General Manager - Facilities - Higher Education

This position provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for all custodial, grounds, and maintenance functions across a college campus, delivering a safe, clean, attractive, and well-maintained environment that supports the institution's academic mission, student experience, faculty and staff needs, and campus events.

Responsibilities

• Operational Leadership
  • Direct and oversee all custodial, grounds, and facility maintenance operations across campus.
  • Develop and implement operational plans that align with client expectations and institutional goals.
  • Ensure facilities are maintained in a clean, safe, functional, and aesthetically pleasing condition.
  • Establish performance standards, service level agreements, and operational metrics to monitor effectiveness.
  • Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, quality, and customer satisfaction.
• Custodial Management
  • Oversee daily custodial services for academic buildings, residence halls, administrative offices, athletic facilities, and common areas.
  • Ensure cleaning programs meet institutional standards and industry best practices.
  • Monitor quality assurance programs and implement corrective actions as needed.
  • Manage staffing, scheduling, and productivity to meet operational requirements.
• Grounds Management
  • Direct campus grounds maintenance activities including landscaping, irrigation, snow removal, turf management, and seasonal beautification projects.
  • Ensure campus grounds support a welcoming and professional appearance year-round.
  • Oversee preventive maintenance and proper utilization of grounds equipment and resources.
  • Coordinate emergency weather response and campus preparedness activities.
• Maintenance and Asset Management
  • Oversee preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance programs for campus facilities and infrastructure.
  • Ensure timely completion of work orders and maintenance projects.
  • Collaborate with campus leadership on facility improvements, renovations, and capital projects.
  • Monitor facility condition and recommend long-term asset preservation strategies.
  • Maintain compliance with applicable building codes, safety regulations, and environmental standards.
• Financial Management
  • Develop, manage, and monitor departmental budgets.
  • Control labor, equipment, materials, and supply costs while maintaining service quality.
  • Identify opportunities for operational efficiencies and cost savings.
  • Review and approve purchases, contracts, and vendor services.
• Leadership and Talent Development
  • Lead, coach, and develop a team of managers, supervisors, and frontline employees.
  • Foster a culture of accountability, engagement, safety, and customer service.
  • Conduct performance evaluations and support employee development initiatives.
  • Ensure appropriate staffing levels and succession planning.
• Client and Campus Relations
  • Serve as the primary facilities contact for campus administrators and key stakeholders.
  • Build strong partnerships with students, faculty, staff, and campus departments.
  • Respond to service concerns promptly and professionally.
  • Participate in campus meetings, planning initiatives, and special events.
• Safety and Compliance
  • Promote a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with all OSHA, environmental, and institutional requirements.
  • Conduct regular inspections and audits to identify and mitigate risk.
  • Ensure all employees receive required training and certifications.
  • Lead emergency response and business continuity efforts related to facilities operations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Facilities Management, Business Administration, Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
• 7+ years of progressive facilities management experience.
• 3+ years of leadership experience managing multiple operational departments and teams.
• Experience managing custodial, maintenance, and grounds operations.
• Strong knowledge of preventive maintenance programs, building systems, and operational best practices.
• Experience managing budgets, labor forecasting, and financial performance.
• Strong communication, leadership, and customer service skills.
• Proficiency with CMMS, work order management systems, and Microsoft Office applications.

Pay

The salary range for this position is $120,000 to $140,000.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Work/life resources.
• Retirement savings plans, including 401(k).
• Paid days off, including parental leave and disability coverage.
• Benefits vary by location and are subject to legal requirements, employee eligibility, and work location.