Operations Manager (Custodial Department)

Springfield Public Schools • Springfield, MA

1d

About The Position

The Operations Manager supervises and directs custodial work for Springfield Public Schools, including scheduling, training, and evaluating custodial personnel. The role develops and implements standard operating procedures and process improvements, oversees day-to-day operations across assigned areas, and performs related duties as assigned.

The manager oversees staffing, employee development, performance and personnel matters, ensuring compliance with district policies, cleaning plans, safety practices, OSHA requirements, and Department of Public Health regulations. The position is accountable for 24-hour operations and may require off-shift availability based on school building needs. It manages event scheduling software and operational activities involving athletic fields, warehouses, courier services, and vehicles.

The role coordinates custodial supplies, equipment, work requests, staffing coverage, budgets, and overtime; works with vendors; and ensures materials are delivered in a timely manner. It monitors cleanliness and service quality through inspections, satisfaction plans, and quality-control documentation; addresses health, safety, and regulatory issues; and plans moves of furniture, equipment, and supplies for relocating school programs and departments. The manager also prepares budgets and goals, tracks costs and productivity, leads meetings, communicates with other departments, and supports positive employee relations and collaboration.

The position requires a bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field, with appropriate education substitutions permitted, and 3–5 years of experience, including facility management and scheduling. Work takes place in office and other indoor settings and may also occur outdoors, in street, clinical health, warehouse, and construction-site environments. Physical demands include exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and up to 20 pounds frequently or constantly while moving objects.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field; appropriate education substitutions may be made.
• Minimum 3–5 years of experience, including experience in facility management and scheduling.
• Knowledge of methods, materials, and equipment used in building care, cleaning, and maintenance.
• Knowledge of public procurement laws and regulations and local government practices and procedures.
• Ability to supervise and evaluate employees; prioritize and assign work; and handle common inquiries or complaints.
• Ability to use or learn computer software and systems applicable to the position.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions and procedures and respond to questions from students, faculty, staff, and visitors.
• Ability to exercise good judgment, focus on detail, plan effectively, set priorities and objectives, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to establish and maintain constructive, cooperative relationships with staff, peers, supervisors, managers, other departments, outside entities, and other individuals.
• Ability to provide positive and effective customer service, adapt to new methods and procedures, and work independently or as part of a team.
• Ability to listen, work under pressure, address conflict, and solve problems.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret standards, policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Ability to present information effectively and accurately and communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment, including a computer keyboard, monitor, copier, scanner, and telephone.
• Ability to meet physical demands of exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and up to 20 pounds frequently or constantly while moving objects.

Responsibilities

• Supervise custodial staff, including prioritizing and assigning work, evaluating performance, training employees, and ensuring compliance with policies and procedures.
• Interview prospective employees and make recommendations on hiring, transfers, promotions, discipline, termination, and similar personnel actions.
• Resolve grievances and personnel problems within the position's responsibility; develop employees and support employee retention and positive relations.
• Control staffing to budget and ensure appropriate personnel coverage across buildings and assigned zones.
• Provide employee orientation and training, including training on cleaning plans, safety, infection control, hazardous materials, emergency response, and applicable regulations.
• Respond promptly and accurately to complaints and comments from staff, school administrators, and other personnel.
• Provide accountability for 24-hour operations, including off-shift exposure as needed for school building needs.
• Manage Accruent EMS software for scheduling school and community-based events.
• Manage day-to-day operations of school athletic fields, warehouses, courier services, and the custodial department's vehicle fleet.
• Develop and implement standard operating procedures and process improvements consistent with industry best practices.
• Work with vendors to procure custodial cleaning supplies and equipment; order, track, and acknowledge receipt of materials and ensure timely delivery throughout the assigned zone.
• Analyze work orders and assign, schedule, and track requests for timely and cost-effective completion.
• Draft memos, disciplinary letters, and other formal communications.
• Identify and correct health, safety, and regulatory issues in a timely manner.
• Plan and coordinate moves of furniture, equipment, and supplies associated with relocating school programs and departments.
• Develop and manage budgets for supplies, equipment, and overtime within the assigned zone; prepare annual goals, objectives, operating and capital budgets, and new program requests; monitor costs.
• Serve as liaison to other Springfield Public Schools departments and orient designated personnel to custodial department functions as needed.
• Monitor service expectations using satisfaction plans and measurement tools, inspect cleanliness plans, and document staff work and quality-control results for compliance with safety and environmental regulations.
• Document activity and report productivity statistics; oversee operations for efficient, cost-effective performance within budget limits.
• Participate in developing and implementing departmental goals and objectives; organize meetings, set agendas, and record minutes while encouraging employee participation and maintaining confidentiality.
• Conduct daily inspection tours throughout the assigned zone, checking cleanliness, established standards, staffing coverage, and maintenance needs; follow up to ensure corrective measures are completed.
• Evaluate equipment for operational safety and usefulness and review and revise operational policies and procedures.
• Perform other related duties of a similar nature and level as assigned.

Benefits

• Competitive salaries and benefits
• Professional development opportunities
• Career advancement opportunities
• Programs supporting staff in achieving a college degree or pursuing certification pathways

What This Job Offers

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