MANAGER OF PROGRAM OPERATIONS, Custodial Services

About The Opportunity

Reporting to the Associate Director, the Manager directs day-to-day activities including assigning work, preparing the daily cleaning schedules, monitoring the productivity of staff, evaluating work assignments and completion of project work, providing building security to include unlocking and locking buildings, and responding to employee concerns. The Manager works closely with Building Coordinators, Administrators, and other University staff in response to their organizational needs. This position is for a full time Manager of Program Operations at the University of Washington Seattle Campus with hours of Monday through Friday, 5:00 am – 1:30 pm.

Key Responsibilities

• Program Leadership & Operational Management (30%) – Lead and manage custodial operations across assigned facilities, ensuring consistent delivery of high-quality, efficient, and reliable services; implement organizational priorities through operational plans, staffing strategies, and service standards; monitor program performance through inspections, data analysis, and service metrics; implement corrective action and operational improvements as needed; coordinate with maintenance and facilities teams to ensure timely identification and resolution of building issues; oversee development and adjustment of workflows, schedules, and work assignments to meet operational demands.
• Staff Leadership, Supervision & Workforce Development (25%) – Provide inclusive, respectful leadership to a diverse workforce, promoting accountability, engagement, and professional growth; supervise staff including hiring, onboarding, training, coaching, and performance management; conduct formal performance evaluations and provide ongoing feedback to support employee development and service quality; manage staffing levels, approve timekeeping and leave, and support workforce planning; address employee relations in alignment with University policies and applicable labor agreements.
• Policy Alignment, Compliance & Risk Management (15%) – Ensure compliance with University of Washington policies, UW Facilities standards, and applicable local, state, and federal regulations; promote and enforce safe work practices, including adherence to OSHA/WISHA standards, SDS requirements, and use of PPE; oversee and ensure completion of reporting, review, and follow-up for incidents, accidents, and unsafe conditions; maintain building security practices, including oversight of key control and access accountability; support audits, inspections, and required compliance documentation.
• Financial & Administrative Management (15%) – Manage program budgets, including labor and materials, ensuring effective and responsible use of resources; oversee procurement, inventory management, and maintenance of equipment and supplies; develop and maintain reports on staffing, performance, workload, and operational outcomes; support administrative functions such as payroll coordination, recordkeeping, and documentation; use data to inform decision-making and improve program effectiveness.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Service Excellence (5%) – Build and maintain collaborative relationships with building occupants, campus partners, and stakeholders; ensure timely, professional response to service requests, concerns, and feedback; engage with stakeholders to assess service satisfaction and identify opportunities for improvement; coordinate special or non-routine service requests in alignment with operational capacity.
• Quality Assurance & Continuous Improvement (10%) – Establish and maintain quality control processes, including routine inspections and service evaluations; identify trends, gaps, and opportunities for operational improvements; implement and support improvements to existing processes, best practices, and service delivery; foster a culture of continuous improvement, learning, and accountability that supports growth and success; perform other duties as assigned.

This position performs essential services and may be required to work during any period of declared suspended operation.

Required Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and two years of full-time supervisory experience.
• Proven strong organizational and problem-solving skills, including ability to make sound judgment.
• Demonstrated experience working with and/or contributing information to the determination of a fixed budget.
• Demonstrated ability to work within and support others in a customer-service environment.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines with demonstrated flexibility to meet changing needs to handle anticipated and unpredictable deadlines.
• Experience inspecting buildings to determine cleaning needs, analyzing workloads, and creating job assignments for staff.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including creating reports, conducting meetings, and training personnel; and ability to work well with others.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a culturally diverse environment.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Successful experience working with multiple levels and groups of the organization to accomplish goals.
• Computer proficiency using Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel, as well as data-entry experience.
• Ability to use tools, equipment, and cleaning techniques in a hands-on environment.
• Regular and predictable attendance.
• Experience supervising unionized custodial staff.
• Possession of a valid Washington State Driver's License or a license recognized as valid by the State of Washington and two years of driving experience.
• Physical ability to do required work.
• Must be able to lift / move up to 35 lbs., walk 4 hours per day, bend-stoop-kneel frequently.

Additional Qualifications

• Must be able to follow written and/or verbal instructions and communicate in English regarding the use of chemicals, supplies, and equipment; comply with safety policies and procedures.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supervising custodial services staff in an academic or large institution.

Working Conditions

• Must be able to work in a non-smoking environment.
• Ability to respond to emergency/weekend responsibilities and variable work shifts.
• Occasionally work over 40 hours per week.

Compensation

Pay Range Minimum: $80,004.00 annual
Pay Range Maximum: $85,008.00 annual

Benefits

For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/