Applications are invited for the position of Director, Physical Plant to join Brandon University. Reporting to the Vice-President (Administration & Finance), the Director provides strategic leadership for the planning, maintenance, and modernization of campus facilities, grounds, and security services. Brandon is seeking a collaborative leader to oversee capital projects, advance sustainability initiatives, and ensure a safe, efficient, and well-maintained campus environment.
About Brandon University
Brandon University is a student-focused institution recognized for academic excellence and community engagement. Offering a personalized learning experience with small class sizes, BU provides undergraduate and graduate programs across Arts, Science, Education, Health Studies, and Music. Committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion, BU fosters innovation and collaboration to prepare students for leadership in a rapidly changing world.
Position Overview
Reporting to the Vice-President (Administration & Finance), the Director, Physical Plant oversees capital projects, sustainability initiatives, and risk management while ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for students, faculty, and staff. The Director leads a team of up to 50 staff, oversees infrastructure across the 30-acre campus, and drives operational excellence and compliance with regulatory standards.
Key Responsibilities:
How to Apply
To express interest in this opportunity please apply online by clicking Apply Now.
For more information about this exciting opportunity please contact Beth McLennan, Consultant, at bmclennan@kbrs.ca or Mark Gillis, Partner, at mgillis@kbrs.ca.
Brandon University is committed to equity, welcomes diversity, and hires on the basis of merit. All qualified individuals who may contribute to the diversification of the University, especially women, persons with disabilities, Indigenous persons, racialized persons, and persons of all sexual orientations and genders are encouraged to apply. Canadian citizens and permanent residents are given priority.
Brandon University and KBRS will provide support in the recruitment processes to applicants with disabilities, including accommodation that takes into account an applicant’s accessibility needs. If you require accommodation to participate as a candidate in the recruitment process, please contact accommodate@kbrs.ca or bmclennan@kbrs.ca
About Brandon University
Brandon University is a student-focused institution recognized for academic excellence and community engagement. Offering a personalized learning experience with small class sizes, BU provides undergraduate and graduate programs across Arts, Science, Education, Health Studies, and Music. Committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion, BU fosters innovation and collaboration to prepare students for leadership in a rapidly changing world.
Position Overview
Reporting to the Vice-President (Administration & Finance), the Director, Physical Plant oversees capital projects, sustainability initiatives, and risk management while ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for students, faculty, and staff. The Director leads a team of up to 50 staff, oversees infrastructure across the 30-acre campus, and drives operational excellence and compliance with regulatory standards.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide strategic leadership for campus facilities planning, modernization, and sustainability initiatives, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and long-term growth.
- Oversee operations and maintenance of all buildings and grounds, including preventative maintenance programs, cleaning standards, and compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Oversee capital projects and renovations, managing all phases from design through completion. Coordinate architects, engineers, and contractors to deliver projects on time, within scope, and on budget.
- Direct campus security and risk management, including surveillance systems, card access, emergency preparedness, and collaboration with law enforcement and regulatory agencies.
- Champion sustainability and energy efficiency, implementing initiatives that reduce environmental impact, optimize resource use, and support institutional sustainability goals.
- Develop and mentor a high-performing team, providing guidance, training, and performance management for up to 50 staff. Provide direct supervision of approximately 25 unionized building service worker staff. Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- Ensure compliance and governance, maintaining adherence to building codes, safety regulations, and institutional policies. Prepare reports and recommendations for senior leadership and governing bodies.
- Position requires full-time on-site presence at our Brandon campus and participation in a rotating 24/7 on-call schedule which includes evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays.
- The ideal candidate will possess a bachelor’s degree. Preference may given to those holding degrees in Business Administration, Engineering, Facilities Management, or a related field. A master’s degree is considered an asset., An equivalent combination of education and experience, including a technical college diploma in a relevant engineering discipline (e.g., Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, Construction) may be considered.
- A minimum of five (5) years of progressive leadership experience in administration, facilities management, or construction, is required.
- Extensive experience supervising unionized staff represented by different unions.
- Experience interpreting and managing within the parameters of various collective agreements.
- Demonstrated strong financial acumen, strategic planning capabilities, and a solid understanding of engineering, project, and construction management principles, along with knowledge of business management practices.
- Proven leadership and stakeholder engagement skills are essential, along with excellent interpersonal, communication, and negotiation abilities, and the capacity to work effectively with diverse internal and external partners.
- Demonstrated problem-solving skills, sound judgment, and the ability to plan, organize, and manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
- Experience working in public sector or post-secondary institutions is preferred.
- Project management certification and leadership training are considered assets.
- CMMS experience considered an asset.
- A valid driver’s license is required.
How to Apply
To express interest in this opportunity please apply online by clicking Apply Now.
For more information about this exciting opportunity please contact Beth McLennan, Consultant, at bmclennan@kbrs.ca or Mark Gillis, Partner, at mgillis@kbrs.ca.
Brandon University is committed to equity, welcomes diversity, and hires on the basis of merit. All qualified individuals who may contribute to the diversification of the University, especially women, persons with disabilities, Indigenous persons, racialized persons, and persons of all sexual orientations and genders are encouraged to apply. Canadian citizens and permanent residents are given priority.
Brandon University and KBRS will provide support in the recruitment processes to applicants with disabilities, including accommodation that takes into account an applicant’s accessibility needs. If you require accommodation to participate as a candidate in the recruitment process, please contact accommodate@kbrs.ca or bmclennan@kbrs.ca
