Critical Systems Manager

JLL • Jersey City, NJ

6d • $145,000 - $155,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Critical Systems Manager is responsible for the operation, maintenance, reliability, and performance of mission-critical infrastructure at a large commercial office property. Systems include power, HVAC, life safety, building management and automation systems, and vertical transportation. The role ensures infrastructure readiness in a 24/7 environment and manages maintenance, testing, upgrades, and performance analysis while minimizing disruption to tenants.

The manager leads and develops the building engineering team, including technical guidance, training, onboarding, succession planning, and career development. The role also maintains relationships with building ownership, property management, corporate real estate personnel, and tenants; ensures service-level and contract compliance; and leads communications and root-cause analysis during emergencies or service failures.

Responsibilities include managing operating and capital budgets, financial plans, performance metrics, vendor contracts, and service delivery. The manager oversees safety and regulatory compliance, commissioning and project closeout, operational documentation, client reporting, and the accuracy of client and JLL systems. The position is on-site in Jersey City, New Jersey, with a Monday–Friday day shift, weekend coverage as needed, and 24/7/365 on-call responsibility for escalated emergencies and critical system failures. Visa sponsorship is not provided; candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Facilities Management, Building Systems, or equivalent experience.
• 8–10 years of building engineering management or facilities management experience, including at least 5 years in critical systems operations for large commercial office properties of 500,000+ square feet.
• Extensive electrical, mechanical, and plumbing knowledge of Class A commercial high-rise facilities and critical building systems.
• Strong knowledge of emergency and standby generators, automatic transfer switches, UPS systems, and power distribution infrastructure.
• Strong knowledge of central plant operations, including chillers, boilers, cooling towers, and pumps.
• Strong knowledge of HVAC systems, including air handlers, VAV systems, and controls.
• Strong knowledge of BMS/BAS and life safety systems, including fire alarm, sprinkler, emergency communication, and smoke control.
• Strong knowledge of electrical and Arc Flash safety standards, including NFPA 70E.
• Technical proficiency with BMS platforms such as Tridium, Johnson Controls, or Siemens; CMMS software; Microsoft Office Suite; AutoCAD; and Visio.
• Demonstrated leadership in managing technical teams and demanding client relationships.
• Strong oral and written communication, negotiation, analytical, strategic-thinking, and planning skills.
• Ability to assess complex situations and execute effective solutions; strong organizational skills, judgment, problem-solving, and crisis-management skills.
• Project management skills for capital improvements and system upgrades.
• Financial acumen, including budget development, variance analysis, and investment planning.
• Availability for 24/7/365 on-call responsibility for escalated emergencies and critical system failures.
• Authorization to work in the United States without visa sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

• State electrical or HVAC licenses in New Jersey or New York.
• Experience managing Class A high-rise properties exceeding 1 million square feet.
• Familiarity with network topology and communication protocols such as Modbus, BACnet, and SNMP.
• Experience in matrix management organizations and leading decentralized teams.
• Strong financial management abilities and P&L accountability experience.
• A proven track record implementing energy-efficiency programs and sustainability initiatives.
• Experience with LEED operations, Energy Star certification, or similar programs.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the operation, maintenance, readiness, and reliability of mission-critical building systems, including generators, UPS systems, switchgear, central plant equipment, HVAC, BMS/BAS, life safety systems, and vertical transportation.
• Monitor building-system performance using BMS, CMMS, and analytics tools to improve efficiency and identify potential issues.
• Manage planned maintenance, testing schedules, and system upgrades while minimizing tenant disruption.
• Develop and provide technical guidance to building engineering team members, including training, onboarding, account rotation, succession planning, and career development.
• Maintain relationships with building ownership, property management, corporate real estate personnel, and key tenants.
• Ensure compliance with service-level agreements, performance specifications, and contract requirements.
• Manage communications during critical emergencies and lead root-cause analysis to prevent repeat failures or service lapses.
• Manage repair and maintenance budgets, capital expenditure plans, forecasts, financial plans, and strategic initiatives.
• Review KPIs and performance metrics, report cost savings and value contributions, and identify portfolio optimization and cost-reduction opportunities.
• Ensure systems comply with applicable local, state, and national codes, EHS requirements, JLL audit standards, Arc Flash protocols, and electrical safety programs.
• Oversee closeout and commissioning requirements for capital projects and maintain archives of drawings, schematics, manuals, warranties, and operational information.
• Manage critical service providers, suppliers, contractors, MEP vendor contracts, and service agreements.
• Coordinate with project management on capital improvements and tenant build-out projects.
• Maintain accurate and timely information in client and JLL systems and fulfill client reporting and contractual requirements.
• Conduct routine infrastructure operations assessments, document findings, and support standardized procedures and best practices.

Benefits

• 401(k) plan with matching company contributions.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision care.
• Paid parental leave at 100% of salary.
• Paid time off and company holidays.
• Early access to earned wages through Daily Pay.
• Supportive culture and comprehensive benefits package prioritizing mental, physical, and emotional health.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager