Manager - Department Operations

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Primary Category Page: Staff and Management
Division: OVC Administration
Requisition ID: 3095
Department:
Ontario Veterinary College, Integrated College ServicesThis position is represented by the agreement between the Professional Staff Association and the University of Guelph
General Purpose
Be a part of something extraordinary. Explore how you can advance your career and contribute to a leading veterinary institution at the Ontario Veterinary College. Join our team of internationally recognized clinicians, educators, researchers and administrators at Canada's top-ranked veterinary college, ranked #3 in North America and #4 globally in Veterinary Science in the 2026 QS World University Rankings by Subject.
The Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) is seeking a Manager, Department Operations to provide operational leadership and management for assigned academic departments. Reporting to the Associate Director, Administration and Operations and working closely with Department Chairs, the Manager is responsible for the effective operation of the departments, with accountability spanning financial management, human resources administration, space and facilities, operational planning, and administrative processes.
As part of OVC’s Integrated College Services (ICS) management team, the Manager works collaboratively with other managers and service teams to support consistent, effective administrative services across the College. The position serves as a key operational resource to Department Chairs, coordinating departmental needs across service areas, providing analysis and advice, and ensuring issues are followed through to resolution.
Duties and Responsibilities
Managing departmental financial resources, including budgets, forecasts, expenditures, commitments, multiple funding sources and year-end activities, and providing analysis and advice to Department Chairs to support resource allocation and financial planning.
Leading departmental workforce planning and HR administration, including identifying staffing needs, coordinating faculty, veterinarian, staff and temporary/contract recruitment and appointments, coordinating specialized appointment requirements such as credentialing, regulatory and work authorization matters, supporting onboarding, applying collective agreements and University policies, and working with OVC HR and other University partners on complex matters.
Supervising assigned staff, including work assignment, performance management, attendance, staff development and training.
Overseeing day-to-day departmental operations, including space and facility requirements, renovations and moves, equipment and supplies, health and safety requirements, and business continuity planning.
Working across IC to coordinate departmental requirements, resolve operational issues and ensure effective service delivery where needs span multiple administrative teams.
Leading continuous improvement and modernization of administrative processes, including identifying opportunities to streamline workflows, reduce duplication, improve documentation and make effective use of digital tools and technology.
Overseeing departmental information management and administrative communications, including SharePoint and digital resources, process documentation, training and communication of administrative requirements.
Providing operational advice and analysis to Department Chairs and leading departmental and cross-departmental projects, change initiatives and operational planning activities.
Requirements
An undergraduate degree in business administration, finance, human resources, public administration or a related field.
A minimum of three years of progressively responsible experience spanning financial management, human resources and administration/operations.
Demonstrated experience in financial planning, budgeting, forecasting and resource management, with the ability to analyze information and provide sound recommendations.
Experience with workforce planning and people management, including staffing processes, work assignment, performance management and employee development.
Strong analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills, with demonstrated judgment in interpreting and applying policies, procedures, collective agreements and institutional requirements.
Demonstrated experience with process improvement and the effective use of technology to streamline administrative processes, improve workflows and support continuous improvement.
Strong organizational, project management and change management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and coordinate initiatives across different areas.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build effective working relationships and communicate complex information clearly to a variety of audiences.
Strong proficiency with Microsoft 365 and other financial, human resource, reporting and administrative systems.
Experience using SharePoint, automation tools or other technologies to streamline processes and improve service delivery would be considered an asset.
Experience working in a university or similarly complex organization would be considered an asset.
Employee Type: RegularPosition Number: 10206019
*Tentative evaluation;
subject to committee review.
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.
Posting Date: 11/06/2026Closing Date: 11/15/2026
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