Director Plant Operations & Engineering

Lifespace Communities • Dallas, TX

1d

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 provides enterprise-level leadership for facilities operations, engineering standards, service excellence, and operational performance across multiple locations. The Director will lead facility improvements, renovations, apartment refurbishment, capital investments, and the development of high-performing teams, with the goal of elevating the resident experience.

The position establishes consistent operational standards and performance measures across maintenance, engineering, housekeeping, laundry, grounds, security, and apartment refurbishment. It oversees capital projects and financial performance, advises community executive leaders, develops plant operations leaders, and champions safety, compliance, risk management, emergency preparedness, and continuous improvement. Extensive travel across community locations is required. The role is based at the Support Center in Dallas, Texas.

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.
• Bachelor's degree preferred; equivalent relevant leadership experience considered.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in a regulated environment; senior living experience is highly preferred.
• Bachelor's degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement consistent standards across maintenance, engineering, housekeeping, laundry, grounds, security, and apartment refurbishment.
• Drive operational efficiencies, quality outcomes, and service excellence 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 as a facilities subject matter expert.
• Coach, mentor, and develop leaders, strengthening performance, accountability, and succession planning.
• Build 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.
• Travel extensively across community locations.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: No Education Listed