Facilities Operations Manager

The Facilities Operations Manager is responsible for the overall operation, maintenance, safety, and strategic management of Easterseals Southeast Wisconsin’s facilities, grounds, vehicles, and related assets.  The position oversees maintenance personnel, contractors, vendors, and facility improvement projects while ensuring compliance with regulatory and safety requirements. The role develops preventive maintenance programs, manages facility resources and budgets, supports capital planning, and provides safe, functional, and welcoming environments that support the mission.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES (FUNCTIONS) include the following: 

Supervision

• Supervises assigned department personnel. This includes the following responsibilities, but not limited to hiring, evaluating, training, scheduling, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and the completion of all work performed by direct reports. 
• May supervise employees participating in disability employment, vocational development, internship, or training programs.
• Educates and trains direct reports on all department and agency policies and procedures. 
• Meets with direct reports weekly to identify and resolve problems, provide support; manage projects, and review work processes and procedures.
• Participates in management team activities and agency events including fundraisers as required.
• Participates in assigned meetings, professional development, and training as required.
• Ensures staff follow agency safety policies, OSHA guidelines, and Lockout/Tagout procedures.
• Serves as backup to the technician(s) as needed.

Facilities Operations & Maintenance

• Provides day-to-day leadership of maintenance operations across owned and leased facilities.
• Oversees general maintenance, repairs, and improvements across multiple facilities including plumbing, electrical, carpentry, HVAC support, and grounds.
• Develops and manages preventive maintenance schedules and work-order systems.
• Ensures completion and documentation of work orders and preventive maintenance tasks within required timeframes.
• Conducts routine facility inspections to identify maintenance needs, safety issues, and operational improvements.
• Ensures all buildings comply with federal, state, and local codes, including NFPA, OSHA, ADA, and WI DHS requirements for day programming sites.
• Oversees life-safety systems including fire alarms, sprinklers, extinguishers, emergency lighting, and HVAC systems.
• Serves as primary contact for contractors, vendors, landlords, and property management companies.
• Obtains bids, negotiate services, review invoices, and monitor contract performance.
• Monitors lease obligations and facility-related compliance requirements.
• Maintains documentation required for licensing, inspections, audits, and regulatory compliance.
• Supports emergency preparedness, facility security, and business continuity planning.
• Verifies work completion, review invoices, and ensure services meet quality and compliance standards.
• Assists in developing and monitoring the facilities budget, including materials, equipment, and capital improvements.
• Oversees procurement and inventory of maintenance supplies, tools, and equipment.\
• Recommends cost-effective solutions for building repairs and long‑term facility planning.
• Communicates effectively with program managers/directors, staff, and leadership regarding facility conditions, scheduled work, disruptions, or safety concerns.
• Prioritizes work to support program needs and minimize downtime.
• Models excellent customer service and responsiveness for the maintenance team.

*NON-ESSENTIAL DUTIES*

• Supports special events, relocations, and program expansions.
• Performs other duties (or functions) as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to carry out each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• 5+ years of maintenance experience, including at least 2 years in a lead or supervisory role.
• Experience managing multiple buildings and vendor relationships preferred.
• Strong working knowledge of building systems (electrical, plumbing, HVAC, carpentry, fire/life safety).
• Experience managing multi‑site facilities preferred.
• Experience in nonprofit, healthcare, education, human services, or disability services environments preferred.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation. 
• Must have proof of insurance AND meet the requirements of the Employee Driving Policy to be eligible for mileage reimbursement.
• A Criminal Background Check must meet the requirements of the State of WI licensure for day programming. 

Specialized Skills/Abilities/Knowledge:

• Strong leadership, coaching, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to plan, schedule, and prioritize work in a fast‑paced environment.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals of diverse backgrounds and abilities.
• Budgeting, procurement, and vendor management experience.
• Effective verbal and written communication; accurate documentation.
• Organized, self-motivated, able to prioritize multiple tasks and prioritize and manage workflows. 
• Sound judgment and problem-solving; able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Competent in Microsoft Office Suite, Microsoft 365, email, laptops/phones.
• Commitment to safety, compliance, customer service, professionalism, and mission-driven service.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality. 
• Awareness of disability issues.
• Be honest, dependable, and able to meet deadlines.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds.
• Frequent walking, standing, bending, kneeling, climbing ladders, and reaching.
• Work at heights using ladders/scaffolding; roof access as needed.
• Exposure to loud noises, outdoor weather, mechanical rooms, and chemicals/cleaners.
• Driving between agency locations as required.
• A flexible schedule is required (may be on call 24 hours for serious incidents, alarms, or snow removal).
• Occasionally exposed to loud/noisy environments.
• Occasionally exposed to cold/heat.

  EQUIPMENT USED/MACHINERY REQUIRED TO OPERATE:

  Includes, but is not limited to: 

• Telephone
• Computer
• Copy Machine
• Fax Machine
• Operate a motor vehicle safely
• Ladders/scaffolding
• Hand and power tools
• Snow removal equipment/shovel