Description
The Technical Operations Group within the Faculty of Science is currently seeking a Full-time Regular Manager, Science Shops.
The Manager, Science Shops is responsible for the safe, effective and strategically aligned operation of the Science Shops, ensuring consistency with the priorities of the Faculty of Science and the University of Calgary. This role provides expert leadership in strategic planning, financial oversight, and operational management across all Science Shops, including the Science Workshop, Glassblowing and Electronics Shops.
The Manager, Science Shops leads a team of seven technicians and one administrative assistant providing expert leadership, people management and professional development of staff within the Science Shops. The Manager also plays a key role in fostering a collaborative, service-oriented environment, ensuring a high standard of customer service and responsiveness to the needs of faculty, staff, and students.
While not directly responsible for hands-on technical work, the Manager ensures that the Science Shops team delivers high-quality technical support and services including oversight of the design, fabrication, maintenance and repair of specialized equipment and apparatus used within the Faculty of Science and the broader university.
Accountable for efficient operations, complex problem-solving, equipment maintenance oversight, financial management, accurate reporting, and strategic planning, this position provides reliable, innovative, and client-focused support to the academic and research communities they serve. This position reports to the Manager, Core Facilities.
Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):
Leadership & Team Management
- Provide strategic and operational leadership for the Science Shops (Workshop, Glassblowing, Electronics), ensuring cohesive, effective workflows and a collaborative team culture.
- Oversee all aspects of people management for direct reports, including recruitment, performance management, development, and employee relations in alignment with HR policies.
- Lead regular team meetings and knowledge-sharing initiatives to promote a collaborative culture, support cross-training, and ensure all staff are equipped with current skills through structured training, coaching, and mentoring.
- Support team leads through coaching, mentoring, and knowledge-sharing.
Strategic Planning and Operational Oversight
- Work closely with the Manager of Core Facilities and Services and Faculty of Science leadership to align Shop Services with academic and research priorities.
- Align operational and administrative processes across all Science Shops to promote standardization, efficiency, and collaboration.
- Initiate, develop, and implement policies, procedures, and process improvements to support shop operations and change management.
- Provide oversight of all Science Shops operations, including job scheduling, billing, client communications, and workload management to ensure priorities are met, workflows are efficient, and high-quality service delivery is consistently achieved.
Financial Accountability & Budget Management
- Oversee the Science Shops fee-for-service operations, including revenue monitoring, cost recovery, and service rate evaluation through internal and external benchmarking.
- Collaborate with the team to ensure accurate time and cost estimates for customer work orders, including material assessment, tooling needs, supply ordering, and timely billing.
- Participate in the annual rate review and budgeting process by providing relevant data, analysis, and strategic recommendations.
- Lead cost-benefit analyses to inform decisions on repairs, equipment replacement, and operational investments.
- Facilitate external collaborations and client projects beyond the Faculty of Science to generate additional revenue for ongoing maintenance and equipment upgrades.
Technical Oversight
- Provide strategic oversight to ensure the Science Shops deliver high-quality design, fabrication, and repair services that meet teaching, research, and Core Facility needs.
- Ensure appropriate staffing, training, and resourcing are in place to maintain operational readiness of all shop equipment and infrastructure such as CNC and manual lathes, mills, laser cutters, 3D printers, oscilloscopes, grinders, and soldering tools.
- Monitor adherence to preventative maintenance schedules and safety protocols to support reliable, efficient equipment operation.
- Support the integration and effective use of technical tools and software by facilitating access, training, and appropriate infrastructure.
- Coordinate with internal technical and facilities teams to ensure timely maintenance and performance of critical shop systems and equipment.
Client & Stakeholder Engagement
- Build and maintain strong relationships with faculty, researchers, students, and internal stakeholders to support teaching and research priorities.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for client communications, including timelines, cost estimates, project updates, and delivery coordination.
- Collaborate with clients and technical staff to determine the most optimal design and material solutions for custom fabrication needs.
- Ensure all client inquiries and requests are addressed professionally, efficiently, and with a strong focus on customer service.
- Lead demonstrations, training, and facility tours to support faculty engagement and broader institutional initiatives.
Institutional Contribution & Collaboration
- Serve as a key resource to the Faculty of Science and participate on faculty committees when requested.
- Contribute expertise to system upgrades, institutional initiatives, and collaborative projects in support of faculty-wide objectives.
- Maintain productive relationships with technical and administrative units across campus and represent the Science Shops in cross-functional collaborations.
Training, Development & Continuous Improvement
- Identify and address professional development needs for self and staff to keep pace with evolving technologies and institutional goals.
- Encourage a learning-focused environment by promoting ongoing training, certifications, and exposure to new tools and techniques.
- Stay current with trends and advances in shop-related technologies, equipment, software, and industry standards.
Compliance, Safety & Documentation
- Ensure all operations comply with University policies and relevant regulations.
- Oversee the development, documentation, and regular review of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), hazard assessments, and emergency response plans.
- Support WHMIS and First Aid certification compliance, and ensure adherence to safety protocols and proper use of equipment in all shop areas.
Qualifications / Requirements:
- A diploma or degree in a relevant technical field (e.g., engineering, manufacturing, trades technology, or industrial design). Equivalent education and experience will be considered.
- Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in a technical setting in a university, government, or industry environment.
- Direct supervisory experience managing a technical team is required, preferably in a unionized setting.
- Experience working within research and development settings, including projects with time and budget constraints.
- Demonstrated success in leading and delivering complex academic and R&D-focused projects.
- Demonstrated ability to develop and implement strategies resulting in excellent service.
- Demonstrated ability to successfully supervise, motivate, and mentor staff within a collaborative team environment.
- Demonstrated ability to identify and analyze business needs and participate in the development of budgets, strategic objectives, and procedures, including the alignment of staff and resources.
- Experience with successfully implementing change which impacted services and operations.
- Demonstrated ability to proactively establish priorities, manage multiple demands while meeting deadlines.
- Ability to effectively manage and resolve issues empathetically and professionally.
- Knowledge of university policies and procedures is considered an asset.
Application Deadline: July 28, 2025
We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.
This position is classified in the Management Career Band, Level M1 of the Management and Professional Staff Career Framework.
For a listing of all management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our Management and Staff Careers website.
About the University of Calgary
UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.
The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.
As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Institutional Commitments (equity@ucalgary.ca) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources (hrhire@ucalgary.ca).
Do you have most but not all the qualifications? Research show that women, racialized and visible minorities, and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At UCalgary we are committed to achieving equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible employment practices and workplaces and encourage you to apply if you believe you are right for this role.
We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.
