Director of Operations

Full job description

Job Title: Director of Operations

Position: Full-time

Location: Springhill, NS

JOB SUMMARY:

The Director of Operations is responsible for leading and coordinating all non-clinical services within the long-term care facility, including maintenance, housekeeping, laundry, dietary, fire and life safety, procurement, waste management, and environmental services. This role supports the Administrator and Site Lead in ensuring operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and resident satisfaction. The Director of Operations supervises and supports non-clinical staff working in their departments and ensures safe, efficient, and person-centered service delivery aligned with the facility’s mission and standards.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Maintenance & Building Operations

· Ensure timely completion of preventative and corrective maintenance tasks.

· Oversee external contractors for major repairs, inspections, and compliance-related upgrades.

· Conduct regular rounds and facility walk-throughs to identify hazards and ensure upkeep.

· Maintain documentation logs related to generator checks, fire safety systems, and environmental hazards.

· Directly supervise and support the Maintenance Worker; ensure adherence to schedules, safety protocols, and documentation practices.

Environmental Services (Housekeeping & Waste Management)

· Monitor cleaning schedules and infection prevention/control (IPAC) standards.

· Ensure safe chemical storage, staff WHMIS training, and availability of PPE and supplies.

· Support a clean, welcoming, and dignified environment aligned with resident preferences.

· Coordinate waste management, recycling, and sanitation services per regulatory standards.

Laundry Services

· Oversee laundry operations ensuring timely, hygienic laundering of resident and facility linens.

· Monitor equipment condition and coordinate repairs or replacements.

· Ensure compliance with infection control and occupational health standards.

Dietary & Food Services (Non-clinical oversight only)

· Support coordination of dietary aides and kitchen logistics (excluding menu development and clinical nutrition).

· Ensure safe food handling, equipment upkeep, and kitchen cleanliness.

· Liaise with the Dietitian or Dietary Supervisor regarding feedback, safety, and workflow issues.

Licensing & Accreditation

· Maintain readiness for Department of Health inspections and CARF or Accreditation Canada standards.

· Ensure policies, logs, maintenance records, and life safety systems are current and available for audit.

· Participate in licensing preparation and accreditation quality improvement initiatives.

Compliance & Documentation

· Ensure staff complete required logs (cleaning, temperature checks, inspections).

· Submit required reports to the Administrator/Site Lead (e.g., monthly maintenance, equipment status, incident follow-up).

· Maintain electronic and paper records in accordance with privacy and retention policies.

Leadership & Team Development

· Provide coaching, performance feedback, and progressive discipline as needed.

· Conduct onboarding and orientation for new hires in maintenance, housekeeping, and laundry.

· Foster a positive, inclusive team culture that reflects the organization’s mission and values.

QUALIFICATIONS:

· Diploma or degree in Building Systems Engineering, Facilities Management, or a related technical field (required).

· Journeyperson or trade certification (e.g., electrical, HVAC, plumbing) is considered an asset.

· Minimum 5 years of progressive leadership experience in operations or building services, preferably in a healthcare or long-term care setting.

· Demonstrated knowledge of facility infrastructure systems including HVAC, fire/life safety, power distribution, plumbing, and water systems.

· Experience with regulatory compliance related to maintenance, environmental services, and safety (e.g., IPAC, OHS, WHMIS, fire code, LTC licensing).

· Strong organizational and documentation skills, including experience with maintenance logs, inspections, and audits.

· Effective supervisory and interpersonal skills to manage multi-disciplinary non-clinical teams (maintenance, laundry, housekeeping, dietary support).

· Proficiency with computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) and Microsoft Office suite.

· Valid driver’s license and satisfactory criminal record and vulnerable sector check.