Director Plant Operations & Engineering

Lifespace Communities•Dallas, TX

2d•$145,300 - $210,800

About The Position

Lifespace Communities is seeking a strategic, results-driven Director of Plant Operations & Engineering to lead facilities and engineering standards across its portfolio of senior living communities. The role has enterprise-wide influence over facilities operations, engineering standards, service excellence, and operational performance. It includes leading capital improvements and refurbishment programs, developing high-performing teams, and helping ensure that community environments are safe, efficient, and well maintained. The Director establishes consistent standards and performance measures across maintenance, engineering, housekeeping, laundry, grounds, security, and apartment refurbishment. The role oversees facility-related projects and financial performance, partners with development and construction teams, and serves as a trusted advisor to community executive leadership and plant operations teams. It also supports regulatory compliance, proactive maintenance, risk mitigation, emergency preparedness, disaster response, and business continuity planning. This position is based at the Lifespace Support Center, 3501 Olympus Boulevard, Dallas, Texas. Extensive travel across community locations is required. The listed annual pay range is $145,300–$210,800+.

Requirements

8–10+ years of progressive leadership experience in facilities management, plant operations, engineering, or building maintenance.
Proven success leading complex operations across multiple locations.
5–10 years of experience managing capital improvements, construction, renovation, or facilities-related projects.
Strong working knowledge of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, building systems, and preventive maintenance programs.
Demonstrated success developing operational standards, managing budgets, and driving measurable improvements.
Strong leadership, communication, relationship-building, and problem-solving skills.
Ability and willingness to travel extensively across community locations.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a regulated environment; senior living experience is highly preferred.
Bachelor's degree preferred; equivalent relevant leadership experience will be considered.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement consistent standards across maintenance, engineering, housekeeping, laundry, grounds, security, and apartment refurbishment.
Drive operational efficiencies, quality outcomes, and service across multiple locations.
Establish KPIs, performance benchmarks, and accountability measures.
Lead enterprise-wide adoption and optimization of work order management systems.
Oversee capital improvements, renovations, refurbishment programs, and facility-related projects.
Partner with development and construction teams to ensure projects meet quality, budget, and timeline expectations.
Drive financial performance through budgeting, resource allocation, staffing models, and vendor management.
Identify opportunities to improve operating efficiencies while maintaining quality standards.
Advise community executive leadership and plant operations teams on facilities operations and engineering.
Coach, mentor, and develop leaders, supporting performance, accountability, and succession planning.
Build collaborative partnerships across community operations and corporate functions.
Promote service excellence, safety, continuous improvement, and operational accountability.
Ensure facilities meet applicable regulatory, safety, and operational requirements.
Establish proactive maintenance programs and risk mitigation strategies.
Support emergency preparedness, disaster response, and business continuity planning.
Promote safe, reliable, and well-maintained environments for residents, team members, and visitors.