Project Manager, WUSA

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Posting Information:
This posting is for an existing vacancy.

The internal posting deadline for this position is October 1, 2026, at 11:59PM.

Job Description:

Primary Purpose

University of Waterloo is a leading global innovation hub that drives economic and social prosperity for Canada and the world. With more than 41,000 students, we are home to the world's largest co-op education talent pipeline, game-changing research and technology, and to an unmatched entrepreneurial culture. Together, these create partnerships and solutions to tackle today’s and tomorrow’s challenges.

WUSA operates a diverse range of student-facing services and facilities within this infrastructure, primarily located in the Student Life Centre (SLC) or within the University of Waterloo campus, food and beverage venues (Flock Stop, Chaska, Wok Stop, Smarty Pants, and the Bomber), event spaces, and administrative operations, all in support of the Undergraduate student experience.

Reporting to the Senior Director, Planning Design and Construction, the Project Manager, WUSA is responsible for the planning and delivery of design, construction, renovation, and facility renewal projects supporting WUSA facilities and operations. The position will manage multiple design and construction projects from programming and design through construction and close-out, including budgeting, scheduling, design coordination, contract management and commissioning.

Key Accountabilities

Project Planning and Management

• Provides oversight and coordination of WUSA projects as a member of a multi-disciplinary team and employs project management best practices to ensure work is planned and executed to meet University and WUSA standards, quality, regulatory, and stakeholder requirements.
• Assists in developing project budgets and plans based on available financial resources and organizational priorities in alignment with WUSA Board-approved capital allocations.
• Provides project status updates, including scope, schedule, budget, risks, and issues, to WUSA and University stakeholders.
• Coordinates internal departments, consultants, contractors, and other project resources to support the timely and effective delivery of projects.
• Provides technical oversight and general review to ensure compliance with project requirements, applicable codes, and University and municipal standards.
• Contributes to the development and continuous improvement of cost estimating best practices and resources.
• Manages and maintains official project records including budgets, schedules, submittals, specifications, O&M manuals, drawings, and photographs.
• Represents WUSA in communications with stakeholders throughout all phases of projects.

Capital Planning and Continuous Improvement

• Supports WUSA's strategic planning and optimization for deferred maintenance, capital renewal, and new capital investment efforts, addressing stewardship responsibilities and long-term sustainability of WUSA's facilities and infrastructure.

• Contributes to WUSA's annual and multi-year capital planning cycles by providing project information, analysis and recommendations related to facility renewal, deferred maintenance, and capital investment to support the Director of Operations and senior leadership.

• Contributes to the development and continuous improvement of project management practices, tools, templates, standards, and documentation.

• Conducts research and provides recommendations regarding construction practices, materials, equipment, and service providers relevant to WUSA facilities and operations.

• Supports continuous improvement of and adherence to WUSA standards for design, equipment, furnishings, and space usage; coordinates with Operations to update or define Guidelines for Design and Construction as required.

• Supports the alignment of capital projects with WUSA's strategic plan and equity, sustainability, and student experience priorities.

Stakeholder and Vendor Relations

• Builds and maintains effective working relationships with WUSA staff, Board of Directors, University departments, students, and external service providers.
• Facilitates project meetings and coordinates the exchange of project information, decisions, and actions among stakeholders.
• Coordinates procurement and contracting activities with University Procurement and Contract Services, Plant Operations, and WUSA stakeholders in accordance with University policies and procedures.
• Manages vendor and contractor relationships, monitors performance against contractual requirements, and coordinates the resolution of deficiencies and issues.
• Communicates project requirements, decisions, risks, issues, and changes to appropriate stakeholders and recommends actions to address project impacts.

Health and Safety

• Integrates health, safety, accessibility, environmental, regulatory, legislative, and University requirements into assigned project planning and delivery.
• Coordinates with Plant Operations and the University of Waterloo Safety Office to ensure procedures and protocols are followed with respect to designated substances and other regulated hazards.
• Actively participates in health and safety and incident prevention by establishing, adhering to, and ensuring staff follow departmental policies, procedures, and safe work practices in accordance with relevant health and safety legislation.
• Monitors contractor compliance with applicable health and safety requirements and escalates concerns in accordance with University procedures.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture or Engineering (B.Arch or BSc) or an Architectural/Engineering Technologist Diploma
• Professional license or designation corresponding to the education obtained (OAA, P.Eng or C.E.T)
• Project Management Professional (PMP) designation is an asset

Experience

• 4 to 6 years of progressive experience managing design, construction, renovation, facility renewal, or related projects in a multi-stakeholder environment.

• Experience coordinating consultants, contractors, suppliers, and internal stakeholders throughout project delivery.

• Experience managing project budgets, schedules, contracts, risks, and documentation.

• Experience in a post-secondary, hospitality, retail, or non-profit environment is an asset.

• Experience in a student association, student union, or similar member-based organization is an asset.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Knowledge of building design, construction, architectural and engineering principles in commercial or institutional environments.
• Knowledge of applicable Ontario Building Code, AODA, Ontario Construction Act, municipal by-laws, and relevant health and safety legislation.
• Knowledge of construction and consulting contract administration practices and standard forms of contract, including CCDC, OAA, ACEC, or equivalent.
• Knowledge of budget management, financial reporting, and cost tracking in a project context.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects under competing deadlines.
• Contract and vendor management skills, including monitoring performance, evaluating progress, and identifying and resolving deficiencies and issues. 
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to work collaboratively with staff, consultants, contractors, students, and senior stakeholders.
• Research, analytical, and problem-solving skills to assess project information, identify risks and issues, and develop recommendations.
• Ability to coordinate multidisciplinary project teams and resources to achieve project outcomes.
• Ability to communicate complex project information clearly and appropriately to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Working knowledge of AutoCAD or other drawing review tools is an asset.
• Commitment to student-centred service and WUSA's values of equity, inclusion, and campus community.
• Proficiency with standard office productivity applications and project management tools.

Equity Statement

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 coordinated within the 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+.

Positions are open to qualified candidates who are legally entitled to work in Canada.

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.