Manager, Space Planning and Strategy

Location
4825 Mount Royal Gate SW, Calgary, AB T3E 6K6
 
Full job description
Job Description:
About the Department
Mount Royal University’s Facilities Management department is responsible for the planning, development, construction, design, operation, maintenance, safety, security and stewardship of all the buildings, infrastructure, sites and services within Mount Royal's campus community. Through efficient and environmentally sustainable operation, we offer grounds, custodial, building operations, facilities planning, security services and engineering professional services to provide a physical environment that supports and enhances our academic space for students and staff. Our team of professionals are dedicated to providing customer service excellence. Our staff respond to daily service requests and emergency/ priority situations as needed.

About the Role
The Manager, Space Planning and Strategy is responsible for strategic space planning, interior design, furniture planning, signage coordination, move logistics, and inventory management across campus. This position will lead major space-related initiatives, capital planning input, and space utilization studies. The Manager approves design direction, layout solutions, and final furniture purchases. Reporting to the Director, Planning and Project Delivery and engaging closely with other stakeholders including senior leadership and the Board of Governors, this position will manage the execution of multiple concurrent space and planning activities with individual budgets ranging from $5K to $100M.

Working conditions require physical effort due to the need to traverse 2.3M square feet of building space on a 118-acre campus in all weather conditions at any time of the day or night. During potential emergency situations, long working hours will be required.


Responsibilities
Space Planning and Strategy

Oversee strategic planning and allocation of space across campus, ensuring that scarce MRU space is allocated in support of the MRU Strategic Plan
Analyze new project requests and develops or supports the creation of high-level project scopes through consultation with requestors. Identify synergies, conflicts, scheduling issues, and resource constraints to create, maintain, and communicate a multi-year perspective on space strategy initiatives.
Develop and maintain MRU space standards and specifications and monitors activities and projects for adherence.
Oversee consultants and contractors, Facilities Management staff and contract labour performing work on assigned activities. Track time and resources to ensure activities are accomplished within funding constraints and allowable performance periods.
Prepare and evaluate Request for Proposal packages, bid reviews, and vendor performance monitoring for space related activities.
Develop, maintain and update space and furniture standards across campus.
Manage and coordinate space allocation decisions and staff moves.
Maintain complete documentation on assigned activities and provide periodic status briefings to the Director, Planning and Project Delivery and others as required (including, but not limited to, FM Project Analyst, AVP, Facilities Management, project stakeholders, etc.)
Serve as a Subject Matter Expert to the MRU Space Committee, preparing the presentation package that is circulated to the Space Planning Committee for voting and project budget approvals.
Coordination, Administration Environmental Health and Safety

Continuously scan the rapidly changing MRU space and planning environment, understand the complexities of individual activities, distill and document the critical points in each of them, and communicate with stakeholders regarding areas where the interests and activities of projects intersect.
Build and maintain high customer service standards ensuring client satisfaction and a positive reputation.
Ensure management, project managers, and teams within Facilities Management are aware of the activities in other activities and projects.
Proactively seek intervention opportunities to prevent conflicts around schedules, materials, and resources, minimize the number of service interruptions, and identify and exploit opportunities for synergies.
Ensure all team activities align with institutional goals and budget frameworks.
Develop and be accountable for the business processes and maintenance of a record keeping system.
Ensure all work conducted is in compliance with the Government of Alberta Occupational Health and Safety legislation and practices; have knowledge of and adhere to MRU safety systems, policies, procedures and safe work guidelines.

Qualifications
University Bachelor Degree, trades certificate, or combination of education, professional development, and lived experience.
Formal education and/or training such as a degree or trade certificate augmented with Interior Design/Planning experience and on-the-job training and professional development.
6 to 10 years of experience including:
Working knowledge of construction procedures, code requirements, engineering and/or architectural/interior design background, computerized systems/software.
Ability to interpret specifications and drawings to support the preparation of construction estimates.
Working knowledge of building codes, fire and safety codes and requirements.
Proven ability to maintain, manage and prepare reports and records.
Experience in an automated work control environment.
Hazardous Material Management experience
Strong human relations abilities, excellent oral and written communication skills, and demonstrated leadership abilities.
Proven mental stamina, stress management and time management.

MRU Leadership Competencies
Communication
Have integrity and are inclusive
Teamwork
Engage and support others
Attention to detail
Results oriented
Problem solving

Salary: $98,502.00 - $117,216.00 per annum

Closing Date: July 31, 2025


A cover letter and resume should be submitted in one .pdf document. Please title your .pdf document as follows: [Last Name], [Requisition Number], [Document Title].pdf (ex. Smith, 999999, CV.pdf).

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