About the Department of Surgery
Over its 50+ year history, the McMaster Department of Surgery has maintained a steadfast commitment towards thinking big and making it possible. We are a Department with 11 surgical divisions and Royal College residency training programs; together, we are poised to unleash a future fueled by a creative mindset and powered by our people.
The successful candidate will bring a positive, solutions-focused mindset, as we collectively work towards achieving the Department Vision.
This Vision is based on 6 core tenets:
C.R.E.A.T.E.
Culture that includes
Research that impacts
Education that inspires
Advancement for all
Transformation through innovation & entrepreneurship
Excellence in patient care
Job Summary
The Operations Coordinator provides leadership and oversight for the operational, physical resource, people management administrative and communication functions across designated hospital sites within the Department of Surgery.
The incumbent is responsible for maintaining the efficient operation of administrative and clinical support structures, overseeing approximately 50 Unifor and interim employees, and ensuring alignment with departmental, Faculty, and hospital partner priorities. The role exercises independent judgment, supervises administrative teams, and supports strategic and facilities planning across multiple sites.
Key Responsibilities
Operational & Facilities Management
- Provide day-to-day operational oversight and ensure administrative, education and research support needs are met.
- Oversee space planning, facilities setup, and compliance with university and hospital standards.
- Liaise with hospital and university services for renovations, equipment, and infrastructure requirements.
- Support and implement operational change initiatives and process improvements.
Strategic Planning & Project Support
- Collaborate with hospital partners, Faculty leadership, and departmental teams to plan operational priorities.
- Contribute to strategic initiatives, space planning, and change management discussions.
- Lead or support departmental projects related to workflow, onboarding, and workforce planning.
People Management
- Supervise and guide Unifor administrative staff, including hiring, training, and performance management.
- Ensure compliance with HR and University policies, collective agreements, and employment standards.
- Coordinate staffing allocation, scheduling, and resource planning to meet operational demands.
- Promote equity, inclusion, and safety in all workplace practices.
HR Administration & Payroll
- Initiate and coordinate employee life-cycle activities for designated staff, including onboarding, contract extensions, leaves, and other employment changes, by communicating required information and documentation to the HR team for implementation.
- Review and approve payroll, ensure accurate chartfield assignments, and oversee attendance and leave tracking.
- Support recruitment and orientation processes for Unifor and interim staff.
Health & Safety
- Ensure a safe and compliant workplace in accordance with University and hospital requirements.
- Conduct regular inspections and maintain documentation of safety training and incident reporting.
Qualifications
Education:
- Undergraduate degree in Business Administration, Human Resources, or related field required.
- CHRP/CHRL designation considered an asset.
Experience:
- Minimum five (5) years of managerial or supervisory experience in a unionized academic or healthcare setting.
- Demonstrated experience with people leadership & staff planning, payroll, health & safety, and facilities coordination.
- Familiarity with hospital partnerships and University HRIS systems (e.g., PeopleSoft, Mosaic) is an asset.
Skills & Competencies:
- Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Proven ability to manage competing priorities and lead multi-site operations.
- Strong knowledge of HR and payroll processes, accounting principles, and collective agreements.
- Proficiency in Microsoft 365 programs (Outlook, Excel, Teams, SharePoint, etc.)
- Collaborative, adaptable, and solutions-focused approach.
Other Information:
- This position is hybrid in nature, currently operating on-site 2-3 days per week with regular travel to our various hospital sites and administration office at the Institute of Applied Health Sciences (IAHS), located at the Main Street Campus and subject to change as operationally needed.
Flexibility to attend meetings and events outside of regular business hours is required to meet the operational needs of our Faculty members who are practicing Surgeons.
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