Role Overview
The Facilities Manager is responsible for the overall operation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of our Bay Area Pilot Manufacturing Facility. This is a hands-on, ownership-oriented role critical to the safe, efficient, and reliable functioning of our site. The ideal candidate is a resourceful problem-solver who thrives in a fast-paced startup environment and can manage multiple workstreams simultaneously — from negotiating with our landlord to overseeing complex infrastructure projects.
Core Responsibilities
Facility Ownership & Operations
- Serve as the primary point of contact and owner for all aspects of the Bay Area Pilot Facility
- Maintain a safe, clean, and well-organized work environment in compliance with applicable local, state, and federal regulations
- Develop and manage a preventive maintenance schedule for all facility systems including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, fire suppression, and security
- Maintain accurate records of facility assets, maintenance history, vendor contracts, and compliance documentation
- Proactively identify and address facility risks before they become operational issues
Landlord Relationship & Financial Management
- Serve as the primary liaison with the building landlord and property management team
- Ensure all lease obligations are met, including timely payment of rent and associated facility-related bills (utilities, janitorial services, etc.)
- Review and reconcile facility invoices and expense reports; flag discrepancies and manage within budget
- Track and manage lease terms, renewal options, and any CAM (Common Area Maintenance) reconciliations
- Coordinate with Rondo management to ensure proper budget tracking and forecasting for all facility-related costs
Facility Improvement & Capital Projects
- Plan, scope, and manage facility improvement projects including utilities routing (electrical, gas, compressed air, data), equipment installation, and space build-outs
- Source, vet, and manage contractors and subcontractors; obtain competitive bids and ensure work is completed on time and on budget
- Develop scopes of work, manage project timelines, and communicate progress to internal stakeholders
- Coordinate with internal engineering and operations teams to ensure facility infrastructure meets current and future manufacturing needs
- Oversee permitting processes and ensure all construction/installation work meets applicable building codes and safety standards
Vendor & Trade Management
- Identify, onboard, and manage service vendors including janitorial/cleaning crews, licensed plumbers, electricians, HVAC technicians, pest control, and general maintenance contractors
- Establish and maintain preferred vendor lists with negotiated service agreements and SLAs
- Provide feedback to service providers and resolve any issues promptly
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key vendors to ensure priority response times and favorable pricing
Space Planning & Procurement
- Source and procure office furniture, general shop equipment, and other facility supplies to support space build-outs and reconfigurations
- Collaborate with team leads and operations staff to understand evolving space needs and proactively plan for changes
- Manage inventory of facility supplies, consumables, and janitorial/safety stock
- Coordinate moves, adds, and changes (MAC) within the facility with minimal disruption to operations
Safety & Compliance
- Partner with Rondo EHS to own the facility’s EHS (Environmental, Health & Safety) compliance program, including emergency action plans, fire safety, and hazardous materials management
- Ensure all required inspections, certifications, and permits are current (fire extinguishers, sprinkler systems, first aid, etc.)
- Partner with Rondo EHS to maintain and regularly update the facility’s safety data sheets (SDS) library
- Conduct regular facility walkthroughs to identify and remediate safety hazards
- Act as the facility’s point of contact for emergency situations and coordinate with emergency services as needed
Security & Access Control
- Manage facility access control systems including key cards, alarm codes, and security cameras
- Maintain and update access rosters in coordination with HR and Operations
- Serve as the primary contact for the building security and alarm monitoring services
Qualifications
Required
- 5+ years of experience in facilities management, preferably in a manufacturing, R&D, or industrial environment
- Demonstrated experience managing facility improvement and construction projects with external contractors
- Working knowledge of building systems including electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and fire/life safety
- Experience managing service vendor relationships and negotiating service contracts
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and priorities
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills; comfortable interfacing with landlords, contractors, and internal leadership
- Self-starter with a high degree of ownership and accountability — comfortable operating with minimal oversight
- Proficient in standard productivity tools (Microsoft Office, project tracking tools)
- Experience managing and tracking facility budgets and expenses
Nice to Have
- Forklift certification (or willingness to obtain); experience operating forklifts and other material-handling equipment