General Manager - Facilities - Higher Education

Job Description

The General Manager, Facilities provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for all custodial, grounds, and maintenance functions across a college campus. This position is responsible for delivering a safe, clean, attractive, and well‑maintained environment that supports the institution's academic mission, student experience, faculty and staff needs, and campus events. The General Manager leads a diverse team of managers, supervisors, and frontline employees while ensuring operational excellence, regulatory compliance, budget accountability, and exceptional customer service.

• Direct and oversee all custodial, grounds, and facility maintenance operations across campus.
• Develop and implement operational plans that align with client expectations and institutional goals.
• Ensure facilities are maintained in a clean, safe, functional, and aesthetically pleasing condition.
• Establish performance standards, service level agreements, and operational metrics to monitor effectiveness.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, quality, and customer satisfaction.

• Oversee daily custodial services for academic buildings, residence halls, administrative offices, athletic facilities, and common areas.
• Ensure cleaning programs meet institutional standards and industry best practices.
• Monitor quality assurance programs and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Manage staffing, scheduling, and productivity to meet operational requirements.

• Direct campus grounds maintenance activities including landscaping, irrigation, snow removal, turf management, and seasonal beautification projects.
• Ensure campus grounds support a welcoming and professional appearance year‑round.
• Oversee preventive maintenance and proper utilization of grounds equipment and resources.
• Coordinate emergency weather response and campus preparedness activities.

• Oversee preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance programs for campus facilities and infrastructure.
• Ensure timely completion of work orders and maintenance projects.
• Collaborate with campus leadership on facility improvements, renovations, and capital projects.
• Monitor facility condition and recommend long‑term asset preservation strategies.
• Maintain compliance with applicable building codes, safety regulations, and environmental standards.

• Develop, manage, and monitor departmental budgets.
• Control labor, equipment, materials, and supply costs while maintaining service quality.
• Identify opportunities for operational efficiencies and cost savings.
• Review and approve purchases, contracts, and vendor services.

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of managers, supervisors, and frontline employees.
• Foster a culture of accountability, engagement, safety, and customer service.
• Conduct performance evaluations and support employee development initiatives.
• Ensure appropriate staffing levels and succession planning.

• Serve as the primary facilities contact for campus administrators and key stakeholders.
• Build strong partnerships with students, faculty, staff, and campus departments.
• Respond to service concerns promptly and professionally.
• Participate in campus meetings, planning initiatives, and special events.

• Promote a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with all OSHA, environmental, and institutional requirements.
• Conduct regular inspections and audits to identify and mitigate risk.
• Ensure all employees receive required training and certifications.
• Lead emergency response and business continuity efforts related to facilities operations.

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