Manager, Facilities - University of Pennsylvania

University Overview


The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America’s Best Large Employers in 2023.




Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.




The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.








Posted Job Title

Manager, Facilities





Job Profile Title

Manager, Facilities





Job Description Summary

Acts as the liaison across the university community for facilities related issues. Maintain and develop strong customer relations while managing multiple priorities and developing acceptable service levels. Maintain customer/vendor contact within designated area. Represent customer and participate in internal prioritization and scheduling of service provision. Consult with housekeeping and trade managers to ensure established service levels are being met and that all work is conducted as safely as possible. Establish and maintain, with customer, on-going capital and facility renewal projects list.





Job Description


Job Responsibilities


The University of Pennsylvania, a prestigious Ivy League institution, is seeking a highly skilled and experienced General Trades Manager to oversee multiple supervisors and unionized skilled employees performing maintenance and small renovation projects within the university's facilities which encompass approximately 302 acres, 15 million feet in 180 campus buildings. The successful candidate will play a critical role in managing assigned trades, ensuring efficient project execution, oversee budget maintaining high-quality standards, and adhering to safety protocols.


Responsibilities:


General Maintenance and Small Renovation Project Management:



+ Manage supervisors who plan, execute, and supervise general maintenance repairs and various small renovation projects across all trades on the University of Pennsylvania campus.


+ Coordinate with project stakeholders, including architects, engineers, contractors, and university staff to ensure smooth project progression.


+ Utilize a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS), to ensure a comprehensive and efficient approach to the delivery of general maintenance services and renovations.


+ Monitor project timelines, budgets, and resource allocation to meet deadlines and financial targets.


+ Conduct regular site visits and inspections to ensure compliance with university standards and regulations.



Team Leadership and Development:



+ Manage and lead multiple supervisors who oversee teams of skilled workers across various trades, including carpenters, electricians, plumbers, ,HVAC technicians and other specialized trades.


+ Foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment, promoting teamwork, continuous learning, and professional growth via an environment of diversity, equity and inclusion.


+ Provide guidance and mentorship to team members, fostering skill development and ensuring a high level of performance.



Quality Control and Safety:



+ Implement and enforce safety protocols and industry best practices to ensure a safe working environment for all workers and contractors.


+ Oversee quality control measures to ensure that construction work meets the university's standards and specifications.


+ Address any safety or quality issues promptly and take corrective actions as required.



Union Relations:



+ Oversee the supervision of union personnel and management of union contracts.


+ Participate in the grievance/discipline process


+ Work collaboratively with union representatives to ensure smooth project operations and adherence to labor agreements.



Budget, Resource Management and Reporting:



+ Collaborate with the finance department to develop and manage construction budgets.


+ Efficiently allocate resources, including labor, materials, and equipment, to optimize project outcomes and cost-effectiveness.


+ Purchase materials and services (within established guidelines) to support operations,


+ Ensure supervisor’s accuracy of payroll inputs and approvals


+ Administrative, HR, and data analysis responsibilities as assigned


+ Communicate project updates, progress, and potential issues to university management and relevant stakeholders.


+ Prepare comprehensive reports on project status, budgets, and resource allocation.



Regulatory Compliance:



+ Stay updated with local, state, and federal regulations related to construction, safety, and building codes.


+ Ensure that all construction activities adhere to relevant regulations and obtain necessary permits and licenses.







Qualifications



+ Technical/Vocational or Associate’s degree or completed apprenticeship in a related field required and a minimum of 7 to 10 years in managing and supervising skilled trades, including Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing (MEP) and general construction trades is essential. BA/BS preferred.


+ Proven experience (minimum 7 years) as a trades manager, preferably in large-scale projects or institutional settings overseeing a variety of skilled trades.


+ Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and guide a diverse group of multi skilled workers and multiple competing demands on resources.


+ The ideal candidate must have prior experience overseeing the supervision of union personnel and managing union contracts. They should have a strong understanding of labor union dynamics, collective bargaining agreements, and the ability to work collaboratively with union representatives to ensure smooth project operations and adherence to labor agreements.


