Primary Category Page: Staff and Management Division: College of Engineering CoE-Office of the Dean

This position is represented by the agreement between the Professional Staff Association and the University of Guelph The College of Engineering is on a mission to be one of Canada’s top engineering schools by offering a hands-on, design-focused education that prepares students to tackle real-world challenges. The College of Engineering is newly established at the University of Guelph. In 2025, the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences (CEPS) was split into two distinct academic units: the College of Engineering (COE) and the College of Computational, Mathematical and Physical Sciences.

This role falls within the College of Engineering. This Director, Business Operations is a newly established position reporting directly to the Dean. The Director oversees Operations, Administration, Human Resources, Finance and Accounting, IT Procurement, Facilities Management, and Project Management.

The Director briefs the Dean frequently to ensure alignment between the business operations side and the College’s vision. A key challenge of the role is to understand, communicate, and influence others internally and externally regarding the priorities of the College. The Director is the subject matter expert of The College of Engineering’s strategic plan and culture, all within the context of the University of Guelph as a whole.

Leadership and Management (40%) Responsible for strategic operations management, including oversight of those accomplishing day-to-day operations. Represent the College on 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. 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, databases.

Facilities

Management (15%) Serve as key business partner to external stakeholders working with the College of Engineering. This role oversees/monitors 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. Serve as key resource within the College on special activities including search committees, development of funding initiatives, major research applications, department reviews and recent program development. The university recognizes that no one individual will have the following skills/experience in equal measure, but the qualifications below will be used to assess the suitability of candidates throughout the process: 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 on 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. Solid negotiation skills with a proven track record of growth and responsibility.

Why choose the University of Guelph Immediate enrollment in extended health to cover yourself and your family. Strong vacation allocation, floater days, and paid time off during the December closure to ensure that you are at your best.

Wellness : In addition to extensive wellness programming, the University offers a yearly flexible spending credit that can be allocated to any of the following: Health Spending, Wellness or Professional Development.

Learning & Development: Learning and development curriculum and other professional growth opportunities. Discounts on food and apparel, fitness programming, access to networking events and team building opportunities. At the University of Guelph, fostering aculture 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.

📌 Director Business Operations, College of Engineering- REPOST (Guelph)
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