Project Manager, Science Shops

at  Western University

ABOUT US

Western Science ranks among Canada’s top ten Faculties of Science. With about 200 full-time faculty and about 300 full-time staff in seven departments and several support units, the Faculty of Science is dedicated to advancing the scientific frontier in order to address societal challenges as well as to explore the beauty of our world. We engage in fundamental and curiosity driven science, collaborate with members of the local, national, and international community to inform decisions which impact on issues of environment and sustainability, and help to build industrial capacity.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

• Diploma or Trades/Vocational certificate in a related field
• Completed apprenticeship relevant to the role (millwright, machinist, toolmaker, or mould maker) with a Certificate of Qualification
• Completion of, or working towards, Project Management Professional (PMP) designation
• Training/courses/workshops in team development and leadership, financial management
• Bachelor’s Degree in Physics, Electrical or Mechanical Engineering is preferred
• Certification or extensive training in multiple disciplines (millwright, general machinist, toolmaker, pattern maker or mould maker) preferred
• Certificate in a Professional Leadership program is preferred

Experience:

• 5 years of experience in a trade working on multiple small-to-large-scale projects in a research and development and/or prototyping environment
• 2 years of experience supervising technical staff in a manufacturing environment, developing quotations and managing and monitoring project budgets
• Experience identifying new clientele and in marketing a shop facility and products is preferred
• Experience working with faculty, staff and students in an academic environment preferred

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge of financial budgeting and principles to develop financial models, forecasts and analysis, of strategic planning processes and of Human Resources principles and practices
• Knowledge of best practices in building a strong collaborative team and leading people and of performance development methods
• Knowledge of all types of mechanical engineering, a variety of mechanical trades (welding, electrical, hydraulics, plumbing, machining) and in plumbing, pipefitting and fluid transmissions
• Knowledge of complex electrical systems, electrical components, circuit operation, electrical theory, technical characteristics and multiple design elements
• Knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and TSSA regulations
• Ability to program, operate and maintain Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) machining/turning centres, rapid prototyping systems and/or with additive manufacturing equipment (e.g. fused deposition modelling)
• In-depth knowledge of manufacturing technology with the ability to read and understand blueprints and technical drawings and demonstrated excellence in their trade with the capability of working to extremely fine tolerances
• Ability to ensure expenditures and resources are within allotments, and to make appropriate modifications when required
• In-depth knowledge of techniques for planning, managing and coordinating projects, with competing priorities that involve a variety of stakeholders
• In-depth knowledge related to troubleshooting, diagnosis, and repair of mechanical, electrical, and/or electronic devices
• Project management skills to align projects with strategic goals and operational objectives, ensure team roles are clear, milestones are communicated, and deadlines are met
• Leadership skills with the ability to inspire employees and develop a shared vision to lead a team to excellence
• Ability to deal confidentially with information that has financial, political, regulatory and reputational implications
• Ability to draw on diversity of skills, backgrounds and knowledge of people to achieve more effective results
• Ability to handle details with a high degree of accuracy and to organize and prioritize a high volume of work to meet deadlines
• Ambitious with the ability to identify opportunities, develop action plans and set challenging goals in order to achieve desired outcomes
• Ability to quickly re-allocate resources and adjust priorities in response to unexpected events or changing circumstances
• Ability to collaborate across internal and external boundaries to meet common objectives, improve outcomes and support work beyond one’s own unit
• Communication skills to describe technical concepts effectively to both novice and sophisticated users and with an ability to write clear, concise and accurate procedural documentation
• Detail-oriented with an ability to function and process information with high levels of accuracy
• Ability to provide guidance, support and feedback in a way that is positively received
• Computer skills with the ability to learn and use relevant software, applications or equipment that achieves required outcomes for the facility
• Intermediate computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite, with project management software, and with PeopleSoft Financials
• Intermediate computer skills with 3D computer-aided drafting, specifically Solid Modelling, using Solid Works, Auto CAD and/or Auto Desk Inventor; with 3D-CNC programming using Computer Assisted Manufacturing software, such as HSM Works
• Demonstrated ability to research/investigate issues and resolve problems, with expert troubleshooting ability, along with hands-on expertise in technical support
• Multi-tasking skills to prioritize and consistently produce high-quality work within deadlines
• Proven ability and natural inclination to develop relationships by interacting with people in a professional, respectful and diplomatic manner
• Ability to create a productive, safe and respectful work environment, to provide guidance on the proper and safe use of materials and equipment and to adhere to legislated safety requirements and Western safety policies
• Ability to work within a flexible schedule to accommodate the shop’s events and activities
• Must have own transportation with ability to travel in order to deliver products to customers on campus and/or in London; Valid Class G driver’s license required

The Project Manager is accountable for the day-to-day management and oversight of the operations of the Electronics, Machine and Glassblowing shops (approximately 4000+ billable jobs per year) in the Faculty of Science, under the direction of the Associate Dean, Infrastructure. The role ensures high-quality services and products are designed and developed and superior customer support and service is provided to clients, including applying their expert knowledge to the design, development, modification, quality, maintenance, and manufacturing of equipment, tools, or parts required to support research, teaching, laboratories, and other campus or external locations as required. The role provides leadership, mentorship, and supervision to technical staff in the shops, manages budgets and resources, schedules projects and personnel, and ensures health and safety compliance and appropriate controls are in place to manage risks. The role will be responsible for approving quotations, designs and project management of various small- and large-scale projects, ensuring customers are kept informed of progress, staff are appropriately deployed to work on projects, and that quality outcomes are achieved within the time and budgetary constraints.
The Project Manager will work closely with the Associate Dean and leaders to meet annual financial projected goals including managing financial information and developing reports and forecasts in compliance with guidelines. The role assists with the development and implementation of capital plans and oversees the implementation of renovation/construction projects and space changes. The role continually seeks out new clients and brings work to the shops, seeks out new technologies that meet client production needs, and is responsible for the proper utilization, upgrades and training for staff use.