+ In-depth knowledge of general maintenance, repair processes, techniques across various trades including MEP and general trades.


+ Excellent project management abilities, including budgeting, scheduling, and resource allocation with experience using a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS)


+ Thorough understanding of construction safety regulations and best practices. Knowledge of city/state codes and ASHRE standards.


+ Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to collaborate effectively with various stakeholders.


+ Proficiency in relevant maintenance and project management software, including CMMS.


+ This position will require the individual to be on call 24/7 and designated as essential personnel.









Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania









Department / School

Facilities and Real Estate Services





Pay Range

$74,476.00 - $100,000.00 Annual Rate

Salary offers are made based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, as well as internal and market factors and grade profile.




Affirmative Action Statement Penn adheres to a policy that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected class.




Special Requirements Background check required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.




University Benefits

+ Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts : Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family’s health and welfare. You can also use flexible spending accounts to pay for eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.

+ Tuition : Take advantage of Penn's exceptional tuition benefits . You, your spouse, and your dependent children can get tuition assistance here at Penn. Your dependent children are also eligible for tuition assistance at other institutions.

+ Retirement: Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn’s Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.

+ Time Away from Work: Penn provides you with a substantial amount of time away from work during the course of the year. This allows you to relax, take vacations, attend to personal affairs, recover from illness or injury, spend time with family—whatever your personal needs may be.

+ Long-Term Care Insurance: In partnership with Genworth Financial, Penn offers faculty and staff (and your eligible family members) long-term care insurance to help you cover some of the costs of long-term care services received at home, in the community or in a nursing facility. If you apply when you’re newly hired, you won’t have to provide proof of good health or be subject to underwriting requirements. Eligible family members must always provide proof of good health and are subject to underwriting.

+ Wellness and Work-life Resources : Penn is committed to supporting our faculty and staff as they balance the competing demands of work and personal life. That’s why we offer a wide variety of programs and resources to help you care for your health, your family, and your work-life balance.

+ Professional and Personal Development: Penn provides an array of resources to help you advance yourself personally and professionally.

+ University Resources: As a member of the Penn community, you have access to a wide range of University resources as well as cultural and recreational activities. Take advantage of the University’s libraries and athletic facilities, or visit our arboretum and art galleries. There’s always something going on at Penn, whether it’s a new exhibit at the Penn Museum, the latest music or theater presentation at the Annenberg Center, or the Penn Relays at Franklin Field to name just a few examples. As a member of the Penn community, you’re right in the middle of the excitement—and you and your family can enjoy many of these activities for free.

+ Discounts and Special Services : From arts and entertainment to transportation and mortgages, you'll find great deals for University faculty and staff. Not only do Penn arts and cultural centers and museums offer free and discounted admission and memberships to faculty and staff. You can also enjoy substantial savings on other goods and services such as new cars from Ford and General Motors, cellular phone service plans, movie tickets, and admission to theme parks.

+ Flexible Work Hours: Flexible work options offer creative approaches for completing work while promoting balance between work and personal commitments. These approaches involve use of non-traditional work hours, locations, and/or job structures.

+ Penn Home Ownership Services: Penn offers a forgivable loan for eligible employees interested in buying a home or currently residing in West Philadelphia, which can be used for closing costs or home improvements.

+ Adoption Assistance: Penn will reimburse eligible employees on qualified expenses in connection with the legal adoption of an eligible child, such as travel or court fees, for up to two adoptions in your household.




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To learn more, please visit: https://www.hr.upenn.edu/PennHR/benefits-pay



The University of Pennsylvania's special character is reflected in the diversity of the Penn community. We seek talented faculty and staff who will constitute a vibrant community that draws on the strength that comes with a substantive institutional commitment to diversity along dimensions of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, disability, veteran status, interests, perspectives, and socioeconomic status. Grounded in equal opportunity, nondiscrimination, and affirmative action, Penn's robust commitment to diversity is fundamental to the University's mission of advancing knowledge, educating leaders for all sectors of society, and public service. The University of Pennsylvania prohibits unlawful discrimination based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected class.