MANAGER OF OPERATIONS

The Launch
Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University of Newfoundland
(Contractual Position to September 23, 2026)

THE EMPLOYER Memorial University (MUN) is a comprehensive, multi-campus, public university committed to excellence. The Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University of Newfoundland (MI) is MUN's oceans and polytechnic campus having locations in St. John's, Foxtrap, Holyrood, Lewisporte and Stephenville with approximately 400 employees. MI is considered to be the most comprehensive institution of its kind in North America, with highly qualified employees and unique facilities such as a full-motion ships bridge, simulators and the world's largest flume tank. It offers graduate and undergraduate degrees, diplomas, certificates, and industry training for the marine sectors.

THE BACKGROUND The Launch is the Marine Institute's portal to the ocean and base of marine operations, designed to support at-sea education, training, and research in the areas of ocean science and technology, ocean safety, fisheries and maritime operations and management. Located in Holyrood, NL, the facility is home to three MI units, Marine Services, the Centre for Applied Ocean Technology (CTec), and the Offshore Safety and Survival Centre (OSSC), and is the principal launch point for ocean-based programming and research deployments for MI and Memorial. The facility's water lot includes state of the art subsea infrastructure and technology, creating a controlled, calibrated and carefully benchmarked technology development and testing environment for a wide range of marine sectors. This test bed supports the evaluation and development of next generation ocean technologies, autonomous systems, remote operations, digitization and provides a platform for enhanced ocean technology training, research and industry applications.

THE OPPORTUNITY The Arthur W. May Building, a 36,600 square foot multi-purpose facility has been designed to facilitate collaborative R&D projects, technology development and public engagement activities. The further development of MI's Subsea Centre of Excellence, a state-of-the-art training and testing facility to support safe and sustainable operations in and on the ocean, combined with the acquisition of several pieces of state-of-the-art autonomous technology together create a world class environment for supporting the blue economy. This expansion creates an opportunity for the right individual to fill a dynamic and unique role supporting the day-to-day activities of this facility.

DUTIES

We are looking for a dynamic and highly organized Manager of Operations to manage and coordinate facility resources, a comprehensive suite of services and provide an exceptional user experience at The Launch. The ideal candidate possesses strong interpersonal skills, can demonstrate the ability to work effectively with multiple stakeholders, is able to prioritize user needs and is solutions oriented. The Manager of Operations is responsible for ensuring that all facility activities are conducted in full compliance with legislative requirements, industry standards, and occupational health and safety regulations, as well as the policies and procedures of the Marine Institute and Memorial University. With a strong focus on safety, operational efficiency, and exceptional client service, this role also contributes to the development of strategic goals and key performance indicators for The Launch. The incumbent plays a vital role in fostering a safe, high-quality, and collaborative environment for all stakeholders engaged in transforming innovative ideas into action. This position reports directly to both the Director of CTec and the Manager of Facilities and Technical Services. Under the guidance of the Manager of Facilities and Technical Services, this role provides direct supervision to staff, assigns tasks, and oversees general facility maintenance through MI's Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS). This position liaises with facility management service contractors to ensure all work is executed in compliance with MUN safety policies, occupational health and safety regulations, and institutional procurement procedures. They coordinate facility-related events in collaboration with internal stakeholders and manage the allocation and scheduling of space for all MI owned infrastructure in Holyrood, including the Horizon Drive Storage facility. Additionally, under the direction of the Director of CTec, the Manager of Operations will manage the intake and scheduling of activities at The Launch and coordinate the allocation of key resources — including facility space, research vessels and technology— to support academic, research, and industry initiatives.

QUALIFICATIONS

A minimum of 7–10 years of demonstrated experience managing the daily logistics and activities of a fast-paced, multi-disciplinary facility, supported by an undergraduate degree or diploma in Engineering or Engineering Technology. A Project Management designation would be considered an asset. An equivalent combination of experience and training and certification may be considered. Familiarity with administrative tools and software applications to effectively schedule resources, coordinate maintenance activities and disseminate information across the organization. Strong time management, prioritization, and multi-tasking abilities. Experience or knowledge of marine operations, including Transport Canada requirements and certifications and familiarity with Environmental Health and Safety/Workplace NL legislation are considered assets. Excellent interpersonal skills to build strong relationships with colleagues and stakeholders.

SALARY: $67,414 to $91,929 per annum (Management & Professional)

CLOSING DATE: September 23, 2025
COMPETITION NO: MUN03299

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, preference will be given to applicants who are legally entitled to work in Canada. Memorial University is committed to employment equity and diversity and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including women; 2SLGBTQIA+ people; persons whose gender identity or gender expression is nonbinary or otherwise not cisgender; Indigenous peoples; racialized people; black persons; and persons with disabilities. Memorial is committed to providing an inclusive learning and work environment.

If there is anything we can do to ensure your full participation during the application process, please contact [email protected] directly and we will work with you to make appropriate arrangements.

The personal information requested in your application is collected under the authority of the Memorial University Act (RSNL 1990 c M-7) for the purpose of identifying and recruiting candidates; assessing applicant qualifications; and maintaining records pertaining to the administration of employment with Memorial University of Newfoundland.

If you are a successful candidate, this information will form part of your permanent employment record and will be used for other activities related to the employment process. This information may be disclosed to government departments and agencies as legally required; and to third party service providers, as necessary to administer programs and activities.

If you have any questions about the collection, use and disclosure of the information on this form, please contact MyHR, Department of Human Resources, at [email protected].

For further information concerning this opportunity, email [email protected], or contact the Human Resources Office, Marine Institute, Room E3306C.

Please be advised that we are unable to provide updates on current competitions.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.