Executive Director, Facilities Operations

Sodexo Careers•Rahway, NJ

About The Position

Sodexo is seeking an experienced Executive Director of Facilities Operations to serve as the senior leader and primary account manager for a large, multi-site client portfolio. This role oversees a complex facilities management environment and is responsible for delivering integrated hard and soft services across multiple locations. The ideal candidate will bring extensive executive-level leadership experience along with a proven ability to lead large-scale operational transformations, mobilize transitioning accounts, and stabilize service delivery within dynamic, high-profile environments. This individual will lead a team of senior facilities professionals and drive operational excellence through a combination of self-performed services and subcontractor partnerships. Strong financial and operational acumen are essential, including experience managing large-scale budgets, optimizing performance, and overseeing complex contractual relationships. The successful candidate will be a strategic, client-focused leader with exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills, capable of driving results in fast-paced, service-oriented environments. We are seeking candidates who reside in Pennsylvania, New York, or New Jersey.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a related field or a minimum of 7 years of equivalent leadership experience in facilities management or operations.
Proven experience in a senior facilities leadership role, with prior success as an Executive Director or equivalent position overseeing large-scale, multi-site operations.
Demonstrated ability to lead complex account transitions, drive operational transformation, and stabilize service delivery in dynamic, client-facing environments.
Deep knowledge of facilities management across hard and soft services, including capital planning, regulatory compliance, safety oversight, and emergency preparedness.
Strong financial and business acumen, with experience managing large operational budgets, optimizing resources, and driving cost-efficiency initiatives.
Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to lead diverse teams, influence at all levels, and build trusted client relationships.
Minimum 7 years of management experience.
Minimum 7 years of functional experience in facilities management, engineering, management of business/operations service in both soft and hard facilities services.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary point of contact for client communication, ensuring alignment between client expectations and operational delivery through effective leadership of Facilities Directors and frontline teams.
Provide strategic oversight for facilities operations, including capital planning, system upgrades, and emergency management, ensuring code compliance and operational resilience across all sites.
Lead and develop high-performing teams, including managers, tradespeople, and directors, with a focus on performance management, workforce planning, and employee safety.
Oversee financial planning and management for large-scale budgets, including forecasting, cost control, and optimization initiatives such as energy efficiency and capital investment planning.
Act as a key liaison with regulatory agencies, architects, engineers, and contractors, ensuring compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations while supporting design, renovation, and maintenance projects.
Evaluate and enhance existing programs, services, and policies; recommend and implement improvements that drive operational excellence, efficiency, and client satisfaction.
Foster a culture of safety and compliance by leading safety programs, conducting audits, and ensuring ongoing staff training and adherence to safety protocols.