Supervisor, Preventive Maintenance

Rice University•Houston, TX

4d•$33 - $38•Onsite

About The Position

The Preventive Maintenance Supervisor plans, directs, and oversees all preventive and predictive maintenance activities to ensure the reliability, performance, and longevity of facility systems and equipment. This role leads the development and continuous improvement of a comprehensive maintenance program designed to maximize asset life cycles, minimize unplanned downtime, and reduce overall maintenance costs, while establishing priorities based on asset criticality and operational needs. The Supervisor provides leadership and daily management of the F&CP Preventive Maintenance Shop, including staff supervision, scheduling, and resource allocation, and ensures compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory standards. Additionally, the position analyzes equipment performance, implements proactive solutions to prevent failures, collaborates with operations and engineering, and oversees staff development, budgeting, and inventory to support efficient and reliable facility operations. An ideal candidate is a proactive and detail-oriented maintenance leader with strong experience in preventive and predictive maintenance programs. They demonstrate the ability to optimize asset performance, reduce downtime, and extend equipment life through data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement. This individual is an effective supervisor who can lead, develop, and manage technical teams while prioritizing work based on operational needs and asset criticality. They possess strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills and are committed to safety, regulatory compliance, and cross-functional collaboration to ensure efficient and reliable facility operations.

Requirements

Associate’s degree In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year-for-year basis may be substituted
3+ years of experience in facilities and preventive maintenance, including supervising trades and working with mechanical, electrical, and HVAC systems using standard tools and troubleshooting equipment In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year-for-year basis may be substituted
Advanced technical expertise in repair, diagnostics, and safe use of mechanical, electrical, and HVAC tools and equipment
Strong communication skills, both oral and written, for clear instruction, reporting, and collaboration
Leadership and mentoring abilities to guide, train, and develop team members
Effective multitasking and prioritization to manage multiple projects and operational demands

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s or trade school degree in a related field
Journeyman qualifications or equivalent in a technical craft (electrician, mechanic, HVAC, plumbing, or pipefitting)
6 years of supervisory experience in maintenance, plant operations, manufacturing, or other technical environments, with demonstrated team leadership
Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills, with the ability to work independently and solve complex problems
Working knowledge of transfer switches, bus ducts, and motors; ability to read CRT screens and indicator lights accurately
Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills; ability to build and maintain positive relationships with campus stakeholders
Self-motivated and customer-focused, able to prioritize and manage multiple responsibilities effectively
Proficient with computers, including word processing, spreadsheets, and computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS)
Valid Texas Driver’s License (or ability to obtain within 30 days), with no more than three moving violations or at-fault accidents in the past 36 months and no DWI/DUI convictions or deferred dispositions in the past 5 years

Responsibilities

Provide leadership, guidance, and mentorship to maintenance staff to achieve departmental and University goals, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement
Partner on the development and implementation of a comprehensive safety program in partnership with Environmental Health and Safety to ensure a safe working environment and compliance with regulatory standards
Monitor, train, and coordinate maintenance personnel who may work outside of typical business hours to ensure tasks, work orders, and preventive maintenance activities are completed efficiently and on schedule
Manage the preventive maintenance program in partnership with departmental stakeholders, establish team priorities for assigned tasks, and ensure optimal asset reliability and performance
Mentor peers and team members, providing coaching and support to enhance technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and professional growth
Plan and coordinate labor, materials, and work order completion to ensure smooth operations and timely project execution
Coordinate with vendors, ensure timely delivery of materials, and oversee contracted work to meet quality and deadline expectations
Instruct, demonstrate, and monitor employees in diagnosing equipment issues and developing effective corrective action plans for complex technical problems
Contribute to and support ongoing maintenance training initiatives to build team expertise and maintain high operational standards
Perform other duties as assigned to support departmental objectives and University operations