Lab Building Operations Branch Manager

Job Description:
Works under the Quality Assurance Unit Director performing complex administrative and advanced (senior level) managerial work providing direction and guidance for the day-to-day operations and strategic planning for the Building Operations Branch activities affecting the Public Health Laboratory Division buildings. Works to establish PHLD’s strategic plan including creating goals, objectives, guidelines, and measurement tools for determining progress such as milestones/performance indicators. Coordinates and evaluates PHLD activities for the Building Operations Branch including coordinating and evaluating project and current process activities and/or business functions. Directs the management of the branch which includes providing diverse services to support laboratory programs by coordinating the development, implementation, maintenance, and evaluation of a comprehensive building support operation systems. Supervises the work of others related to the functions including the laboratory’s support operations of laboratory building services, laboratory maintenance, surplus management, space management, safety management, lab supply/inventory management, managing contracts and various administrative services. Reviews and approves budgets for on-going and upcoming building projects for the PHLD. Provides information, counsel, and assistance to laboratory management on building operations issues ensuring effective utilization of resources and continuous improvement of customer service. Communicates and coordinates with internal and external agency(s) on administrative functions including budgets as the laboratory representative. Supervises the work of others within the Building Operations Branch. Manages and develops staff through review of performance data, consultation, training, and performance appraisal. Performs other duties as assigned. Works under minimal supervision with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Supervises the work of others.
Essential Job Functions:
EJF 1. (25%) Provides overall vision, leadership, and strategic planning for building operations for the PHLD. Directs the overall planning, implementation, coordination of the Building Operations Branch program policies and reviews/approves budget to promote effective administration and service delivery. Establishes PHLD’s strategic plan for building operations including creating goals, objectives, and guidelines consistent with the agency’s strategic plan for both long- and short-term plans. Provides information and assistance to laboratory management on building operations issues. Advises, consults, and works with program staff in identifying their needs in support service areas, developing those services, and evaluating the branch’s performance. Facilitates the formulation, review, implementation and evaluation of agency policies and operational rules and procedures essential to the efficient and effective administration of building operation activities, considering applicable legislative mandates, state and federal laws, and customer service issues.
EJF 2. (25%) Directs the management of the Building Operations Branch that includes providing diverse services to support laboratory programs in meeting division objectives for laboratory building services, laboratory maintenance, surplus management, space management, safety management, and laboratory supply/inventory management. Monitors and evaluates project and Business Operation services activities and/or business functions. Coordinates the development, implementation, maintenance, and evaluation of a comprehensive building support operations system and ensures the effective administration of Building Operations Branch services provided to the diverse programs housed within the PHLD. Works to develop and implement various quality assurance and performance measurement tools and evaluation to monitor and determine progress of program or project requirements including minor and major construction activities. Reviews audits, forecasts, and other data to evaluate and provide direction and guidance. Facilitates continuous quality improvement for program and process improvement. Identifies opportunities for program operations to improve service and/or reduce costs.
EJF 3. (20%) Evaluates and monitors compliance to various safety and regulatory requirements of building operations for the division the various, complex programs within the division. Develops and reviews documents such as policies, procedures, guidelines, and directs evaluation activities. Identifies deficiencies and opportunities for improvement for PHLD building operation programs. Responsible for ensuring that all building, safety, supply, and maintenance systems are implemented, monitored, and remain in compliance with the requirements for nationally recognized building standards such as the NFPA Life Safety Code, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and other federal, state, and city regulations related to safety, environmental, security and incident response are met.
EJF 4. (10%) Manages the Building Operations Branch budget and contracts including developing or providing input on budget development, major expenditures, staff allocations and recommendations for effective and efficient use of resources. Monitors and tracks expenditures to ensure all requirements of funding sources are met. Reviews and approves management and financial reports. Develops statement of work (SOW) and monitors contracts relevant to building operations. Ensures the division’s policies and budgets promote effective administration and delivery of the branch’s support operations to ensure laboratory buildings are operational, maintained, and sustainable.
EJF 5. (10%) Acts as the point of contact and for complex cross functional group operating within different agencies as the PHLD building operations representative. Communicates and coordinates service level agreements, purchasing, strategic planning, business services, and space planning including facility management between the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) and Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). Coordinates with TFC on issues related to building services ensuring the operations of the laboratory building are maintained and sustainable. Ensures the operations of the laboratory building are consistent with DSHS and HHSC policies. Represents the department by making presentations, providing information and testimony, and collaborating with programs, other state agencies, and federal partners. Responds to requests by legislators and other public officials.
EJF 6. (5%) Manages and develops staff through review of performance data, consultation, training, and performance appraisal. Responsible for hiring and selection, assigning work, completing performance evaluations, recommending personnel disciplinary actions including dismissal, and scheduling and approving leave.
EJF 7. (5%) Performs other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency's obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or continuity of operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location. Knowledge Skills Abilities:
Knowledge of:
The operation and maintenance of healthcare facilities, higher education laboratory facilities, or public health testing laboratories
Local, state and federal laws and regulations relevant to laboratory certification, quality assurance, laboratory safety, radiation safety, and environmental compliance, department mission, programs, and support operations
Support operations functions and related state and federal laws, regulations, policies, rules and requirements
Managing contracts
Process improvement or quality assurance systems
Texas legislative process and public accountability systems
Strategic planning, budget management, facilities management, project management and conflict resolution
The principles of leadership and how to effectively interact with various leadership styles

Skill in:
The operation and maintenance of healthcare facilities, higher education laboratory facilities, or public health testing laboratories.
Effective and diplomatic communication both verbal and written and public speaking
Managing multiple and competing priorities
Project Management
Establishing plans, setting goals and objectives
Identifying problems, addressing issues, evaluating alternatives, and negotiating and implementing solutions
Working collaboratively and cooperatively with diverse groups including external entities, vendors and contractors.

Ability to:
Think creatively and support creative thinking in others
Understand and align operations and support strategies according to business needs
Establish goals and objectives that support strategic plan
Plan, assign, and evaluate the work of others
Effectively manage and motivate staff
Establish effective working relationships with staff at all levels of an organization, agencies, providers, stakeholders and elected officials
Build effective work teams
Make timely and effective decisions regarding support operations
Interpret data and develop effective solutions and operating procedures
Organize, present, and communicate information effectively, both orally and in writing
Lead in an environment of change
Comprehensively and accurately evaluate reports.
Develop and implement effective customer service systems

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