MANAGER OF PROGRAM OPERATIONS, Custodial Services

University of Washington•Seattle, WA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Custodial Services has an outstanding opportunity for a Manager of Program Operations to join our team. Our department delivers custodial services to the UW campus that provides exceptionally clean and sanitary environments for students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Reporting to the Associate Director, the Manager directs day-to-day activities including assigning work, preparing the daily cleaning schedules, monitoring the productivity of staff, evaluating work assignments and completion of project work, providing building security to include unlocking and locking buildings, and responding to employee concerns. The Manager works closely with Building Coordinators, Administrators, and other University staff in response to their organizational needs. This position is for a full time Manager of Program Operations at the University of Washington Seattle Campus with hours of Monday through Friday, 5:00 am – 1:30 pm. This position performs essential services and may be required to work during any period of declared suspended operation.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree and two years of full-time supervisory experience.
Proven strong organizational and problem-solving skills, including ability to make sound judgment.
Demonstrated experience working with and/or contributing information to the determination of a fixed budget.
Demonstrated ability to work within and support others in a customer-service environment.
Demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines with demonstrated flexibility to meet changing needs to handle anticipated and unpredictable deadlines.
Experience inspecting buildings to determine cleaning needs, analyzing workloads, and creating job assignments for staff.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including creating reports, conducting meetings, and training personnel; and ability to work well with others.
Demonstrated ability to work in a culturally diverse environment.
Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
Successful experience working with multiple levels and groups of the organization to accomplish goals.
Computer proficiency using Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel, as well as data-entry experience.
Ability to use tools, equipment, and cleaning techniques in a hands-on environment.
Regular and predictable attendance.
Experience supervising unionized custodial staff.
Possession of a valid Washington State Driver’s License or a license recognized as valid by the State of Washington and two years of driving experience.
Physical ability to do required work.
Must be able to lift / move up to 35 lbs., walk 4 hours per day, bend-stoop-kneel frequently.
Must be able to follow written and/or verbal instructions and communicate in English regarding the use of chemicals, supplies, and equipment; comply with safety policies and procedures.

Nice To Haves

Experience supervising custodial services staff in an academic or large institution.

Responsibilities

Lead and manage custodial operations across assigned facilities, ensuring consistent delivery of high-quality, efficient, and reliable services
Implement organizational priorities through operational plans, staffing strategies, and service standards
Monitor program performance through inspections, data analysis, and service metrics; implement corrective action and operational improvements as needed
Coordinate with maintenance and facilities teams to ensure timely identification and resolution of building issues
Oversee development and adjustment of workflows, schedules, and work assignments to meet operational demands
Provide inclusive, respectful leadership to a diverse workforce, promoting accountability, engagement, and professional growth
Supervise staff including hiring, onboarding, training, coaching, and performance management
Conduct formal performance evaluations and provide ongoing feedback to support employee development and service quality
Manage staffing levels, approve timekeeping and leave, and support workforce planning
Address employee relations in alignment with University policies and applicable labor agreements
Ensure compliance with University of Washington policies, UW Facilities standards, and applicable local, state, and federal regulations
Promote and enforce safe work practices, including adherence to OSHA/WISHA standards, SDS requirements, and use of PPE
Oversee and ensure completion of reporting, review, and follow-up for incidents, accidents, and unsafe conditions
Maintain building security practices, including oversight of key control and access accountability
Support audits, inspections, and required compliance documentation
Manage program budgets, including labor and materials, ensuring effective and responsible use of resources
Oversee procurement, inventory management, and maintenance of equipment and supplies
Develop and maintain reports on staffing, performance, workload, and operational outcomes
Use data to inform decision-making and improve program effectiveness
Build and maintain collaborative relationships with building occupants, campus partners, and stakeholders
Ensure timely, professional response to service requests, concerns, and feedback
Engage with stakeholders to assess service satisfaction and identify opportunities for improvement
Coordinate special or non-routine service requests in alignment with operational capacity
Establish and maintain quality control processes, including routine inspections and service evaluations
Identify trends, gaps, and opportunities for operational improvements
Implement and support improvements to existing processes, best practices, and service delivery
Foster a culture of continuous improvement, learning, and accountability that supports growth and success
Perform other duties as assigned