SAIT’s Commercial Services department manages ancillary services for the institution ranging from student residences and campus parking, handling internal and external conference and event services, and coordinating external providers responsible for food services, graphic design and printing needs. Commercial Services underpins daily life on the SAIT’s campus. If you’re looking to join this unique team — and this opportunity gets you excited — we want to meet you.
The Opportunity
Are you a strategic leader with a passion for enhancing campus life through innovative and effective services? Join our team at SAIT as the Director of Commercial Services, where you’ll oversee essential ancillary services that support the institution’s vibrant community. Reporting to the CFO and Vice-President of Corporate Services, you will lead a diverse portfolio, including housing, dining, parking, bookstore operations, event management, and more. In this role, you’ll ensure these services align with SAIT’s mission, enhancing the experience of students, faculty, and staff.
The Role
Lead and develop long-term business plans for Commercial Services, aligning with SAIT’s strategic plans.
Provide leadership that fosters a service culture, teamwork, respect, and open communication across the department.
Manage the full employee lifecycle, from hiring and training to performance development and offboarding.
Promote intentional decision-making with a focus on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI).
Shape a leadership culture that encourages continuous improvement and positions team members for long-term growth.
Develop and manage departmental budgets, ensuring financial sustainability and alignment with institutional objectives.
Establish and monitor performance metrics for ancillary services to maintain high standards of service delivery.
Collaborate with other departments and the Strategic Leadership Team to drive innovation and enhance the efficiency, effectiveness, and sustainability of services.
Oversee operations for housing, dining, parking, event management, and other ancillary functions.
Implement and maintain policies ensuring compliance with regulations, institutional standards, and safety requirements.
Negotiate and manage contracts with third-party service providers.
Identify risks and implement mitigation strategies.
Leverage feedback and market research to improve service offerings and foster strong relationships with student organizations and third-party providers.
Communicate effectively with the campus community regarding service policies and updates.
Lead the development of a future-focused strategic roadmap for ancillary services.
Stay informed about industry trends to ensure SAIT’s services remain competitive and effective.
Ensure business continuity plans and emergency response measures are in place.
Utilize data and analytics to drive operational improvement and decision-making.
Qualifications & Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Hospitality Management, or a related field.
Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in the hospitality industry or general management, with at least 5 years in service-oriented roles.
Experience leading senior experts with a high degree of independence.
Strong proficiency in Office 365.
Proven ability to manage critical incidents effectively.
Demonstrated skills in collaborative leadership, accountability, and organizational management.
Strong problem-solving, conflict resolution, and interpersonal skills.
Excellent verbal and written communication, including crisis communication.
Solid understanding of legislative compliance and negotiation skills.
Strong computer skills and experience implementing technology solutions for operational improvement.
Job classification: Director
Salary range: $140,000-175,000
Paid Leave: 4 Weeks Vacation / 14 Flex Days per year

of positions: 1

Hours Per Week: 37.5
Posting closing date: September 27, 2024
View a summary of our benefits and perks for salaried employees as one of Alberta’s Top Employers, including health & dental care, pension plan, vacation & special leave and flexible work options at our beautiful inner-city campus.
About SAIT
SAIT is a global leader in applied education. Named one of Alberta’s Top Employers, we offer the chance to work with a purpose — preparing the next generation of industry leaders, entrepreneurs, advocates and explorers.
Building on our 100+ year history, we’re looking for innovative, bold and collaborative employees who embrace change and deliver world-class customer experiences. Your future starts now at SAIT.
Equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) is essential to achieving SAIT’s vision to be a global leader in applied education. We encourage applications from women, Indigenous people, racialized people, people with disabilities, people from gender and sexually diverse communities, and/or people with intersectional identities. Learn more about EDI at SAIT.
At SAIT, we understand that experience comes in many forms. We’re dedicated to adding diverse perspectives to SAIT - so if your experience is close to what we’re looking for, please consider applying.
SAIT is committed to supporting persons with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. We will work with applicants to provide accommodations upon request to the Talent Advisor.

Please refer the Job description for details