Mechanical Shop Manager

About the Role

Reporting to the Assistant Director of Maintenance, the Mechanical Shop Manager manages and coordinates the daily activities of the Controls, Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation, Mechanical, and Refrigeration Shops. This role serves as the primary contact for university customers, ensuring efficient delivery of repair services, systems monitoring, preventative maintenance planning, procurement of parts, inventory control, and management of technical trades staff. The manager also oversees third-party service contractors when demand exceeds internal capacity or expertise.

Responsibilities

• Ensures the mechanical shop is staffed and organized to maximize the strengths of multiple trade disciplines and technicians.
• Collaborates with support teams, including trade supervisors, directors, engineers, user groups, and customers.
• Manages backlog levels by trade area, evaluates and updates standard procedures, and prioritizes work activities.
• Supervises and coordinates staff and maintenance personnel for maintenance, renovation, central utility plant/infrastructure operation, and other facility activities.
• Manages after-hours on-call staff, including scheduling, ensuring coverage, and serving as the main contact for emergencies.
• Establishes and documents building needs in consultation with the management team, utilizing reports, inspections, and work order data to prioritize deferred maintenance projects.
• Develops scopes of work and estimates for deferred maintenance projects and assists in creating three- to five-year deferred maintenance plans.
• Supports the development and implementation of the University’s energy conservation programs in collaboration with the Energy Management group.
• Participates in reviewing capital project plans and specifications to assess operational, maintenance, and staffing impacts.
• Leverages key performance indicators (KPIs) to enhance operational efficiency, manage staff performance, and improve work quality.
• Develops and implements a strategic University-wide plan for HVACR and control technicians to reduce service calls and elevate customer satisfaction.
• Fosters a culture of accountability and ownership in all aspects of work performed.
• Reviews and/or develops scope of work, cost estimates, schedules, contingencies, and project risks for renovation and maintenance projects.
• Obtains necessary permits and agency approvals for projects, monitors costs, coordinates resources, documents scope changes, and tracks KPIs.
• Ensures compliance with Federal, State, Local, and University safety policies, building codes, fire codes, and environmental regulations.
• Supports training programs for trades employees and maintains knowledge of regulated materials management, including asbestos, mold, lead, silica, and PCBs.
• Establishes a procurement program for contract services and materials, determines optimal inventory levels, and develops Requests for Proposals.
• Develops and controls operating budgets for the shop and audits work orders to ensure proper labor and material charges.
• Ensures staff are organized effectively and knowledgeable of their responsibilities, maintaining a supportive coaching style for professional development.
• Participates in staff selection, hiring, training, and evaluation; follows progressive disciplinary procedures and handles fact-finding activities and grievances.
• Implements a formal communications program with key stakeholders and monitors customer satisfaction.
• Interacts professionally and cooperatively with the campus community and supports the department’s continuous improvement program.
• Operates University-owned motor vehicles to travel to various work sites.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Facilities Management, Construction Management, or related field and five (5) years of related experience; OR an Associate’s degree and seven (7) years of related experience; OR nine (9) years of progressively responsible experience in management, mechanical systems maintenance, HVACR, or facilities operations.
• At least one (1) year of experience as a manager or supervisor of a moderate-sized department or unit.
• Leadership skills demonstrating significant accomplishments in improving operational efficiency of a large crew.
• Experience planning and responding to emergency failures in buildings with technically sophisticated systems and infrastructure.
• Thorough understanding of failure modes of modern mechanical systems, including HVACR, Controls, and components, and the consequences of failures.
• Thorough understanding of Planning, Procurement, Scheduling, and Field Execution processes.
• Ability to create a scope of work and read and interpret complex engineering/architectural drawings and contract documents.
• Extensive working knowledge of HVACR and Controls equipment and computerized systems.
• Experience troubleshooting building and mechanical systems problems and making recommendations to mitigate systemic issues.
• Demonstrated ability to work without supervision to resolve technical and administrative problems.
• Experience managing personnel, including hiring and interviewing for multiple trades.
• Proficiency in MS Office applications (word processing, spreadsheets, databases, email, internet) and computerized maintenance management software.
• Ability to positively interact and build relationships with a diverse range of customers, both internal and external to the University.
• Strong oral and written communication skills for diverse audiences.
• Ability to prioritize assets and maintenance tasks and align them with strategic goals.
• Current driver’s license.
• Willingness to work occasional evening and weekend hours and be on-call during emergencies, inclement weather, or significant campus events.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a unionized environment.
• Experience at a large college, university, or similarly complex organization.
• Familiarity with quality assurance methods.
• Experience using Computer Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) such as TMA and strong technical skills in database or enterprise applications.
• Knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, and standards (e.g., OSHA, NFPA, EPA).
• Familiarity with the International Building Code’s mechanical provisions.
• Working knowledge of AutoCAD for take-offs.
• Demonstrated skill set for estimating resource hours, materials, and sequencing for maintenance tasks.
• Line management experience directly supervising trade crews in a 24/7/365-day operation.

Schedule

Monday - Friday, 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Pay

Pay Grade: PSSAP Grade 31