Maintenance Team Manager; Facilities, Real Estate, & Planning

Wake Forest University • Winston Salem, NC

17h • Hybrid

About The Position

The Maintenance Operations Team Manager is responsible for the leadership, coordination, and daily management of campus maintenance operations for an assigned team of maintenance professionals. This position oversees skilled trades, preventive maintenance, work order management, and operational support services that ensure campus facilities are safe, functional, attractive, and aligned with the institution’s mission and student experience goals. The Manager provides hands-on operational leadership while fostering a customer-service-oriented culture that supports students, faculty, staff, and campus visitors. The role requires strong technical knowledge, team leadership, budget oversight, and the ability to balance long-term planning with responsive day-to-day operations in a dynamic campus setting.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Facilities Management, Construction Management, Engineering Technology, Business Administration, or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of 5–7 years of progressively responsible facilities maintenance experience.
• Minimum of 3 years of supervisory or management experience leading skilled trades or maintenance teams.
• Demonstrated knowledge of building systems, preventive maintenance practices, and facilities operations.
• Experience using computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS).
• Knowledge of maintenance operations and building systems management.
• Ability to lead and motivate diverse teams in a service-oriented environment.
• Strong customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to analyze operational data and develop process improvements.
• Ability to interpret blueprints, technical manuals, and construction documents.
• Ability to respond effectively during emergencies and operational disruptions.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and CMMS platforms.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced campus environment.
• Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in higher education, hospitality, healthcare, or institutional facilities environments.
• Experience supporting residential facilities operations.
• Trade certification or licensure in HVAC, electrical, plumbing, or a related field.
• Knowledge of sustainability practices and energy management systems.
• Experience managing contracted vendors and service agreements.

Responsibilities

• Direct and manage the daily operations of campus maintenance activities, including: HVAC, Electrical, Plumbing, Carpentry, Painting, and General maintenance
• Oversee preventive and predictive maintenance programs for the assigned academic, residential, athletic, administrative, and/or auxiliary facilities groups.
• Manage team work orders to ensure timely completion, customer satisfaction, and operational efficiency.
• Prioritize maintenance requests based on safety, operational impact, and institutional priorities.
• Coordinate after-hours and emergency response activities for campus facilities issues.
• Supervise, schedule, train, and evaluate maintenance personnel and trade staff.
• Promote a culture of accountability, teamwork, safety, professionalism, and customer service.
• Responsible for the recruitment, onboarding, and workforce development initiatives for the assigned team.
• Conduct regular team meetings and safety briefings.
• Support cross-training initiatives to improve operational flexibility and staff growth.
• Collaborate with campus departments to support institutional operations and special events.
• Maintain strong communication with campus stakeholders regarding maintenance schedules, outages, and project updates.
• Respond in a timely manner, professionally and effectively to campus concerns and service requests.
• Assist in the preparation and management of maintenance operating budgets.
• Monitor expenditures related to labor, materials, tools, equipment, and contracted services.
• Identify opportunities for cost savings, operational efficiencies, and sustainability improvements and make recommendations to the Director.
• Manage inventory and procurement of maintenance supplies and equipment.
• Ensure compliance with applicable OSHA regulations, building codes, environmental standards, and institutional policies.
• Maintain documentation and records related to inspections, maintenance activities, and regulatory compliance.
• Support campus emergency preparedness and business continuity efforts.
• Promote safe work practices and ensure staff use proper equipment and PPE.
• Assist with long-range facilities renewal and deferred maintenance planning.
• Provide operational input for capital projects, renovations, and infrastructure improvements.
• Support sustainability and energy management initiatives.
• Participate in facilities assessments and operational planning efforts.
• This position may be designated as essential personnel to support business continuity during campus emergencies, disasters, or other special needs as directed by management. Essential personnel are subject to recall inside/outside their normal schedule.
• Reports all matters of safety to the Director of Environmental, Health, and Safety if necessary.
• Follows all University and departmental policies and procedures.

Benefits

• The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all qualified candidates to apply without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, disability and military or veteran status.

What This Job Offers

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