Facilities Manager

Founded by Detroit philanthropists George and Ellen Booth in 1904, Cranbrook Educational Community is one of the world’s leading centers of education, science, and art. Comprised of a graduate Academy of Art, contemporary Art Museum, Center for Collections and Research, House and Gardens, Institute of Science, and more than 1,600 students attending our Pre-K through 12 independent college preparatory Schools, Cranbrook welcomes thousands of visitors and students to its campus each year. The campus is located in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, about 20 miles north of downtown Detroit.

About the role

The Facilities Manager is a critical leadership role responsible for ensuring the reliability, safety, and long-term performance of campus-wide building maintenance, electrical, locksmith, carpentry, and painter operations. Reporting to the Director of Operations and working in close collaboration with the HVAC Manager, this position oversees daily operations and serves as the subject matter expert for building maintenance, electrical, locksmith, carpentry, and painting. This position will also serve as the subject matter lead for all fire systems, including maintenance, service, installation, design, troubleshooting, and programming for the Cranbrook Educational Community. The Manager ensures the effective operation of building maintenance and electrical on a 24-hour per day, 7 days per week basis and oversees other areas of the facilities department during evening and weekend emergency coverage.

The Facilities Manager drives operational excellence through effective team leadership, proactive maintenance strategies, and data-informed decision-making. This role supports campus operations by minimizing disruptions, optimizing system performance, managing vendor relationships, and ensuring compliance with all regulatory and safety standards. Additionally, the position advances efficiency, sustainability, and continuous improvement initiatives across the campus.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all assigned facilities employees including scheduling, time and attendance, and coordination of daily work activities.
• Facilitate overtime posting process per AFSCME agreement.
• Prepare operating and project budget estimates, make recommendations to the Director of Operations, and manage maintenance expenditures within the approved budget.
• Coordinate initial staff in “Right to Know” training programs (e.g., mandatory lift, lead paint, confined space, and universal refrigeration); retraining as necessary.
• Assist in the management of equipment inventory, maintain equipment log and supply budgets, provide recommendations for equipment purchases.
• Administer personnel responsibilities including interviewing, hiring, and training of staff in proper means, methods, and use of equipment and materials for mechanical, plumbing, and electrical maintenance in accordance with Federal, State, and local government regulations and CEC’s standards.
• Evaluate incoming work orders and project requests and assign them to the appropriate staff to ensure work is prioritized and completed expediently and in compliance with all regulatory requirements.
• Develop and maintain operational and procedural manuals for building systems and equipment.
• Interface with campus staff to schedule system shutdowns for routine and preventive maintenance, using established procedures to notify and schedule shutdowns with minimal disruption to community programs.
• Serve as the main point of contact for SIEMENS Fire for all system updates, repairs, scheduling, and testing.
• Coordinate work of outside contractors for outsourced trade work, repair, or renovation projects. Provide cost estimates, monitor progress of ongoing projects, and provide status and written reports as required.
• Develop and conduct fire alarm system training for appropriate staff.
• Be available around the clock to respond or advise on fire and life safety incidents and emergencies.
• Ensure that all mechanical, plumbing, and electrical equipment and repair meets the requirements of federal, state, and local government codes and standards.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED and a minimum of seven (7) years progressive experience in fire monitoring systems and general building maintenance.
• Minimum of three (3) years in a supervisory position.
• Contractor’s license (plumbing, electrical, building, etc.) desired.
• NICET Level II license desired.
• Strong people management skills including experience working in or overseeing represented employees.
• In-depth working knowledge of plumbing and electrical equipment, tools, materials, and methods to establish work assignments and priorities.
• Demonstrated understanding of mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and ice arena ammonia systems.
• Working knowledge of the Occupational, Health & Safety Act (OSHA) safety regulations, Employee Right to Know Act, HAZMAT codes and regulations, Confined Space Entry mandates, Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) standards, and all other Federal, State, or local government regulatory and inspection requirements.
• Basic computer skills (email, Word, Excel). Ability to apply basic mathematical concepts and obtain accurate measurements for developing budgets and providing work cost estimates.
• Ability to plan, coordinate, and direct subordinate staff; demonstrated ability to interview, select, train, evaluate, and discipline employees.
• Experience in the administration of union agreements required.
• In-depth knowledge of NFPA Code regarding Fire Alarms systems. Knowledge of utility marking equipment, emergency lighting, and other life safety systems.
• Factory trained and certified in Fire Alarm Systems required; SIEMENS Fire certification preferred.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment.
• Valid Michigan driver’s license with satisfactory driving record.

Pay

The starting salary range for this position is $80,000+ annually based on experience.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation and benefits including medical, dental, life insurance, long-term and short-term disability.
• Retirement programs with employer contribution.
• Generous paid time off, 11 paid holidays, and 3 floating holidays.
• Employee discounts.
• Unique environment in an educational setting that values collaboration.