Assistant Director of Physical Plant

Client: Stevens Institute of Technology

Role: Assistant Director of Physical Plant

Location: Hoboken, NJ

Situation Overview:

Helbling, a ZRG company has been engaged to recruit a Assistant Director of Physical Plant for Stevens Institute of Technology.

About Stevens Institute of Technology:

Stevens Institute of Technology, located in Hoboken, New Jersey, is a prestigious private research university known for its focus on innovation, technology, and engineering. Established in 1870, it is one of the oldest technological universities in the United States and boasts a long history of fostering scientific advancement. The campus, perched on the banks of the Hudson River, offers stunning views of the Manhattan skyline, making it a vibrant hub of learning just minutes from New York City. Stevens is particularly recognized for its programs in engineering, computer science, and business.

Position:

Reporting to the Assistant Vice President for Facilities & Campus Operations, the Assistant Director of Physical Plant provides overall facilities maintenance guidance and direction to Stevens Facilities staff and outside contractors regarding the proper maintenance of buildings and systems of the Stevens campus buildings and grounds, as well as guiding system designs for renovation projects.

This position has managerial oversight of multiple buildings and grounds located on the Stevens campus. The Assistant Director has the overall responsibility for overseeing the implementation of policies, procedures and programs that will assure well-managed, well-maintained buildings and facilities, placing maximum emphasis on leading a staff in the positive response to the concerns and needs of the campus community, environmental health and safety, and quality assurance programs, in coordination and conjunction with the goals and objectives of the University.

The position is the primary liaison with the university end-users and leads staff in the coordination of facilities maintenance services and activities, vendor management, and workforce required for current and future needs of the campus facilities and operations. This position also coordinates with the Design & Construction staff to ensure that engineering designs for renovation projects are consistent with the existing campus infrastructure and development strategies.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

▪ Oversee daily operations of campus buildings and grounds, ensuring that all services are effectively delivered, and all facility needs are met including custodial, life-safety, MEP systems, overall general and grounds maintenance. Ensure that staff implement and provide these services in a manner consistent with Stevens policies and department protocols;

▪ Manage service contracts in a cost-effective manner that assures timely and quality delivery of services. Responsible for all aspects of service delivery pursuant to these contracts, responsible for periodic and ongoing performance and financial review, conducting RFPs, and assuring payments and invoicing match contract pricing. Compliance with audit and finance control systems to ensure statutory, policy and contractual commitments are met;

▪ Lead the in-house facility management team in the supervision of maintenance programs relating to the interior and exterior conditions and appearance and operation of the facilities;

▪ Ensure that facility management staff consistently provides positive and prompt responses to requests from all clients and building end-users/occupants;

▪ Prepare and deliver consolidated work order reporting and reviews (monthly and/or quarterly) to the AVP for Facilities & Campus Operations;

▪ Manage the operation to the annual facilities maintenance budget. Assist in developing and explaining the annual facility maintenance budget as needed in preparation of quarterly forecasts, and business plans;

▪ Assist in development of capital budgets for the property. This includes contributions towards a five to ten-year plan of maintenance, facility improvement and cost reduction initiatives;

Coordinate the collection, analysis, and reporting by the facility management team of statistical data and analysis to provide accurate and current assessment of facility management objectives, work order productivity, cost savings and improvements. Review work order metrics and system to identify service gaps and recurring issues and provide corrective actions;

▪ Makes routine periodic tours of the interior/exterior of the campus to identify and document findings on building inspection forms, as needed;

▪ Approve all positions and direct the hiring, training, and motivational activities of the facility

management staff. Responsible for effective and proactive employee relations with all site staff. Conduct and approve all performance evaluations of facility management staff;

▪ Manage and drive customer focus within all areas of operational activities and ensure that effective relationships are maintained with key division contacts;

▪ Drive innovation through the development of best practices, operational and service efficiency as well as the identification of industry trends and tools that would contribute to our operational excellence goals.

▪ Participate in Environmental Health & Safety programs and initiatives, as well as periodic review and audits;

▪ Participate in Emergency Management Team meetings for events that impact campus infrastructure and operations;

▪ Work closely with the Design & Construction staff to ensure that designs being prepared by engineering consultants are consistent with our overall campus operation, existing infrastructure, and strategies being developed for campus-wide infrastructure development.

Key Competencies:

▪ Strong mechanical and electrical infrastructure background, specifically relating to HVAC, electrical, plumbing, fire systems, and Data Center operations;

▪ Communication Proficiency (oral and written) Technical Proficiency, Problem Solving/Analysis Customer Focus Financial Management, Leadership, Relationship Management, Team Orientation, Vendor Management and Multi-Tasking.

Qualifications:

Education Requirements:

▪ Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Facilities Management or a related discipline is required.

Required Experience:

▪ Minimum of 8-10 years of facility management experience with at least 3 years at the level of Facility Manager with a strong focus on infrastructure design & construction;

▪ Experience in construction, engineering and all facets of property operation and building management;

▪ Experience with human resource and performance management processes;

▪ Experience managing Union staff and labor agreements;

▪ Experience with critical system environments preferred;

▪ CMMS/Work Order Management experience required.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications:

Certified Facility Manager (CFM), International Facilities Management Association (IFMA), industry

certifications or other Engineering, Business or technical training or certifications preferred;

▪ Proficient in understanding service maintenance agreements and contract language;

▪ Ability to read and understand construction specifications, blueprints, and single line diagrams;

▪ Skilled in Building Management Systems maintenance and monitoring;

▪ Excellent computer and systems knowledge; Strong literacy in Microsoft Office Suite (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint);

▪ Strong discipline of fiscal management including tracking operating budgets.

To apply please submit a resume and cover letter to Valerie Rohn at valerier@helblingsearch.com