Chilled Water Systems Manager
About The Position
The Chilled Water Systems Manager serves as the principal mechanical engineering authority for the University's chilled water production and entire distribution system, supporting approximately 155 buildings across the main campus and satellite locations. This position is responsible for the planning, engineering, operation, maintenance, reliability, and expansion of a complex chilled water network and provides strategic and operational leadership to ensure safe, reliable, and cost-effective utility services with a staff of approximately 30 employees. The position leads long-range infrastructure planning, system capacity analysis, capital improvements, and the safe and reliable operation of the chilled water system. The Manager oversees operations, maintenance, engineering, construction, asset management, budgeting, and emergency response while promoting safety, reliability, and continuous improvement. The successful candidate must have strong knowledge of central chilled water plants, distribution systems, chillers, pumps, cooling towers, and plant control systems, including PLC, SCADA, and DCS. The position also requires an understanding of chilled and condenser water chemistry and treatment principles necessary to maintain equipment performance and system reliability. The Manager provides leadership to supervisors, engineers, operators, and technical staff and works closely with consultants, contractors, and campus stakeholders to support current operations and long-term system needs.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related technical field.
- Five years of progressive engineering and supervisory experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Experience managing complex utility, industrial, or infrastructure systems.
- Advanced utility and mechanical systems knowledge.
- Strong leadership, budgeting, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Knowledge of regulatory and safety requirements.
- Strong knowledge of central chilled water plants, distribution systems, chillers, pumps, cooling towers, and plant control systems, including PLC, SCADA, and DCS.
- Understanding of chilled and condenser water chemistry and treatment principles.
Nice To Haves
- Professional Engineer (PE) license or eligibility in North Carolina.
- Experience with chilled water, district energy, or similar utility systems.
- Demonstrated success leading technical and operational teams.
Responsibilities
- Develop long-range infrastructure plans.
- Perform system modeling and capacity planning.
- Recommend capital improvement projects.
- Collaborate with consultants and campus stakeholders.
- Develop and manage operating and maintenance budgets.
- Monitor expenditures and forecasts.
- Support long-range financial planning and reporting.
- Direct system operations and maintenance.
- Oversee engineering, procurement, construction, and asset management.
- Maintain safe work practices and operational standards.
- Lead emergency response and recovery efforts.
- Lead and develop supervisors, engineers, operators, and technical staff.
- Oversee workforce planning, performance management, training, and employee development.
- Promote safety, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- Provide strategic direction for operational excellence and system reliability.
Benefits
- Full-time, benefits-eligible position
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
