Facility Operational Readiness Lead

SAIT • Calgary, AB

52d • $95,000 - $110,000

About The Position

Facilities Management ensures SAIT's buildings and grounds are safe, functional and welcoming. Join a team dedicated to equipping learners and faculty with state-of-the-art spaces through sustainable growth.

The Facility Operational Readiness Lead is accountable for end-to-end transitions of new and renovated facilities into SAIT’s operational environment. This role bridges project delivery, real estate activity, and ongoing operations, providing leadership and governance to safeguard business continuity, manage facility-based risk, and enable sustained operational excellence.
This role is responsible for risk management, emergency preparedness, and business continuity execution serving as Facilities Management lead during emergencies and coordinating internal and external FM stakeholders to ensure effective response and recovery.
The Facility Operational Readiness Lead establishes and maintains performance systems, KPIS, and reporting frameworks that enable data driven decision making, monitor operational outcomes, and supports continuous improvement across the facilities portfolio.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Facilities Management, Real Estate, Risk Management or related field.
• 5-7 years of experience in facilities transitions and operational readiness.
• 2-3 years of experience in real estate lease management.
• Demonstrated experience in risk assessment, emergency planning, and compliance frameworks.
• Strong understanding of performance systems, KPIs, and benchmarking methodologies.
• Skilled in navigating and supporting organizational change, particularly during transitions from capital projects to operational readiness.
• Proficiency in data analysis and dashboard/reporting tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau, Excel).
• Strong ability to collaborate across departments and with external partners, including design teams, to ensure shared understanding and coordinated execution.
• Meticulous in managing documentation, tracking deliverables, and ensuring compliance across operational systems.
• Proactive and self-directed, with a knack for maintaining progress and driving initiatives forward in complex environments.
• Able to connect day-to-day operations with long-term institutional goals, ensuring alignment and impact.
• Demonstrate clear and effective communication skills, capable of translating technical and operational concepts for diverse audiences.
• Ability to influence without formal authority.

Nice To Haves

• Professional designation or certifications in risk management, emergency planning, project management, and/or facilities management (ie. PMP, FMP, BOMI FMA) would be an asset.

Responsibilities

• Operational Transition and Integration: Provide end-to-end leadership and accountability for facility transition activities for projects into operations and real estate acquisitions and dispositions, ensuring seamless integration of new facilities into existing systems.
• Collaborate with design teams, operations teams, and internal stakeholders to align operational processes with strategic goals.
• Conduct post-occupancy evaluations and apply learnings to future transitions.
• Develop and maintain an Operationalization Structure.
• Promote a collaborative culture that supports operational excellence and user experience.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal teams, including design, project management, and operations.
• Risk Management and Emergency Planning: Lead facility based risk management and business continuity planning, ensuring built assets support uninterrupted academic and business operations.
• Lead operational emergency planning efforts, ensuring regulatory compliance and readiness.
• Serve as the Facilities Management lead during emergencies, accountable for executing the Business Continuity plans, coordinating FM response, and acting as the primary liaison with internal and external stakeholders.
• Maintain insurance documentation and audit preparedness.
• Develop and maintain the Operational Risk Management Matrix and Emergency Playbooks.
• Collaborate with Manager, Engineering and Strategic Assets & CMR Management Lead to monitor and report on risk exposure reduction across SAIT facilities.
• Performance Systems and Reporting: Develop and monitor KPIs and benchmarking metrics through performance frameworks and dashboards.
• Maintain and evolve the Operational Performance Framework to support surveys, focus groups, and continuous improvement.
• Create and manage tools such as a Lease & Acquisition Tracker.
• Ensure performance data supports strategic decision-making and aligns with institutional goals.

Benefits

• Generous time off to pursue other passions and support your wellbeing
• SAIT paid premiums for medical, dental, and vision benefits so you, and your family, are well supported
• Benefits supporting mental health and access to Greenshield + for virtual therapy at a reduced rate
• Access to a Health Spending or Taxable Spending Account
• Professional development opportunities through our Free Seat Program, tuition support, access to LinkedIn Learning and discounted Continuing Education & Professional Studies courses
• Defined Benefit pension through LAPP to help you retire with confidence
• Excellent dining options on campus
• Free access to our fitness facilities and group fitness classes

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees