Mechanical Shop Manager

UMass AmherstAmherst, NY
Onsite

About The Position

The Mechanical Shop Manager, reporting to the Assistant Director of Maintenance, is responsible for managing and coordinating the daily operations of the Controls, Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation, Mechanical, and Refrigeration Shops. This role serves as the primary point of contact for university customers, ensuring efficient delivery of repair services, systems monitoring, preventative maintenance planning, procurement of parts, inventory control, and managing technical trades staff. The manager also oversees third-party service contractors when internal capacity or expertise is insufficient.

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Facilities Management, Construction Management, or related field and five (5) years of related experience; OR an Associate’s degree and seven (7) years of related experience; OR nine (9) years of progressively responsible experience in management, mechanical systems maintenance, HVACR, or facilities operations.
  • At least one (1) year of experience serving as a manager or supervisor of a moderate-sized department or unit.
  • Leadership skills and experience showing significant accomplishments in improving the operational efficiency of a large crew.
  • Experience planning and responding to emergency failures in buildings with technically sophisticated systems and infrastructure.
  • Thorough understanding of failure modes of Modern Mechanical systems including HVACR, Controls and components and the consequences of the failures.
  • Thorough understanding of Planning, Procurement, Scheduling and Field Execution processes.
  • Ability to create a scope of work.
  • Ability to read and interpret complex engineering/architectural drawings and contract documents.
  • Extensive working knowledge of HVACR, and Controls equipment and computerized systems.
  • Experience troubleshooting building and mechanical systems problems and the ability to make recommendations to mitigate systemic issues.
  • Demonstrated ability to work without supervision to resolve problems of both a technical and administrative nature.
  • Experience managing personnel, including hiring and interviewing for multiple trades.
  • Proficiency in the use of computers and skills in MS Office applications (word processing, spreadsheets, databases, electronic mail, internet applications) and computerized maintenance management software programs.
  • Ability to positively interact with a variety of individuals through direct and non-direct interactions and communications to build relationships with a broad spectrum of customers.
  • Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written communication with a diverse audience both internal and external to the University.
  • Ability to prioritize the importance of assets and maintenance tasks and link to strategic goals.
  • Must possess a current driver's license.
  • Willingness and ability to work occasional evening and weekend hours and be on-call to report to work during emergency closures, inclement weather, or significant events that affect campus operations.

Nice To Haves

  • Experience working in a unionized environment.
  • Experience at a large college or university or other organization of similar size and complexity.
  • Familiarity with quality assurance methods.
  • Demonstrated experience using programs such as Computer Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) such as TMA and strong technical skills to work with database programs and/or enterprise applications.
  • Knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, and nationally recognized standards and guidelines, as related to OSHA, NFPA, EPA etc.
  • Familiarity with the International Building Code’s mechanical provisions.
  • Working knowledge of AutoCad and the capability to use for take-offs.
  • Demonstrated skill set for estimating resource hours, material, and sequencing for maintenance tasks.
  • Line management experience directly supervising trade crews in a 24/7/365-day operation.

Responsibilities

  • Ensures mechanical shop is staffed and organized to maximize the strength of multiple trade disciplines and technicians.
  • Collaborates with support teams including trade supervisors, directors, engineers, user groups, and customers.
  • Manages backlog levels by trade area.
  • Evaluates, updates, and develops new standard procedures to prioritize work and directs activities.
  • Manages the need for supplemental services, allocation of additional staff, and overtime.
  • Supervises and/or coordinates activities of staff and maintenance personnel engaged in maintenance, renovation, central utility plant/infrastructure operation, and other facility activities.
  • Manages after-hours on-call staff, including scheduling, ensuring coverage, and serving as a main contact for emergencies.
  • Establishes and documents building needs in consultation with the Management team.
  • Utilizes reports, building inspection evaluations, and work order information to identify and prioritize deferred maintenance projects.
  • Establishes scopes of work and develops estimates for deferred maintenance projects.
  • Assists in the development of three to five-year deferred maintenance plans.
  • Provides support and assists in the development and implementation of the University’s energy conservation programs in coordination with the Energy Management group.
  • Participates in the review of University capital project plans and specifications to determine impact on operations, maintenance, and staff resources.
  • Leverages key performance indicators (KPIs) to enhance operational efficiency, while managing and evaluating staff performance and work quality.
  • Develops and implements a strategic University-wide plan for HVACR including control technicians to reduce service calls and improve customer satisfaction.
  • Fosters a culture of accountability and ownership in all aspects of work performed.
  • Reviews and/or develops scope of work, cost estimates, schedules, contingencies, and project risks for renovation and maintenance projects.
  • Obtains necessary permits and agency approvals for renovation or maintenance projects.
  • Monitors project associated costs, coordinates resources, documents scope changes, and tracks KPIs.
  • Assures compliance with all Federal, State, Local, and University safety policies, building codes, fire codes, and environmental regulations.
  • Supports training programs for trades employees.
  • Maintains working knowledge of the management and removal of regulated materials including asbestos, mold, lead, silica, and PCBs.
  • Establishes a procurement program to support staff operations with required contract services and materials.
  • Determines the optimum level of parts and supply inventories.
  • Develops Requests for Proposals and works with purchasing or capital procurement to establish contracts.
  • Develops and controls operating budgets for the shop, in addition to project budgeting.
  • Periodically audits work orders to ensure proper labor and material charges.
  • Ensures staff are organized effectively and knowledgeable of their assigned responsibilities.
  • Maintains a supportive coaching style emphasizing professional development.
  • Participates in the selection and hiring of staff; supervises, trains, and evaluates assigned staff members; follows progressive disciplinary procedures; participates in fact-finding activities and grievances.
  • Implements a formal communications program with key stakeholders.
  • Monitors and tracks customer satisfaction.
  • Interacts with Facilities and the campus community in a customer-friendly, professional, and cooperative manner.
  • Provides support to the department’s continuous improvement program through participation in team meetings and events.
  • Continuously improves department work methods, procedures, and systems.
  • Operates University-owned motor vehicles to various work sites.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

  • Professional development opportunities
  • Support for continuous improvement programs
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