City : Waterloo, ON

Category : Temporary

Industry : Education

Employer : University of Waterloo

Term: 2 years.

The Project Manager, Strategic Initiatives and Continuous Improvement is responsible for driving the continuous improvement culture in the department. They will act as a project manager on continuous improvement related projects, be responsible for relationship building within the department to catalyze key improvement projects, and act as a communications hub for continuous improvement information in the department, while reporting to the Director, Housing. This position will contribute to the timely delivery of project outcomes and will co-ordinate various department-wide, cross-functional continuous improvement activities to support the long-term vision of a department that continuously improves its processes and empowers its staff to problem solve.

The position is contingent upon funding. 

There are 2 positions available.

Project Management

• Creates and executes project plans and revises as appropriate over time to meet changing needs and requirements
• Liaise with and coordinate actions with stakeholders for projects to ensure roles are clear and actions are executed effectively
• Responsible for and provide support for the planning, execution, monitoring, and reporting of project related activities
• Development of project plans, memos, briefings, charts, reports, presentations and other project documents as requested
• Monitors assigned project schedules and timelines and is accountable for timely completion of objectives and key results
• Identifies and manages risks associated with projects that might jeopardize the success of the methods and/or the outcomes

Strategic Initiatives

• Supports the Director, Housing and Residences by conducting research, summarizing information, and drafting reports relevant to the post-secondary housing and residence market, the student experience, and emerging trends in the field
• Drafts progress reports for assigned projects and responsibilities
• Assists the Director, Senior Managers, and Project Teams by providing professional and timely written communications for project work, assessment updates, and strategic initiatives to staff and stakeholders
• Host training and give stakeholder presentations
• Maintain and manage relationships with external stakeholders and campus partners in various strategic initiatives
• Other duties as assigned by the Director, Housing and Residences, and Senior Managers

Continuous Improvement

• On-going identification and recommendation of how continuous improvement can be applied to improve departmental or institutional activities, along with supporting evidence/rationale
• Guides managers/functional units’ analysis of existing processes and procedures to support succession planning, staff coverage, and continuous improvement opportunities
• Assists colleagues and functional units with creating/improving policies that aim to improve operational efficiency and service to students
• Leverages department’s key performance indicators to drive prioritization of projects and continuous improvement opportunities.
• Develop and manage the department’s on-going continuous improvement program
• Responsible for conducting reviews of existing research, and/or collection of data as needed to support evidence-based decision-making
• Develops and maintains skills and knowledge in Lean/Continuous improvement and project management domains.
• Supports communication of continuous improvement practices and successes, which promote the value of continuous improvement and/or departmental/institutional activities

• Completion of post-secondary diploma or degree (or equivalent experience) required
• Working towards, or currently holds, a PMI Certification is requiredAt least 2 years of project based work and support experience with a proven track record of achievement and success
• Competencies include: ability to co-ordinate multiple projects at once; demonstrated ability to research, summarize, and report information; demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team; excellent administrative, organizational, and time management skills; exceptional interpersonal and communication skills
• Comfortable with advanced functions in Microsoft Excel
• Proficient computing skills, specifically with Microsoft Office applications are required
• Working knowledge of Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) principles is required
• Working knowledge of medium to large organizations is required, with post-secondary institutions being preferred
• Interest in, or previous experience with process mapping and other continuous improvement tools
• Demonstrated understanding of process management and continuous improvement methodology
• Proven success of leading people, ability to delegate and achieve results through teamwork
• Experience in taking initiative and seeking solutions to complex solutions while working autonomously
• Ability to influence, negotiate, and resolve conflicts

The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is co-ordinated within our Office of Indigenous Relations.

The University values the diverse and intersectional identities of its students, faculty, and staff. The University regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. The University of Waterloo seeks applicants who embrace our values of equity, anti-racism and inclusion.  As such, we encourage applications from candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including applicants who identify as First Nations, Métis and/or Inuk (Inuit), Black, racialized, a person with a disability, women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

The University of Waterloo is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. If you have any application, interview, or workplace accommodation requests, please contact Human Resources at hrhelp@uwaterloo.ca  or 519-888-4567, ext. 45935.