Lead Facility Manager

About the role

The Facilities Management group is growing on campus, focused on providing professional service to our building occupants and developing individuals into a cohesive team. Our facilities range from complex labs, offices, classrooms and even real estate properties. This position lies squarely at the intersection of lab and facility management.

Responsibilities

• Provides operational leadership for a complex research facility supporting drug discovery and laboratory-based research.
• Serves as the primary integrator between laboratory operations, facility systems, and institutional service providers, ensuring that infrastructure, equipment, and environments are safe, reliable, and aligned with research needs.
• Operates with a high degree of autonomy, responsible for day-to-day facility performance, laboratory infrastructure management, and coordination of maintenance, safety, and capital improvements.
• Supports troubleshooting and resolution of facility and lab-related issues, working closely with faculty, researchers, Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S), Physical Facilities, and campus partners.
• Ensures continuity of operations, supports research productivity, and contributes to long-term facility and infrastructure planning.
• May expand to include oversight of additional facilities and staff as the research portfolio grows.

Requirements

• Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree in Facility Management, Engineering, Chemistry, or a related technical field, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Six (6) years of experience in facility management, laboratory operations, or a related environment. Preferred: Experience working in chemical, life sciences, or research laboratory environments. Hands-on experience with laboratory equipment, mechanical systems, or technical troubleshooting. IFMA FMP or CFM certification (or willingness to obtain). OSHA 30 or equivalent safety certification.

Skills

• Support troubleshooting and resolution of facility and lab-related issues.
• Comfort working in laboratory environments with mechanical and technical components.
• Knowledge of EHS, OSHA, and laboratory safety practices.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and drive work to completion.
• Perform minor repairs and troubleshoot equipment and systems.
• Identify risks and coordinate corrective actions.
• Facilitate meetings, track action items, and drive accountability.
• Investigate undefined issues and implement effective solutions.
• Manage service providers, contracts, and performance expectations.
• Coordinate projects, vendors, and service providers.
• Strong judgment in operational and safety-related situations.
• Understanding of building systems and laboratory infrastructure.
• Interpersonal skills and ability to work with faculty, researchers, and technical staff.