Director Maintenance
University of South Florida · Tampa, FL
- On site
- Full-time
- $150,000 / year
- Tampa, FL
Job highlights
- Lead campus operations and maintenance strategy.
- Manage facilities, utilities, and energy systems.
- Oversee outsourced service provider performance.
- Manage significant maintenance budgets and capital needs.
- Ensure operational compliance and safety standards.
About the role
Director of Maintenance
The University of South Florida (USF) is seeking a Director of Maintenance to provide strategic oversight and managerial direction for the Operations Division, specifically for the Tampa Campus. This role involves close collaboration with USF System leadership, informing senior leadership and the Board of Trustees on campus operations, and nurturing client relationships. The Director will represent the Division within the USF System, the State University System, and the industry.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and guide the Facilities Management team, develop goals and policies, and implement initiatives.
- Provide overall management, direction, and planning for the Operations Sub-Division, which includes Maintenance, Utilities, and Energy Management & Controls departments.
- Serve as the University's lead representative for Maintenance programs and the liaison to SSC (Shared Services Center) partners.
- Design and implement strategic goals and objectives for SSC operations, monitoring service standards, KPIs, and scopes of work.
- Ensure compliance with University Standards, organizational goals, local laws, regulations, and safety standards.
- Collaborate with SSC to evaluate and improve contracted services, preparing performance reports and recommendations for leadership.
- Conduct visual and documented inspections to identify and mitigate risks associated with service provider work.
- Manage significant fiscal responsibility for Maintenance budgets, monitor forecasts, and report variances to ensure transparency.
- Collaborate with SSC and USF senior leadership on capital needs and requirements, reviewing invoices and approving expenses.
- Address contract-related problems and project growth needs, recommending cost-effective solutions and alternatives to reduce costs while maintaining quality.
- Act as a liaison between the service provider and campus buildings, gathering feedback from university stakeholders to drive improvements.
- Supervise USF employees supporting SSC operations, managing time, and coordinating HR and employee relations issues with SSC.
- Respond to and manage maintenance incidents and emergencies, providing critical decision-making and leading response operations.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution.
- Minimum of 7 years of related exempt-level experience, including 5 years of managerial experience.
- Experience leading a team, project, program, or function.
- Degree Equivalency Clause: Four years of direct experience for a bachelor’s degree. (Subject to Florida Senate Bill 1310).
Preferred Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in engineering, facilities management, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
- 10+ years of facilities/maintenance experience with 7+ years in senior leadership.
- Experience managing large, complex operations, preferably in higher education.
- Strong background overseeing outsourced services, including performance management, QA/QC, inspection programs, and continuous improvement.
- Solid knowledge of building systems (HVAC, electrical, plumbing), utilities, and life safety systems.
- Demonstrated financial management of large operating budgets and data-driven decision-making skills.
- Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
Key skills/competency
- Facilities Management
- Maintenance Operations
- Budget Management
- Strategic Planning
- Team Leadership
- Contract Management
- Stakeholder Management
- Risk Mitigation
- Performance Monitoring
- University Operations
Skills & topics
- Director of Maintenance
- Facilities Management
- Operations Management
- University Operations
- Maintenance
- Utilities
- Energy Management
- Leadership
- Budget Management
- Contract Management
- Higher Education
- Engineering
- Tampa
- Florida
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight leadership experience and budget management relevant to university facilities.
- Showcase relevant experience: Emphasize your background in managing large, complex operations, especially in higher education or with outsourced services.
- Demonstrate leadership skills: Prepare to discuss your approach to team leadership, stakeholder management, and strategic planning during interviews.
- Research USF: Understand USF's mission, values, and its position as a leading research university.
- Prepare for technical questions: Be ready to discuss building systems, maintenance programs, and performance metrics.
Technical preparation
Review building systems knowledge (HVAC, electrical, plumbing).,Understand maintenance program KPIs and service standards.,Familiarize with energy management and controls.,Study outsourced service provider contract management.
Behavioral questions
Describe leading a large operational team.,How do you manage budgets and financial risks?,Explain your stakeholder management approach.,How do you ensure quality in outsourced services?
Frequently asked questions
- What are the primary responsibilities of the Director of Maintenance at the University of South Florida?
- The Director of Maintenance at USF is responsible for the strategic oversight and managerial direction of the Operations Division for the Tampa Campus. This includes leading the Facilities Management team, managing maintenance, utilities, and energy management departments, overseeing outsourced service providers, ensuring compliance, and managing significant budgets.
- What qualifications are required for the Director of Maintenance role at USF?
- A Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution is required, along with a minimum of 7 years of related exempt-level experience, including 5 years of managerial experience. A degree equivalency clause allows for 4 years of direct experience for a bachelor's degree. Preferred qualifications include a degree in engineering or facilities management, 10+ years of experience, and experience with outsourced services.
- Does the University of South Florida offer opportunities for professional development for its leadership staff?
- Yes, USF is dedicated to cultivating a talented workforce and fosters employee development and advancement within its rich academic environment. While specific programs for this role aren't detailed, the university's culture supports growth and learning.
- How does the University of South Florida manage its maintenance operations and outsourced services?
- The Director of Maintenance serves as the University's lead representative for Maintenance programs and the liaison to SSC partners, who execute operations. The role involves designing strategic goals, monitoring performance, ensuring compliance, and collaborating with SSC for continuous improvement and risk mitigation.
- What is the significance of the 'Degree Equivalency Clause' and SB 1310 for this Director of Maintenance position at USF?
- The Degree Equivalency Clause, linked to Florida Senate Bill 1310, allows for a substitution of work experience for postsecondary education requirements. For this role, four years of direct experience can substitute for a bachelor's degree, provided all other employment eligibility requirements are met.
- What kind of financial responsibilities does the Director of Maintenance hold at USF?
- The Director holds significant fiscal responsibility for Maintenance budgets. This includes monitoring budgets, forecasting changes, collaborating on capital needs, reporting variances, reviewing invoices, approving expenses, and working with service providers to control or reduce costs while maintaining service quality.
- How does USF ensure that outsourced maintenance services meet its standards?
- The Director designs and implements strategic goals, develops and monitors service standards and KPIs, ensures compliance with University Standards, laws, and safety regulations, and collaborates with SSC to continuously evaluate and improve outcomes. Regular assessments and feedback mechanisms are in place.