Position Summary
The Facilities Operations Manager is responsible for the effective operation, maintenance, and stewardship of the organization’s facilities, including a 153,000 square foot flagship social service center and three residential facilities. This position oversees a team of 12 maintenance/janitorial staff and three (3) maintenance mechanics, ensuring that facilities are safe, efficient, welcoming, and well-maintained to support the organization’s mission. The Manager will create and maintain a facilities dashboard to track projects, preventive maintenance, and performance metrics, and will play a central role in communication with a large and diverse staff team.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Oversight
- Supervise, train, and evaluate maintenance/janitorial staff (12) and mechanics (3).
- Foster a team-oriented environment with an emphasis on clear communication, inclusion, and accountability.
- Develop work schedules, assign tasks, and monitor performance to ensure timely and high-quality service delivery.
Facility Operations & Maintenance
- Oversee daily operations of all facilities, including maintenance, custodial, HVAC, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and groundskeeping.
- Manage preventive maintenance programs to maximize the lifespan of building systems and equipment.
- Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal building codes, OSHA standards, life safety, fire safety, and ADA requirements.
- Serve as primary liaison with outside contractors, vendors, and inspectors.
- Oversee security and safety systems in collaboration with program and administrative leadership.
Capital Planning & Project Management
- Develop and maintain a facilities operations dashboard to track active projects, preventive maintenance schedules, capital improvements, and budget metrics.
- Coordinate and oversee facility-related capital projects, renovations, and upgrades.
- Assist with long-term facilities planning, including sustainability initiatives and cost-saving measures.
Budget & Resource Management
- Prepare and manage the facilities budget, including forecasting, monitoring expenses, and identifying cost efficiencies.
- Oversee purchasing and inventory of maintenance supplies, tools, and equipment.
Communication & Collaboration
- Serve as the key communicator between facilities staff, program staff, and senior leadership regarding building-related needs.
- Translate technical issues into accessible updates for non-technical staff.
- Work effectively with a culturally and linguistically diverse workforce, residents, and community members.
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Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s degree preferred.
- Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in facilities management, plant operations, or related field.
- Minimum of 3 years of supervisory experience with diverse teams.
- Strong knowledge of building systems (HVAC, electrical, plumbing, mechanical) and custodial operations.
- Demonstrated ability to manage large-scale facilities (100,000+ sq. ft.) and multi-site operations.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; ability to engage effectively across cultures, languages, and staff levels.
- Strong organizational and project management skills, including dashboard/reporting tools (Excel, Smartsheet, Asana, or similar).
- Spanish comprehension (oral and written) a plus, though not required.
Preferred Certifications & Training
- Facilities Management Professional (FMP) or Certified Facility Manager (CFM) – International Facility Management Association (IFMA).
- OSHA 30-Hour General Industry Certification.
- Building Operator Certification (BOC) – recognized in Illinois.
- Certified Plant Maintenance Manager (CPMM) – Association for Facilities Engineering.
- EPA Section 608 Certification (for HVAC/Refrigeration handling).
- Illinois Stationary Engineer’s License (if applicable to facility systems).
- Valid Illinois driver’s license and ability to travel between sites.
Core Competencies
- Leadership & Team Development
- Clear and Inclusive Communication
- Problem-Solving & Critical Thinking
- Project Management & Accountability
- Budgeting & Resource Stewardship
- Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
- Safety & Compliance Orientation
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Working Conditions
- Primarily on-site role, with occasional evening/weekend work for emergencies or special projects.
- Frequent walking, standing, climbing ladders, and lifting up to 50 lbs. required.
- On-call availability for urgent facility issues.
Compensation & Benefits
Annual salary range of $85,000 to $95,000, and benefits package according to organizational policy.