Join Onward: Transforming Lives through Affordable Housing and Community Engagement

At Onward, we stand for more than just housing; we represent affordability, community, and the fostering of personal growth. Our commitment to creating affordable homes and empowering individuals to thrive is what drives us. With over five decades of history, Onward stands as a leading not-for-profit dedicated to affordable housing in Calgary.

Our Mission:Onward focuses on creating, renovating, and expertly managing properties to provide homes for over 3,000 individuals, predominantly with lower incomes. We work closely with over 50 social-service agencies to introduce residents who require support. Our buildings, spread across the city, cater to individuals, families, seniors, Indigenous persons, newcomers to Canada, and others who benefit from personalized agency support for various needs, including mental health, addictions, and mobility challenges.

Our People, Our Strength: To fulfill our mission, we rely on an exceptional team of dedicated employees. We seek team members who value results, leadership, and inclusive practices, believing in the power of collaboration and demonstrating courage where needed.

If you resonate with our vision and share our values, we invite you to join us on our mission to make a meaningful difference in people's lives.

What we need from this role:

Reporting to the Manager, Building Services, the Team Lead, Building Services is responsible for directing and overseeing the performance of the Building Services team, which includes maintenance and custodial personnel, for their assigned portfolio of Onward-owned and managed properties. This role ensures that daily operations within the portfolio align with organizational standards, procedures, and policies. The Team Lead is accountable for driving team performance, conducting audits, managing operational processes, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations, quality standards, and legal requirements, such as those outlined in the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA). They work closely with the Area Manager, Resident Services, to maintain the upkeep and operational efficiency of the properties within their portfolio.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Operational Oversight

• Direct the Building Services team to ensure all properties meet Onwards safety and maintenance standards.
• Lead day-to-day operational functions, including planned service, preventative maintenance, and emergency response activities.
• Oversee purchase order and work order processes, ensuring efficiency and compliance with organizational standards.
• Verify team members' time tracking, including mileage, on-call hours, and vacation requests.
• Conduct regular inspections and audits of properties, addressing safety, maintenance, and quality performance indicators.
• Implement and monitor the annual preventative maintenance program.
• Support team members at properties by providing operational guidance and resolving challenges.

Team Management and Development

• Mentor and guide Building Services team members, fostering continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Conduct quality assurance inspections on completed work to ensure compliance with Onward standards.
• Develop individual development plans with the Manager, Building Services, based on team member strengths and areas for growth.
• Provide regular feedback and monitor team performance to meet high standards and operational goals.
• Foster a positive work environment, addressing morale and ensuring team collaboration.

Leadership and Collaboration

• Lead a diverse team, setting a positive and cooperative tone for collaboration and teamwork.
• Align team goals with organizational objectives, working closely with the Manager, Building Services.
• Participate in hiring processes and support onboarding for new team members.
• Collaborate with the Resident Services team to achieve shared objectives.

Audits and Compliance

• Conduct property and building services audits to ensure compliance with safety regulations and quality controls.
• Document and address audit findings to maintain operational excellence.
• Ensure building access and operations adhere to the Residential Tenancies Act and other legal requirements.

Customer and Stakeholder Relations

• Maintain positive relationships with contractors, suppliers, residents, and support agencies.
• Respond promptly to resident inquiries, addressing concerns effectively and professionally.

What you bring

To excel in this role, youll need:

• Proven leadership experience in building operations or property management.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Familiarity with safety standards, maintenance practices, and the Residential Tenancies Act.
• Experience managing teams and fostering professional growth.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.

You will have an advantage if you also have:

• Experience working with vulnerable populations.
• Knowledge of not-for-profit housing operations.
• Expertise in quality assurance and compliance processes.

Working environment, conditions, and physical demands

This position involves a mix of fieldwork and desk work, including property visits and audits. Moderate physical activity is required, such as inspecting building systems or overseeing unit turnovers. The role may occasionally involve high-pressure situations, tight deadlines, or after-hours work.

Compensation

• A competitive salary
• Potential performance bonus: Up to 7%
• Initial vacation entitlement of three weeks
• Comprehensive benefits package including a health spending account
• RRSP featuring an automatic 5% contribution from Onward and an additional 2% contribution with a matching component
• Five flex days per year
• A dynamic and supportive work environment where your actions make a real impact in the community

Our Commitment

Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion ensures equal opportunities for all applicants; we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply.

Thank you for your interest in Onward!

Join us to make a significant impact in Calgary's community and housing sector! Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to discover more about our ongoing work and plans for the future.