Fleet & Facilities Manager
About the role
The Manager, Fleet & Facility Operations is responsible for the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of all fleet maintenance, as well as facility, domicile, and hub functions and systems. This includes general maintenance, repairs, sanitation, groundskeeping, office space, security, power industrial equipment, compliance on all systems, and vendor services. The role ensures proactive preventative maintenance and rapid issue resolution to maintain regulatory compliance and operational upkeep of all company-owned equipment, including facility refrigeration and vehicles.
This position leads and develops a skilled fleet and facilities operations and maintenance team, optimizes workflows using CMMS and automation technologies, partners with third-party providers, and implements sustainability initiatives that reduce energy consumption, extend asset life, and support corporate environmental goals. The role is critical to maintaining a safe workplace, protecting product quality, and enabling uninterrupted service to customers.
Responsibilities
- Direct and monitor associates responsible for building, grounds, sanitation, refrigeration systems, power industrial equipment, and security maintenance using tracking software and preventative maintenance schedules.
- Ensure adherence to Preferred Work Methods (PWMs) and foster a safety-first culture that prioritizes injury-free operations.
- Oversee the operation, monitoring, and maintenance of refrigeration systems to ensure temperature control standards are met for perishable products. Partner with Quality Assurance and Food Safety teams to prevent product loss and maintain cold chain integrity.
- Manage, assign, and oversee all facility operations activities and capital projects, ensuring timely, high-quality completion while minimizing impact on distribution operations.
- Lead the creation of a safety culture to ensure every US Foods associate remains injury-free. Interpret, train, and enforce company policies and procedures.
- Recruit, train, coach, and evaluate staff performance. Administer discipline when necessary and maintain strong associate relations through open communication and regular meetings.
- Manage labor hours within budget and create work schedules, including overtime as required.
- Establish and maintain effective relationships with third-party vendors (utilities, refrigeration contractors, janitorial, pest control, security services) and ensure compliance requirements are met.
- Oversee the selection, purchase, utilization, and inventory control of company assets such as racking, material handling equipment, refrigeration units, fuel, and shop equipment.
- Partner with QA and sanitation teams to ensure compliance with food safety regulations (USDA, FDA, GMPs). Maintain facility cleanliness and conduct routine inspections.
- Ensure all vehicles are in proper working condition by performing and/or overseeing maintenance on company-owned equipment. Provide proper documentation and certifications.
- Work with drivers to operate specialized equipment and assist with troubleshooting on the road. Find qualified service for repairs and obtain competitive bids.
- Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations (OSHA, EPA, USDA, DOT, Tax Commission). Conduct internal audits and maintain documentation for inspections and safety protocols.
- Partner with the Safety Department to deliver training, perform safety observations, investigate accidents, and update PWMs. Lead emergency response planning and crisis management.
- Coordinate with warehouse and transportation teams to ensure facility infrastructure supports high-volume receiving, storage, and shipping activities.
- Other duties as assigned by manager.
Supervision
Directly supervises Maintenance and Sanitation Staff (Maintenance Technicians, Fleet Technicians, etc.) with a range of 2-10 direct reports based on the size of the distribution center.
Relationships
- Internal: Collaborates daily with Operations, Warehouse, Transportation, Safety, Quality Assurance, Sanitation, and HR teams to ensure facility readiness, cold chain integrity, and compliance with safety and food quality standards. Partners with leadership on budgeting, capital projects, and long-term infrastructure planning.
- External: Manages relationships with third-party service providers (refrigeration contractors, utilities, janitorial, pest control, security, equipment suppliers). Serves as primary point of contact for regulatory agencies during inspections and compliance audits. Coordinates with emergency services for crisis management.
Work Environment
- May spend time on the road in a truck exposed to noise and vibration levels higher than those in passenger cars.
- Spends time in an office working on a computer.
- Works inside and outside the distribution center in various climates, including warehouse conditions with temperatures that may reach -5 degrees.
- Ability to work flexible hours, including nights, weekends, and on-call as needed for 24/7 operation and emergency support.
Requirements
- 5 years of facilities management experience.
- 3 years working with refrigeration systems within cold chain distribution.
- Proven leadership experience managing maintenance teams, budgets, and vendor contracts.
- Strong understanding of OSHA, EPA, USDA, FDA, GMP, and other regulatory compliance requirements.
- Proficiency with CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management Systems) and basic data analytics.
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to adapt to changing organizational and operational needs.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Outlook, Teams, etc.).
- Demonstrated knowledge of DOT, Hazmat, and OSHA regulations.
- Working knowledge of ammonia and Freon systems.
- Working knowledge of environmental regulations/legislation and governing bodies.
- Working knowledge of building, life/safety, and fire protection standards and codes.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Facility Operations, Engineering, Construction, or related field, or equivalent relevant work experience.
- Certifications/Training:
- Thermo King and Major certification.
- Level 1 Ammonia Operator Certification (or successfully completed within the first 12 months of hire for Ammonia sites).
- PSM (Process Safety Management)/RMP (Risk Management Process) Certification (or completed within the first 12 months of hire for Ammonia sites).
- PSM tracking tool training (completed within 12 months of hire for Ammonia sites).
- CMMS training (completed within 6 months of hire).
- Certificate, licenses, and registrations in refrigeration/HVAC, if applicable.
- Valid driver’s license with a motor vehicle record in good standing and ability to travel between sites if required.
Preferred Qualifications
- 5 years of facilities management experience in food distribution, manufacturing, or other temperature-controlled, high-volume environments.
- 3 years of proven leadership experience managing maintenance teams, budgets, and vendor contracts.
- Experience implementing automation, warehouse control systems, or energy management technologies.
- Demonstrated success leading sustainability initiatives (energy reduction, waste minimization, water conservation, green building practices).
- Lean Six Sigma certification or experience driving continuous improvement programs.
- Strong vendor negotiation skills and experience managing multi-site service agreements.
- Ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence at all levels of the organization.
- Familiarity with computerized building management systems (BMS) and advanced CMMS analytics.
- EPA Section 608 Certification (for Freon sites).
- Powered Industrial Equipment Certification.
- Certificate in fleet trade/mechanic.
- State Inspections License.
- Class A or B commercial driver license.
Physical Requirements
Must be able to perform the following physical activities for the described length of time:
- Occasionally (1% - 33%):
- Stand, walk, drive vehicle, sit.
- Lift 1-50 lbs (Sedentary to Medium).
- Carry 1-50 lbs (Sedentary to Medium).
- Push/Pull (hand truck, gate, straps, metal ramp, truck door, dolly, boxes, truck gear shift).
- Climb/Balance (in/out truck/trailer, on/off ramp, stairs).
- Stoop/Squat, kneel, bend, reach above shoulder, twist.
- Grasp objects (hand truck, boxes, cartons, steering wheel).
- Manipulate objects (boxes, dolly, metal truck ramp, hand truck, paperwork, truck gate, straps).
- Never:
- Lift or carry over 100 lbs (Very Heavy).
- Continuously (67% - 100%): Manual dexterity (typing, use of office machines such as copiers, printers).
Benefits
- Health insurance.
- Pre-tax spending accounts.
- Retirement benefits.
- Paid time off.
- Short-term and long-term disability.
- Employee stock purchase plan.
- Life insurance.
- Incentive compensation (for this role).
Pay
The expected base rate for this role is between $80,000 - $125,000, depending on relevant experience, education, specific skills, function, geographic location, and other factors as applicable by law.