Torchora
Back to Home

Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Facility Operations Lead

💰 $75,000 - $95,000

OperationsFacilities ManagementLeadershipBuilding Maintenance

🎯 Role Definition

The Facility Operations Lead is a hands-on leadership role responsible for the comprehensive oversight and smooth operation of our physical workplace. This individual acts as the engine room of our facilities, ensuring the seamless functioning, maintenance, safety, and presentation of our building(s), infrastructure, and grounds. You will lead a team of facility staff, manage critical vendor relationships, oversee complex maintenance schedules, and execute facility-related projects. The ideal candidate is a proactive problem-solver who can balance strategic planning with the day-to-day tactical needs of a dynamic environment, ensuring the facility is a world-class asset that supports our company's goals and culture.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Facility Coordinator
  • Senior Maintenance Technician
  • Project Coordinator (Construction/Facilities)

Advancement To:

  • Facility Manager
  • Regional Operations Manager
  • Director of Facilities

Lateral Moves:

  • EHS (Environment, Health & Safety) Manager
  • Corporate Real estate Project Manager
  • Procurement Manager

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Lead, mentor, and manage a team of facilities technicians and coordinators, overseeing daily tasks, scheduling, and performance management to foster a high-performing and motivated crew.
  • Direct and oversee all day-to-day facility operations, including preventative maintenance, reactive repairs, and general upkeep of building systems such as HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and lighting.
  • Develop, implement, and refine a comprehensive preventative maintenance program for all critical building equipment and infrastructure to minimize downtime and extend asset lifecycle.
  • Act as the primary point of contact for all facility-related inquiries and emergencies, providing timely and effective responses, including after-hours and on-call support as needed.
  • Manage relationships with external vendors, contractors, and service providers, including negotiating contracts, defining scopes of work, and ensuring high-quality and cost-effective service delivery.
  • Oversee and coordinate all third-party services, including janitorial, landscaping, pest control, and waste management, conducting regular quality assurance checks.
  • Lead small to medium-scale facility projects, such as office reconfigurations, equipment installations, and minor construction, from planning and budgeting through to execution and completion.
  • Conduct regular and thorough inspections of the entire facility, including offices, common areas, and exterior grounds, to identify and address any safety, maintenance, or cleanliness issues.
  • Ensure strict compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations, including OSHA, EPA, ADA, and fire safety codes, maintaining all necessary documentation and permits.
  • Develop, maintain, and enforce Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all facility operations, safety protocols, and emergency response plans.
  • Manage the facility's operational budget, assisting in its creation, tracking expenditures, processing invoices, and identifying opportunities for cost optimization and efficiency.
  • Utilize and maintain the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) to manage work orders, track assets, schedule maintenance, and generate performance reports.
  • Oversee and coordinate internal office moves, adds, and changes (MAC), including furniture setup, space planning, and logistical coordination to minimize disruption.
  • Manage inventory of essential facility supplies, tools, and MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Operations) parts, overseeing procurement and ensuring stock levels are maintained.
  • Champion and implement environmental health and safety (EHS) programs, conducting safety training, and promoting a culture of safety awareness throughout the organization.
  • Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including IT, HR, and Security, to ensure a cohesive and supportive workplace environment and integrated service delivery.
  • Address and resolve employee-submitted facility tickets and requests in a timely and customer-focused manner, ensuring high levels of internal customer satisfaction.
  • Prepare and present regular reports to management on key facility metrics, including work order completion rates, project status, budget performance, and safety incidents.
  • Oversee the building's physical security systems, including access control, badging, and CCTV, in coordination with the security team or vendor.
  • Lead sustainability initiatives within the facility, such as energy conservation, water usage reduction, and waste diversion programs, to align with corporate social responsibility goals.
  • Coordinate and support company events and meetings by ensuring appropriate room setup, A/V equipment functionality, and post-event cleanup.

Secondary Functions

  • Support the Facility Manager in developing long-term capital improvement plans and strategic facility goals.
  • Participate in business continuity and disaster recovery planning from a facilities perspective.
  • Assist the procurement department in sourcing and evaluating new vendors and technologies for facility services.
  • Provide hands-on technical support and troubleshooting for basic building-related issues when necessary.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Proficiency with Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS), such as FMX, UpKeep, or ServiceChannel.
  • Strong understanding of building mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems, including HVAC.
  • Deep knowledge of OSHA, EPA, ADA, and other relevant environmental, health, and safety (EHS) regulations.
  • Experience with Building Management Systems (BMS) or Building Automation Systems (BAS).
  • Proven vendor management and contract negotiation skills.
  • Competency in budgeting, financial tracking, and expense reporting.
  • Project coordination and management principles (Agile/Waterfall methodologies).
  • Space planning and management, including experience with Moves, Adds, and Changes (MAC).
  • Familiarity with physical security system management (access control, CCTV).
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) for reporting and communication.
  • Ability to read and interpret blueprints and construction documents.

Soft Skills

  • Strong leadership and team management capabilities.
  • Excellent problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
  • Exceptional verbal and written communication.
  • High-level of organization, time management, and attention to detail.
  • Adaptability and ability to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
  • A strong customer service-oriented mindset.
  • Proactive and self-motivated with a strong sense of ownership.
  • Effective negotiation and influencing skills.
  • Sound judgment and decision-making ability under pressure.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED; Associate's degree or technical/vocational school certification in a related field.

Preferred Education:

  • Bachelor's degree.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Facilities Management
  • Business Administration
  • Engineering
  • Construction Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 5-7 years of progressive experience in facilities maintenance or operations, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or lead capacity.

Preferred: Experience in a corporate office, manufacturing, life sciences, or R&D environment is highly desirable. Certifications such as FMP (Facility Management Professional) or CFM (Certified Facility Manager) are a strong plus.

Explore More Careers