Director, Plant Operations 998977

Xavier University is part of the 500-year-old Jesuit Catholic tradition of academic excellence in the liberal art and is strongly committed to enhancing equity, inclusion, and diversity. These values are central to our mission . We strive for a climate of respect and inclusiveness that welcomes and supports members from diverse backgrounds and life experiences, is committed unreservedly to open and free inquiry, and deliberately seeks out multiple perspectives.

Xavier University is seeking to fill the position of Director, Plant Operations. The Director, Plant Operations will provide leadership and strategy development for all aspects of the Physical Plant Department operations and maintenance. You will be responsible for meeting the requirements of all Physical Plant customers and oversee all functions of a multi-trades workforce active within and around all facilities on campus. This will include managing contracts with external service providers, i.e., vendors, contractors, etc., and administer smaller maintenance projects. The Director, Plant Operations will fulfill various administrative duties and other management requirements, as well as initiate the formulation of policies and procedures necessary for the accomplishment of the above responsibilities.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

1. Assure conformance to the University mission, goals, and objectives.

• Assist the Vice President for Facilities with the establishment of priorities, management policies, procedures, and systems.
• Initiate strategic planning activities, actively promote the Office of Physical Plant Strategic Plan.
• Establish policies and procedures to enhance departmental effectiveness and streamline decision-making.
• Assist with the implementation of the Facilities Master Plan.

2. Provide leadership and strategy development for all aspects of the Physical Plant Department operations and maintenance.

• Provide leadership and technical expertise in issues relating to building and utilities maintenance and operations.
• Oversee and direct the facility services functions for the University, including custodial, moving, and events support.
• Provide leadership and technical expertise in the maintenance of grounds and the long-range landscape planning initiatives.
• Insure the University's installed fire protection and security systems meet legal requirements.
• Collaborate with other members of the Vice President of Facilities staff in development of the strategy for remediation of deferred maintenance to be used in preparation of the Capital Plan.
• Achieve a balance among the conflicting demands to both enhance the attractiveness of the campus and the quality of its facilities and infrastructure, and constrain operating costs.

3. Meet the requirements of all Physical Plant customers.

• Maintain appropriate relations with various campus functions and departments that include Academic Affairs, Information Technology, Financial Administration, Mission & Identity, University Relations, Enrollment Management, Student Affairs, and Athletics.
• Consult and interact with customers, internal departments and external consultants regarding facilities modification/repair/maintenance options, strategies and cost estimates and resolves problems and conflicts.
• Coordinate with all department managers and supervisors, and keep the appropriate reporting relationships informed of work plans and status of ongoing work.
• Solicit recommendations for process improvements and develop plans for implementation.
• Ensure compliance with the University, state, and federal laws, policies, and regulations.

4. Oversee all functions of the daily operations of a multi-trades workforce active for all facilities on campus. Operations budget is currently approximately $12MM.

• Develop, implement, and administer the departmental operating budget that includes salaries and benefits, utilities, supplies, and equipment.
• Provide short and long term manpower resource planning; direct personnel; evaluate performance and make recommendations for personnel actions including employment, advancement or termination.
• Mentor all direct reports so that they may fully develop in their roles and responsibilities.
• Motivate employees to meet strategic planning goals.
• Identify training requirements, create a learning environment, and participate in training sessions and seminars.
• Manage contracts with internal and/or external service providers (vendors, service providers, etc.)
• Ensure compliance with the University, state, and federal laws, policies, and regulations.
• Exercise careful financial management.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related fields, and/or have undertaken specialized training in management of facilities.
• Master's degree in Engineering, Facilities Management or Business Administration, preferred.
• 3 to 5 years experience in management of facilities.

Xavier University is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to enhancing equity, inclusion, and diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination on the basis of race, skin color, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability.

To ensure consideration, qualified/interested applicants must submit a cover letter, resume and the names and contact information of three professional references on Xavier University's website by May 9, 2021 . Candidates are asked to include in their cover letter a brief statement on how they might support/contribute to Xavier’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.