Facilities and Building Operations Manager

Manager of Facilities and Building Operations Department: Facilities Status: Full-time

Who We Are
At Sertoma Star Services, we're on a mission to empower individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities and those living with mental illness to reach their goals and lead fulfilling lives. With a strategic presence in South Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana, we proudly serve over 2,000 consumers through a diverse range of vocational, educational, therapeutic, and residential programs.
Sertoma Star Services roots trace back to the merger of two dynamic social services organizations, New Star and Sertoma Centre combining over 125 years of expertise in providing cutting-edge, person-first services. Our united commitment is straightforward: to transform lives through delivering comprehensive services, choices, and opportunities to those we support in an environment that promotes self-advocacy and personal success.
By joining the Sertoma Star Team you will have a unique opportunity to challenge limits and change lives. Together, we can shape a brighter future for those we serve.

Your Role
The Manager of Facilities and Building Operations is responsible for the oversight and daily management of all facilities and maintenance functions across the organizations campuses and buildings. This role ensures safe, clean, functional, and efficient environments that support organizational goals. Responsibilities include team leadership, vendor management, budgeting, capital project oversight, and regulatory compliance. The position works closely with senior leadership and operational teams to align facility operations with broader organizational goals.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and develop the facilities and maintenance team, fostering a customer service-focused culture, prioritizing the needs of staff and tenants.
• Manage facility operations across 30+ sites, ensuring all buildings, equipment, furniture, and shared spaces are efficiently maintained, clean, and fully functional.
• Partner with senior leadership and operations to develop and execute facility management strategies aligned with organizational goals.
• Oversee all maintenance operations, including HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and general repairs
• Lead and manage all phases of capital and construction projects exceeding $1M, including new construction, renovations, and major improvements from initial planning and bid solicitation through design, build-out, occupancy, and post-project evaluation.
• Plan and manage facility projects, including timelines, deliverables, and resources are effectively allocated and within budget.
• Oversee the full bid process, including contractor solicitation, scope of work evaluations, side-by-side bid comparisons, and final selection
• Engage regularly with site leaders and tenants to assess space needs and optimize space utilization
• Ensure regulatory compliance and adherence to safety standards across all locations
• Manage and maintain accountability for the E-Tix work order system, ensuring timely and effective resolution of requests.
• Build and maintain vendor relationships; negotiate contracts and ensure service level compliance
• Conduct regular team meetings and provide ongoing feedback, fostering a culture of accountability and collaboration
• Stay current with industry trends and innovations to continually enhance facilities operations and services
• Perform other duties as assigned to support facilities operations and organizational objectives.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required. Bachelor's degree preferred
• 10+ years of progressive experience in facilities management, including multi-campus oversight
• Proven track record managing 30+ facilities and complex vendor relationships
• Experience leading new construction projects of $1M+ strongly preferred
• Strong project management skills, including the ability to develop detailed plans and manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Ability to read, interpret, and adjust floor plans and utility layouts
• Skilled in managing the full bid process, from solicitation to completion, including side-by-side bid and scope comparisons
• Strategic thinker with strong organizational and problem-solving skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; adept at building relationships across all levels
• Strong negotiation skills with demonstrated success in contract management
• Comfortable working independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment

Benefits

• Generous paid time off
• 13 Paid holidays
• Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance Plans
• Employer Paid Insurance: Basic Life/AD&D and Long-Term Disability
• Employee Assistance Program
• 403(b) with company match
• Tuition assistance
• Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness
• Ongoing training and development opportunities

Health, Safety, and Culture
Sertoma Star is an equal opportunity employer that embraces the uniqueness of every person. Sertoma understands that in order for you to work effectively and be an advocate of inclusivity, we must foster an environment that is respectful and sensitive to persons of all gender identities and from every cultural, socioeconomic, ethnic, religious, and racial background. Our open-door, team-building concept supports both agency goals and employee success.