Facilities Operations Manager

JLL•Cambridge, MA

4d•$130,000 - $150,000•Onsite

About The Position

As a Facilities Operations Manager supporting our life sciences client, you'll serve as the strategic operational leader responsible for maintaining a safe, compliant, and high-performing facility environment. This role is built for a driven, high-energy professional who brings an infectious enthusiasm for operational excellence. You are someone who doesn't just manage a facility — you own it, with deep, hands-on knowledge of every system, process, and stakeholder relationship that keeps it running at its best. This role demands both technical mastery and exceptional relationship-building skills as you oversee all aspects of facility operations including HVAC, electrical and plumbing systems, critical utilities, and regulatory compliance specific to life sciences environments. You'll manage vendor relationships, lead high-performing facilities teams, and uphold the stringent standards required in pharmaceutical and biotech settings.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Facilities Management, or a related technical field, or equivalent combination of education and experience
6+ years of progressive facilities management experience, with at least 3+ years in a life sciences, pharmaceutical, or biotech environment
Strong working knowledge of regulatory requirements including FDA regulations, GMP, and cleanroom standards
Proven experience managing critical facilities infrastructure including HVAC, electrical distribution, emergency power systems, and laboratory utilities
Experience managing capital projects and facility modifications from planning through execution
Strong budget management skills with demonstrated ability to optimize costs while maintaining service excellence
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills with the ability to translate technical concepts for non-technical audiences
An open, forward-thinking mindset toward emerging technologies, including AI applications in facility management, predictive maintenance platforms, and digital twin environments

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree in Engineering, Facilities Management, or related discipline
Professional certifications such as Certified Facility Manager (CFM), Project Management Professional (PMP), or Professional Engineer (PE)
Experience with computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS), building automation systems, and AI-integrated facility management platforms
Background in commissioning and qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ) of laboratory and manufacturing equipment
Experience supporting GxP or clinical operations in regulated environments

Responsibilities

Lead and manage the facilities operations team — including technicians, engineers, and vendor partners — fostering a culture of safety, accountability, energy, and continuous improvement
Oversee critical building systems including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, BAS, and laboratory support equipment to ensure 24/7 operational reliability
Maintain comprehensive compliance with FDA, EPA, OSHA, MWRA and other regulatory requirements specific to life sciences facilities
Develop and execute preventive and predictive maintenance programs that optimize equipment performance and extend asset lifecycles — leveraging AI-powered tools and data analytics where applicable
Manage vendor contracts, service level agreements, and KPI performance metrics to ensure quality service delivery and cost-effectiveness
Coordinate and oversee capital improvement projects, facility modifications, and equipment installations with minimal disruption to ongoing operations
Respond swiftly and decisively to emergency situations and lead root cause analysis efforts to prevent recurrence of facilities-related incidents
Prepare and manage the facilities operating budget, identifying cost-saving opportunities while maintaining service quality and safety standards
Serve as the primary facilities liaison with client leadership, providing regular updates on performance metrics, upcoming projects, continuous improvement initiatives, and technology advancement opportunities