Operations Support Manager

Durham Public Schools

Grade: 74

Reports to: Executive Director of Facilities Services

Employment Status: Permanent, 12-month, Classified, Exempt

Salary: Based on the state and local salary schedule

Location: Durham, North Carolina

About the Role

Durham Public Schools is seeking an experienced and highly organized Operations Support Manager to oversee the administrative, financial, purchasing, and logistical support functions of Facilities Services.

This position serves as the department’s primary budget manager and purchasing agent and is responsible for managing complex accounting, procurement, reporting, and operational processes. The Operations Support Manager also oversees the Facilities Services Supply Warehouse, facility rentals, administrative support services, and daily logistics within Maintenance Services.

The successful candidate will be a collaborative leader with strong financial management, data analysis, staff supervision, and process-improvement skills. This position works independently with limited supervision and serves as a key liaison between Facilities Services and the district’s Finance and Accounting offices.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage purchasing and procurement for Facilities Services in accordance with applicable local, state, and federal regulations.
• Develop bid specifications and related documents for the purchase of goods and services.
• Manage the Facilities Services budget and prepare regular financial and operational reports.
• Analyze complex financial, purchasing, inventory, and work-order data.
• Manage departmental accounts payable and accounts receivable processes in accordance with Durham Public Schools policies.
• Serve as the primary liaison between Facilities Services and the district’s Finance and Accounting offices.
• Oversee daily operations of the Facilities Services Supply Warehouse.
• Oversee the district’s facility rental process.
• Lead and manage the Facilities Services administrative support team.
• Supervise warehouse technicians, facility rental staff, and administrative support employees.
• Train, coach, and develop team members while supporting productivity, customer service, compliance, and departmental goals.
• Develop processes, protocols, and internal controls that improve efficiency and ensure appropriate operational coverage.
• Review records for accuracy and conduct audits of financial, purchasing, inventory, and supply data.
• Coordinate special projects, work schedules, inventories, and maintenance-related logistics.
• Maintain effective relationships with district departments, customers, contractors, and outside vendors.
• Assist with the receipt, storage, movement, and inventory of supplies and equipment.
• Participate in the Facilities Services after-hours on-call process.
• Serve on district committees and task forces.
• Act on behalf of the Executive Director of Facilities Services when assigned.
• Participate in financial workshops, professional development, and continuing education.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business management, or a related field.
• At least five years of related professional experience, including experience using computerized financial, purchasing, or operational systems.
• An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.
• Valid North Carolina driver’s license.

Preferred Experience

• Experience with North Carolina public-sector purchasing or procurement requirements.
• Experience managing departmental budgets, purchasing processes, accounts payable, or accounts receivable.
• Experience supervising administrative, warehouse, purchasing, logistics, or customer service employees.
• Familiarity with AS400 or similar accounting systems.
• Experience with computerized work-order management systems.
• Experience working in a school district, government agency, facilities department, maintenance operation, or similarly complex organization.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of accounting, budgeting, purchasing, and procurement processes.
• Advanced ability to collect, interpret, analyze, and report financial and operational data.
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Office 365, Google Workspace, and other cloud-based applications.
• Ability to learn and use accounting, purchasing, inventory, and work-order management software.
• Excellent written, verbal, organizational, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, projects, deadlines, and operational demands.
• Ability to supervise, train, organize, and develop employees.
• Ability to develop and implement effective procedures, controls, and workflows.
• Ability to communicate effectively with employees, district leaders, vendors, customers, and community members.
• Ability to solve practical problems, interpret complex instructions, and make sound decisions with limited supervision.
• Ability to maintain accuracy and attention to detail while working under time pressure.
• Understanding of applicable OSHA safety standards and workplace safety protocols.
• Ability to work effectively in office, warehouse, vehicle, maintenance, and school-based environments.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

This position operates in both traditional and nontraditional work settings, including offices, warehouses, district vehicles, maintenance areas, and school or administrative buildings. The role may involve exposure to noise, temperature changes, humidity, mechanical hazards, and other conditions associated with facilities and warehouse operations.

The employee must be able to:

• Frequently walk, stand, sit, reach, type, and perform multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Occasionally climb, balance, kneel, crawl, bend, stoop, lift, carry, push, pull, grasp, and twist.
• Operate a motor vehicle and materials-handling equipment, including forklifts, pallet jacks, and hand trucks.
• Use ladders or scaffolding and maneuver within tight spaces when required.
• Read and interpret work orders, logs, diagrams, schedules, financial reports, and other technical documents.
• Work an irregular schedule or overtime when operational needs require it.
• Participate in occasional emergency and after-hours response activities.
• Meet the lifting and physical requirements associated with warehouse and facilities operations.

Additional Information

This description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed in this position. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, skills, physical requirements, or working conditions associated with the role.

Company Description

Durham Public Schools, located in Durham, North Carolina, is a unified public school district that works in partnership with families and the broader community to provide every student with an excellent education that supports personal growth and academic success. Durham Public Schools focuses on helping students identify their interests and talents, pursue their goals, and prepare for college, careers, and active citizenship. Governance is provided by a seven-member elected Board of Education, with leadership roles rotating annually and the superintendent serving as an ex officio member. This collaborative structure supports a student-centered environment and continuous improvement across schools.