BSD-FS Director of Plant and Facility Operations

Department

BSD FSD - Building Management

About the Department

As part of the University of Chicago, the Biological Sciences Division (BSD) pursues globally impactful solutions to seemingly unsolvable challenges. Through our rigorous research, innovative education, and comprehensive care and healing, we collaborate on life-changing advancements that create meaningful results for our community and the world, including a greater, more equitable future for all. The Biological Sciences Division – Facilities Services (BSD-FS) group provides the environment in which these meaningful results can happen. We are responsible for managing approximately 2 million gross feet of space located throughout the University of Chicago’s Hyde Park campus. We serve many community members including but not limited to: research and non-research faculty, principal investigators, laboratory staff, residents, hospital staff, undergraduate students and post-doctoral scholars. BSD-FS consists of the following major functional areas of responsibility: 1) Planning, Design and Construction, 2) Project Management Services, 3) Building Management, 4) Space Management, 5) Capital Planning, 6) Lease Management, 7) Architectural Services, 8) Signage, and 9) Furniture.

Job Summary

The job manages multiple related teams of managers and professional staff responsible for developing plans for facility development, maintenance, policies, procedures and expansion. Directs aspects of facilities services, budgets and forecasting, safety, and maintenance. Advises new capital projects.

The BSD-FS Director of Plant and Facility Operations will lead the achievement of BSD’s scientific and educational goals through effective delivery of building management and operational strategies across the BSD. As the Director of Plant and Facility Operations, this role leads the BSD-FS Building Management group and BSD-FS Dock Management group under one ‘Operations’ group. The BSD-FS Director of Plant and Facility Operations will be responsible for developing and implementing effective operational strategies that improve the BSD’s Mission, Vision, and Values.

The Director will be the main representative of the BSD community on behalf of facility-related needs between the UCMC Physical Plant and the University Facilities Services teams. As the main operational consultant, the Director will also collaborate with the rest of the BSD-FS functional areas at a high level. The Director of Plant and Facility Operations must be able to communicate with all levels of personnel in an accurate and concise manner as demanded by the situation. The Director may be required to work non-standard work hours in support of facility emergencies.

Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead and manage BSD-FS Building Management and Dock Management groups, driving operational improvements aligned with BSD's Mission, Vision, and Values.

• Provide direction on operational initiatives across the division, consulting with key stakeholders and department leadership.

• Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and service excellence.

Strategic Planning & Capital Coordination

• Develop long-term strategic and short-term operating plans for all BSD buildings in partnership with the Executive Director of BSD Facilities, BSD Finance, and Division leadership.

• Create strategic planning documents (Excel and PowerPoint) outlining multiyear capital spending priorities.

• Spearhead capital strategies to address deferred maintenance issues on behalf of the BSD community, coordinating with UCMC Physical Plant, University Facilities Services, and related departments.

Operations & Vendor Management

• Coordinate and manage service contracts with vendors including custodial services, rugs, growth chambers, cold rooms, autoclaves, and related equipment.

• Lead coordination and cost reduction efforts for major shared equipment service contracts, replacements, and ongoing maintenance.

• Collaborate with Plant/Facility trades and contractors to ensure building services support occupants and the broader BSD community.

Cross-Functional Coordination

• Work with University Facilities Services, UCM Physical Plant, and other departments to coordinate effective task completion and division-wide initiatives.

• Integrate effective safety policies and procedures in collaboration with UCMC and University safety groups to improve environmental conditions across BSD areas.

• Recommend and develop proactive strategies for process improvements and efficient resource utilization.

• Manages managers and professional staff. Establishes performance goals, allocates resources and assesses policies for direct subordinates.

• Executes functional business plans and contributes to the development of the strategic mission and priorities for facilities services.

• Recommends and manages the execution of operating practices and procedures for effectiveness and efficiency, recommending changes as needed.

• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Engineering, Operations Management or similar degree strongly preferred.

Experience:

• 7+ years of facility management experience strongly preferred.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Advanced job-related education or designation programs, such as BOMI Institute.

• Coursework completion or certification in one or more of the following core competencies – HVAC, basic electrical, plumbing, piping and fluid-handling systems, refrigeration, building automation systems or an encompassing certification such as in physical plant maintenance strongly preferred.

Preferred Competencies

• Ability to effectively lead and manage a team of managers who work somewhat independently.

• The position requires extensive knowledge of infrastructure systems, building controls, monitoring systems and applicable City of Chicago codes, industry standards and occupant need.

• Able to categorize and prioritize work activities.

• Able to develop and implement solutions to varied problems. Complete numerous activities in a multi-task environment.

• Effectively communicate in both written and verbal format.

• Able to use a personal computer and standard software packages.

• Able to maintain confidentiality.

• Able to inspect facilities, including mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems.

• Able to execute tasks under tight deadlines.

Working Conditions

• Able to climb stairs/ladders and orient body to complete inspections.

• Able to lift up to 50 pounds and move small items (boxes, cylinders, etc.).

Application Documents

• Resume (required)

• Cover Letter (preferred)

Job Family

Facilities Management

Role Impact

People Manager

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Salary

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FLSA Status

Exempt

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Pay Range

$110,000.00 - $140,000.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

 

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

 

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.