Facility Maintenance Manager - Buffalo, NY

US Foods • Buffalo, NY

6d • $70,000 - $115,000

About The Position

The Manager, Fleet & Facility Operations is responsible for safe, efficient, and compliant fleet maintenance and facility, domicile, and hub operations. The role oversees general maintenance, repairs, sanitation, groundskeeping, office space, security, power industrial equipment, refrigeration, compliance, and vendor services. It ensures proactive preventive maintenance and timely issue resolution for company-owned equipment, including refrigeration systems and vehicles, to maintain regulatory compliance and operational readiness.

The manager leads and develops fleet and facilities operations and maintenance staff, optimizes workflows using CMMS and automation technologies, manages third-party providers, and supports sustainability initiatives that reduce energy consumption and extend asset life. The position helps maintain a safe workplace, protect product quality, preserve cold-chain integrity, and enable uninterrupted customer service.

The role supervises maintenance and sanitation staff, with approximately 2–10 direct reports depending on distribution center size. It collaborates with internal operational and support teams, distribution center and corporate leadership, outside service providers, regulatory agencies, and emergency services. Work includes time in an office, in and around a distribution center in varied climates (including temperatures that may reach -5 degrees), and occasionally on the road in a truck. Flexible hours, including nights, weekends, and on-call availability, may be required to support 24/7 operations and emergencies.

Requirements

• At least 5 years of facilities management experience.
• At least 3 years working with refrigeration systems within cold-chain distribution.
• Proven leadership experience managing maintenance teams, budgets, and vendor contracts.
• Strong understanding of OSHA, EPA, USDA, FDA, GMP, and other regulatory compliance requirements.
• Proficiency with computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) and basic data analytics.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to adapt to changing organizational and operational needs.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Outlook, and Teams.
• Demonstrated knowledge of DOT, Hazmat, and OSHA regulations.
• Working knowledge of ammonia and Freon systems.
• Working knowledge of environmental regulations, legislation, and governing bodies.
• Working knowledge of applicable building, life-safety, and fire protection standards and codes.
• Bachelor’s degree in Facility Operations, Engineering, Construction, or a related field, or equivalent relevant work experience.
• Thermo King and Major certification.
• Valid driver’s license with a motor vehicle record in good standing and ability to travel between sites if required.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including nights, weekends, and on-call as needed for 24/7 operations and emergency support.

Nice To Haves

• Five years of facilities management experience in food distribution, manufacturing, or other temperature-controlled, high-volume environments.
• Three years of proven leadership experience managing maintenance teams, budgets, and vendor contracts.
• Experience implementing automation, warehouse control systems, or energy management technologies to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
• Demonstrated success leading sustainability initiatives such as energy reduction, waste minimization, water conservation, or green building practices.
• Lean Six Sigma certification or experience driving continuous improvement programs.
• Strong vendor negotiation skills and experience managing multi-site service agreements.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence at all levels of the organization.
• Familiarity with computerized building management systems (BMS) and advanced CMMS analytics.
• EPA Section 608 Certification (Freon sites only).
• Powered Industrial Equipment Certification.
• Certificate in fleet trade/mechanic.
• State Inspections License.
• Class A or B commercial driver license.

Responsibilities

• Direct and monitor staff responsible for building, grounds, sanitation, refrigeration, power industrial equipment, and security maintenance, using tracking software and preventive maintenance schedules.
• Ensure adherence to Preferred Work Methods and foster a safety-first culture focused on injury-free operations.
• Oversee refrigeration system operation, monitoring, and maintenance to meet temperature-control standards for perishable products; partner with Quality Assurance and Food Safety teams to protect cold-chain integrity and respond to temperature excursions or equipment failures.
• Manage, assign, and oversee facility operations activities and capital projects, ensuring timely, high-quality completion with minimal disruption to distribution operations.
• Coordinate repairs, upgrades, and equipment installations with other departments.
• Interpret, train on, and enforce company policies and procedures; develop a culture of safety.
• Recruit, train, coach, and evaluate staff; administer discipline when necessary and maintain associate relations through communication, meetings, and policy clarification.
• Manage labor hours within budget and create work schedules, including overtime as required; prioritize daily tasks and long-term projects and manage competing deadlines.
• Build and maintain relationships with third-party vendors, including utilities, refrigeration contractors, janitorial, pest control, and security providers; ensure required compliance documents are current.
• Oversee selection, purchasing, use, and inventory control of assets such as racking, material handling equipment, refrigeration units, fuel, and shop equipment; monitor asset life cycles and recommend replacements or upgrades.
• File warranty claims, recover warranty dollars, and develop the yearly budget.
• Partner with Quality Assurance and sanitation teams to meet USDA, FDA, GMP, and other food safety requirements; inspect cleanliness, sanitation, pest control, and allergen management programs.
• Perform or oversee maintenance of company-owned vehicles and equipment; maintain documentation and certifications and ensure manufacturer service recommendations are followed.
• Assist drivers with specialized equipment and roadside issues; arrange qualified repair services for downed vehicles and obtain competitive repair bids.
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, including OSHA, EPA, USDA, DOT, and Tax Commission requirements; conduct internal audits and maintain inspection and compliance documentation.
• Maintain documentation and compliance for food safety protocols, EPSM, Process Safety Management, ammonia refrigeration safety, and fire protection systems.
• Partner with the Safety Department to deliver training, conduct safety observations, investigate accidents, and update Preferred Work Methods.
• Lead emergency response planning and crisis management and liaise with local emergency management agencies.
• Coordinate with warehouse and transportation teams so facility infrastructure supports receiving, storage, and shipping without delays or product compromise.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the manager.

Benefits

• The role may receive an annual incentive plan bonus.
• Benefits may include health insurance, pre-tax spending accounts, retirement benefits, paid time off, short-term and long-term disability, employee stock purchase plan, and life insurance.

What This Job Offers

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