Who We Are
Simon Fraser University is a leading research university, advancing an inclusive and sustainable future. Our purpose – the essence of SFU – is to create and connect knowledge, learning and community for deeper understanding and meaningful impact. We are committed to fostering excellence, innovation, belonging and community in all that we do.
SFU Facilities Services – Operations & Maintenance ensures the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of campus buildings and infrastructure across all sites. The department delivers preventative and corrective maintenance, manages asset performance, and provides 24/7 operational response. Teams of skilled trades and technical staff support building systems, utilities, and campus environments to meet safety, regulatory, and service standards. Focused on customer service, sustainability, and continuous improvement, O&M plays a key role in supporting teaching, research, and student life while stewarding SFU’s physical assets.
About the Role
The Manager, Trades Personnel provides strategic and operational leadership for workforce management and service delivery within the Operations & Maintenance portfolio. The role establishes consistent people management frameworks and operational practices to support effective service delivery across multiple trade disciplines.Leading a large unionized workforce, the Manager oversees performance management, workforce development, and operational effectiveness, ensuring alignment with collective agreements, departmental priorities, and University objectives. The role collaborates with Directors, Technical Managers, and peers to ensure consistent standards and effective resource utilization.This position is one of three aligned roles (Civil, Mechanical, and Electrical/Shift Engineering) working collaboratively to support coordinated, consistent service delivery across the portfolio.
The ideal candidate is a people-focused leader who prioritizes employee well-being, engagement, and professional growth within a unionized environment. They demonstrate strong emotional intelligence, sound judgment, and the ability to build trust and accountability across diverse teams. Skilled in coaching and performance management, they foster a culture of respect, inclusion, and continuous improvement. The candidate is an effective collaborator and communicator, able to align teams around shared goals and operational priorities. They bring a balanced approach to decision-making, combining strategic thinking with practical execution to support consistent, high-quality service delivery.
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