Regional Maintenance Manager

Fairlawn Management • Bloomington, IL

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

Fairlawn is a vertically integrated firm specializing in real estate investment, management, and development. Based in Chicago and Champaign, Illinois, we have a more than 10-year track record in value-add projects, development, student housing, and build-to-rent communities. With a portfolio of approximately 5,750 units and $900 million in assets under management, Fairlawn has established a strong presence across Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky. We are actively expanding into additional Midwest markets. The Regional Maintenance Manager provides strategic oversight of all maintenance functions within an assigned region. Reporting to the Regional Operations Manager, you will serve as the functional leader for maintenance teams, ensuring consistent execution of safety standards, preventive maintenance, capital projects, and cost controls. While maintenance technicians report directly to Property Managers, you provide the coaching, technical guidance, and operational audits necessary to drive excellence. This is a high-visibility leadership role focused on asset preservation and team development rather than routine work orders.

Requirements

• Have 10+ years of progressive experience in multifamily maintenance, including regional or multi-site exposure
• Have experience overseeing maintenance operations of 1,500 – 3,000 units simultaneously
• Are an expert coach and trainer, demonstrating strong leadership skills with the ability to influence without direct supervisory authority
• Possess strong technical knowledge of property systems (HVAC, plumbing, electrical, appliance repair, life-safety systems), and deep understanding of municipal fire codes, Fire Marshal requirements, and REAC/Lender inspections
• Exhibit superior organizational skills and the ability to prioritize and pivot as needed
• Have fluency with KPI Dashboards: both development and interpretation
• Communicate effectively with property managers, technicians, vendors, and residents
• Are proficient with relevant technology (e.g., Microsoft Office, AppFolio, Outlook)
• Embody our core values: Be Kind, Own It, Be Flexible, and Always Improve
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
• Ability to travel locally and overnight between regional properties and other company locations. Travel will be frequent (more than 50%) and an essential part the role to ensure success
• Availability to support peak periods and escalations as needed (not part of a regular on-call rotation)
• Ability to perform the physical functions of the position, including lifting up to 50 lbs and working in varied conditions

Nice To Haves

• Have an Associates or Bachelor’s Degree in Construction Management, Facilities Management or Business Administration (preferred)

Responsibilities

• Act as the functional lead for regional maintenance, driving professionalism and safety standards
• Partner with Property Managers on hiring, onboarding, and performance evaluations for technicians
• Create training plans (HVAC, plumbing, electrical) to elevate technician competency and conduct regular site “training visits” to coach team members
• Standardize regional maintenance procedures, ensuring preventive maintenance is completed and tracked
• Analyze KPIs (e.g. work order completion time, unit turn times, repeat repairs) to identify and solve systemic operational issues
• Audit unit turn processes across region to ensure alignment with company standards and timelines
• Collaborate with Asset Management and Construction Management to develop and execute annual Capital Expenditure plans
• Scope capital projects, define vendor requirements, and oversee field execution to ensure budget and quality compliance
• Perform property assessments to identify long-term preservation risks and capital needs
• Manage responses to municipal inspections, fire marshal findings, and lender-required repairs
• Ensure regional compliance with OSHA standards, building codes, and environmental regulations
• Support root cause analysis for recurring safety or compliance violations
• Evaluate and negotiate vendor contracts to ensure quality and cost competitiveness
• Review regional maintenance spending to identify savings and assist in budget creation and forecasting
• Support acquisitions through technical due diligence and property condition assessments
• Pivot, roll up your sleeves and jump in as needed!

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
• Employee sponsored benefits including Short Term Disability, Life Insurance, Critical Illness, Accident, Flexible Spending, and H.S.A. Accounts
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Match
• Paid Vacation, Sick Leave, and Holiday Pay
• Company events
• Wellness Days
• Quarterly off-site meetings with your manager

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Associate degree