Critical Systems Manager

JLL • Jersey City, NJ

9d • $145,000 - $155,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Critical Systems Manager is responsible for the reliable operation, maintenance, and performance of mission-critical infrastructure at a large commercial property in a 24/7 environment. Systems include emergency generators, UPS systems, switchgear, central plant equipment, HVAC, BMS/BAS, life safety systems, and vertical transportation. The role oversees maintenance, testing, upgrades, analytics, and operational readiness while minimizing disruption to tenants.

The manager develops and guides the building engineering team, provides technical direction and training, and supports staff onboarding, succession planning, and career development. The position maintains relationships with building ownership, property management, corporate real estate stakeholders, tenants, vendors, and contractors, while ensuring contractual service levels and effective emergency communications.

Responsibilities also include managing MEP maintenance and repair budgets, capital plans, financial forecasts, KPIs, cost savings, and performance reporting. The manager ensures compliance with applicable codes, EHS requirements, JLL audit standards, and electrical safety protocols; oversees vendors and project coordination; and maintains accurate records and client/JLL systems. The role is based on-site in Jersey City, New Jersey, with a Monday–Friday day-shift schedule, weekend coverage as needed, and 24/7/365 on-call responsibility for escalated emergencies and critical failures.

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/standby generators, automatic transfer switches, UPS systems, and power distribution infrastructure.
• Knowledge of central plant operations, including chillers, boilers, cooling towers, and pumps; HVAC systems, including air handlers, VAV systems, and controls; and BMS/BAS.
• Knowledge of life safety systems, including fire alarm, sprinkler, emergency communication, and smoke control systems.
• Strong knowledge of Electrical/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 managing technical teams and demanding client relationships.
• Strong oral and written communication, negotiation, analytical, organizational, and strategic planning skills.
• Ability to assess complex situations, develop alternative approaches, solve problems, and manage crises effectively.
• Project management skills for capital improvements and system upgrade initiatives.
• 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.
• Authorized 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 track record of implementing energy-efficiency programs and sustainability initiatives.
• Experience with LEED operations, Energy Star certification, or similar programs.

Responsibilities

• Oversee 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 and analyze system performance using BMS, CMMS, and analytics tools to improve efficiency and identify potential issues.
• Coordinate planned maintenance, testing schedules, and system upgrades while minimizing tenant disruption.
• Develop and mentor building engineering team members; provide technical guidance on operations, preventive maintenance, and emergency response.
• Develop staff onboarding, training, account rotation, succession planning, and career development programs.
• Maintain relationships with building ownership, property management, corporate real estate personnel, and key tenants.
• Ensure compliance with service level agreements and performance specifications; manage communications during critical emergencies.
• Lead root cause analyses to prevent repeat failures and service delivery lapses.
• Manage MEP repair and maintenance budgets, capital expenditure plans, and expense forecasts; contribute to annual 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 building, fire, safety, and electrical codes, EHS requirements, and JLL audit standards.
• Oversee Arc Flash Safety protocols and electrical safety programs; ensure appropriate closeout and commissioning of capital projects.
• Maintain archives of drawings, schematics, equipment manuals, warranty documents, and operational information.
• Manage critical service providers, suppliers, contractor relationships, MEP contracts, service agreements, and performance accountability.
• Coordinate with project management on capital improvements and tenant build-out projects.
• Maintain accurate and timely information in client and JLL systems, manage client reporting requirements, and ensure contractual compliance.
• Conduct routine infrastructure operations assessments, document findings, and support implementation of standardized procedures and best practices.
• Provide 24/7/365 on-call coverage for escalated emergencies and critical system failures; provide weekend coverage as needed.

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 focused on mental, physical, and emotional health.

What This Job Offers

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