a heavy workload while still ensuring day to day activities are attended. Ability to prioritize the challenges of competing demands.
Solid negotiation skills with a proven track record of growth and responsibility.
( is one of Canada’s leading research-intensive comprehensive institutions, with a record of outstanding scholarship in the arts, humanities, social sciences, life sciences, physical and engineering sciences, agriculture, and veterinary sciences. This is your chance to join us in our endeavor to improve life.
At the University of Guelph, fostering a culture of inclusion is an institutional imperative. The University invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment, who may contribute to further diversification of our Institution.
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