Critical Systems Manager

What This Job Involves – As the key player responsible for critical building infrastructure, you'll: Drive operational excellence across all mission-critical systems (power, HVAC, life safety, BMS)Develop and mentor a high-performing engineering and operations teamImplement innovative facility management strategies and preventive maintenance programsOversee financial performance, capital planning, and service deliveryFoster strong relationships with tenants, building ownership, and corporate stakeholdersEnsure 24/7/365 reliability of all critical infrastructure systems What is your day to day? Critical Systems Operations & Management: Oversee the operation, maintenance, and reliability of all mission-critical building systems including emergency generators, UPS systems, switchgear, chillers, boilers, BMS, life safety systems, and vertical transportationEnsure operational performance readiness and integrity of building infrastructure in a 24/7 environmentMonitor and analyze building system performance through BMS, CMMS, and analytics tools to optimize efficiency and identify potential issues before they impact operationsManage and coordinate planned maintenance activities, testing schedules, and system upgrades with minimal disruption to tenants Team Leadership & Development: Work with and develop Building Engineering team membersProvide technical guidance on equipment operations, preventive maintenance protocols, and emergency response proceduresDevelop a succession planning program including onboarding, training, account rotation, and career development for engineering staff Client & Stakeholder Management: Maintain strong interface with building ownership, property management, and corporate real estate personnelEnsure total contract compliance with all service level agreements and performance specificationsDevelop and nurture relationships with key tenants, particularly those with critical operations requirementsEffectively manage communications during critical emergencies (system failures, power events, life safety incidents)Lead root cause analysis efforts to avoid repeat failures or service delivery lapses Financial & Performance Management: Manage MEP system repair and maintenance budgets, capital expenditure plans, and forecasted expensesReview performance metrics and KPIs to ensure the property operates within goal parametersMeasure, monitor, and report cost savings and value contributions to executive leadershipProvide input to annual financial plans and strategic initiativesIdentify and execute portfolio optimization and cost reduction opportunities Compliance, Safety & Risk Management: Ensure all systems are operated, maintained, and tested per local, state, and national codes (NYC Building Code, FDNY, DOB, OSHA, NFPA 70E)Maintain compliance with EHS requirements and JLL audit standardsOversee Arc Flash Safety protocols and electrical safety programsEnsure proper closeout and commissioning requirements for capital projectsMaintain comprehensive archives of drawings, schematics, equipment manuals, warranty documents, and critical operational information Vendor & Contract Management: Manage critical service providers, suppliers, and contractor relationshipsOversee MEP vendor contracts, service agreements, and performance accountabilityEffectively utilize account teams and corporate resources for optimal service deliveryCoordinate with project management on capital improvements and tenant build-out projects Systems & Reporting: Ensure accuracy and timely updates to all client and JLL systems (Corrigo, SharePoint, CMMS, etc.)Manage client reporting requirements and ensure contractual complianceConduct routine assessments of infrastructure operations and document findingsSupport process owners with implementation of standardized procedures and best practices Desired Experience And Technical Skills Required: Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Facilities Management, Building Systems, or equivalent experience8-10 years of building engineering management or facilities management experience, with at least 5 years in critical systems operations for large commercial office properties (500,000+ SF)Extensive electrical, mechanical & plumbing knowledge of Class A commercial high-rise facilities with very strong background in critical building systems including:Emergency/standby generators and automatic transfer switchesUninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems and power distribution infrastructureCentral plant operations (chillers, boilers, cooling towers, pumps)HVAC systems (air handlers, VAV systems, controls)Building Management Systems (BMS) and Building Automation Systems (BAS)Life Safety Systems (fire alarm, sprinkler, emergency communication, smoke control)Strong knowledge of Electrical/Arc Flash Safety standards (NFPA 70E)Technically proficient in operations of BMS platforms (e.g., Tridium, Johnson Controls, Siemens), CMMS software, Microsoft Office Suite, AutoCAD, and VisioDemonstrated leadership skills in managing technical teams and demanding client relationshipsStrong oral and written communication, negotiation, and analytical skillsStrong strategic thinking and planning abilities with capacity to develop alternative approaches and solutionsStrong analytical ability to assess complex situations and execute effective solutionsStrong organizational skills to arrange resources for maximum productivity and efficiencyExcellent judgment, problem-solving, and crisis-management skillsProject management skills for capital improvements and system upgrade initiativesFinancial acumen including budget development, variance analysis, and investment planningAvailability for 24/7/365 on-call responsibility for escalated emergencies and critical system failuresSchedule: Monday - Friday day shift and weekend coverage as needed Preferred: State electrical or HVAC licenses (NJ/NY)Experience managing Class A high-rise properties exceeding 1 million square feetFamiliarity with network topology and communication protocols (Modbus, BACnet, SNMP)Experience in matrix management organizations and leading decentralized teamsStrong financial management abilities and P&L accountability experienceProven track record of implementing energy efficiency programs and sustainability initiativesExperience with LEED operations, Energy Star certification, or similar programs