Benito Cortese

Through my 7 years at Toronto Community housing, I proved to be a vital asset to each building I worked at. I honed my craft as reliable and efficient leader and gained valuable work experience at an accelerated rate working in some of TCHC most demanding high needs and seniors’ communities.

Moving onto York University, I have strengthened my skills in staff management along with my customer services skills. This has allowed me to provide an elevated level of service to our residents that allows them to live with highest level of comfort and dignity possible. With the experience I gained over time working in TCHC I have continued to advance my career further, starting from a cleaner and working my way up to Senior Superintendent, now most recently joining York University as the Assistant Operations Manager – Custodial/Housekeeping/Maintenance. I have experienced supervising staff in a unionized environment, pushed my staff and myself to achieve deadlines and targets, developed an extremely high attention to detail along with always being clear and concise and leading with exceptional problem-solving skills.

Assistant Operations Manager York University 

Manages a team of full-time & part-time, unionized and non-unionized housekeeping & custodial employees, ensuring exceptional service is provided to residents. Works closely with the Manager, Assistant Manager and Supervisors to determine operational priorities and ensure that work is distributed and completed in a timely manner; conducts workload assessments, defines staffing responsibilities, and establishes performance standards. Takes corrective action on day-to-day and emergency custodial issues by referring service requests and work orders to Maintenance unit within Facilities Services Maintenance and follows up as required As part of a diverse team, provides support as required during major renovation and renewal projects (e.g. building access by contractors). Oversees Housing contract services (e.g. carpet cleaning, drapery cleaning, pest control, window cleaning) and works with the Site Supervisor in coordinating and scheduling contracted services. Conducts inspections and tracks deficiencies to be communicated to the contactors. Responsible for issuing and monitoring of keys and access cards to contractors. Provides support to the Manager, Building Operations on initiatives that involve operational strategy planning and analysis. This may involve researching and compiling data and subplans, development of initial drafts of plans for review and preparation of final submissions to the Director, Housing & Conference Services Works collaboratively with Residence Life staff to ensure compliance with community standards and established procedures for the inspection and upkeep of room/suite and common spaces; assesses damage charges In conjunction with the Housing management team, reviews annual student and guest satisfaction assessments, recommends and implements service improvements as required. Supports the budget planning process by participating in forecasts and makes recommendations on annual operating budgets for Manager or Director approval including staffing, supplies, equipment, furnishings, contracted work. Acts as a back-up support to other Building Operations team members

2023/2024

 LeadershipU Professional Management Certification York University 

2011 

High School Diploma All Saints Catholic Secondary School - With honors.