Senior Manager of Maintenance Optimization

Now hiring a Senior Manager of Maintenance Optimization

Job Title: Senior Manager of Maintenance Optimization
Location: Syracuse, NY
Job Type: Full-time
Department
:
Maintenance & Facilities Management
Reports To: Executive Leadership

The Senior Manager of Maintenance Optimization is responsible for leading and transforming the maintenance operations of the Foundation Housing student housing portfolio. This executive-level role focuses on efficiency, innovation, and cost-effectiveness in maintenance processes while ensuring an exceptional student living experience. This person will develop data-driven strategies, implement best‑in‑class maintenance programs, and optimize resources to improve service delivery, asset longevity, and operational performance.

This leader will collaborate with property management, construction, procurement, and technology teams to enhance maintenance workflows, reduce response times, and maximize preventative maintenance initiatives. The role requires strong leadership, strategic thinking, and operational expertise to drive a high‑performing maintenance organization.

• Develop and execute a company‑wide maintenance strategy focused on efficiency, reliability, and student satisfaction.
• Drive a preventative maintenance culture, reducing emergency repairs and improving asset lifespan.
• Standardize maintenance procedures across all properties to ensure uniformity, compliance, and efficiency.
• Oversee capital planning for facility improvements, renovations, and long‑term asset maintenance. Identify requests and status, and maintain an accurate list of all required maintenance with estimated cost and priority, timing range, or risks if deferred, using the provided template.
• Implement data‑driven decision‑making by leveraging maintenance KPIs, work order tracking, and predictive analytics. Consistently maintain maintenance records and use records to drive decision making/metrics, OPEX – show bid and real price, records of expenses, review monthly.

• Optimize work order management to improve response times and technician efficiency.
• Develop and enforce standard operating procedures (SOPs) for maintenance teams and contractors.
• Identify opportunities for cost savings without compromising service quality, including strategic vendor negotiations.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations, OSHA standards, and industry best practices.
• Develop and oversee a structured turnover process to prepare properties between lease transitions. This includes ensuring adequate staffing, scheduling all required maintenance, procuring materials in advance, and coordinating efforts to minimize downtime between leases.
• Evaluate and implement new maintenance technologies, such as smart building systems and automated diagnostics. Work with the technology team / business process team.
• Recruit, lead, mentor, and develop a high‑performing maintenance team across multiple campuses.
• Foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement among maintenance personnel.
• Implement training programs for maintenance staff, focusing on skill development, safety, and efficiency.
• Work closely with the Property Management team and site teams to align maintenance strategies with business goals.
• Coordinate with the Head of Design to manage project installations, including furniture, decor staging, assembly, and placement. Develop a process to ensure efficient labor planning, timely deliveries, and proper set up of newly completed projects.
• Partner with Leasing, Construction, and Property Management teams to align maintenance initiatives with student needs.
• Ensure seamless coordination with capital projects and renovations, integrating maintenance considerations early in the planning phase.
• Ensure access control and monitoring systems are operational at all times, including key fobs, smart locks, and security cameras.
• Develop contingency plans for security system failures and coordinate with IT and property management to resolve issues swiftly.

• Hire, oversee, and schedule cleaning services across campuses to…