Maintenance Director

Maintenance Director  

Redfern Properties: Portland, Maine · Full-time, exempt 

Reports to: VP of Operations 

About Redfern Properties  

Redfern Properties is a multi-family housing developer and property manager focused on infill and other smart-growth development with emphasis on placemaking. We strive to create unique residences and commercial spaces, while making neighborhoods and communities more vibrant and sustainable. Redfern is building a highly motivated team that is poised for growth to deliver excellent property management services to our residents, while creating a top-notch place to work for our employees. 

As Maintenance Director, you will own the physical performance of our entire portfolio: leading and developing the maintenance team, mastering complex building systems that keep residents comfortable, managing apartment turnovers, and overseeing all maintenance and repairs. You will build relationships with vendors and subcontractors to maintain the buildings to a high standard, shape budgets, and keep every property safe and compliant. You will also partner closely with our property management team, so resident issues get solved right the first time. Most of all, you will lead the shift from reactive repair to preventive, data-driven operations, using our property management software and hard numbers to spot patterns, fix root causes, and embody our motto of continuous improvement.  

Key Areas of Responsibility: 

Leadership & Team Development 

• Hire and onboard maintenance staff, and manage scheduling and coverage across properties. 
• Supervise the maintenance team across multiple properties, ensuring sufficient coverage, and adherence to company standards. 
• Set clear standards for quality, response times, and professionalism, and hold the team to them through regular feedback and formal performance conversations. 
• Identify training needs and create pathways and programs for our team to grow. 
• Partner cross-functionally with finance, operations and leadership on financial planning and long-term asset preservation. 

Building Systems & Preventive Maintenance 

• Oversee and manage life-safety systems, emergency planning, and preventive maintenance (HVAC, plumbing, electrical, appliances, grounds) to keep residents safe and properties maintained. 
• Conduct regular property inspections to identify maintenance needs, safety hazards, and ensure properties meet company standards.  
• Identify recurring failure patterns, find root causes, and drive permanent fixes rather than repeat repairs. 
• Maintain equipment inventories, system records, company vehicles, and documentation. 
• Oversee building and unit quality with regard to repairs, painting, and unit turns. 

Technology & Data 

• Own PMS data fidelity as the system of record for work orders, labor, assets, vendor invoices, and supply inventory, enforcing accurate categorization and complete closeout. 
• Regularly review work order volume, response and completion times, labor hours, backlog, recurring issues, and cost by property. 
• Use that data to set priorities, justify staffing, and identify trainings. 
• Ensure timely resolution of internal and resident work orders, with a focus on resident satisfaction. 

Compliance & Unit Turns 

• Ensure compliance with city and state building, fire, and life-safety codes, fair housing laws, and company policies. 
• Run an efficient make-ready process that meets leasing timelines, prioritized by move-in urgency. 
• Oversee the quality of turn work, including repairs and painting, before units are released to leasing. 
• Standardize turn scopes, finish specifications, and replacement parts across properties. 

Vendor Management 

• Source, negotiate, and oversee top notch vendors and contractors for mechanical, electrical, appliance, elevator, security, and specialty work. 
• Review proposals and contracts for scope, pricing, liability, and warranty terms before execution 
• Verify vendor licenses and certificates of insurance, and confirm required permits are in place for contracted work. 
• Hold vendors accountable for quality, timeliness, and installation defects, escalating in writing when needed. 
• Maintain strong supplier relationships for warranties, parts and fixtures. 

Qualifications 

• 5-7 years in progressively responsible facilities management, construction, or maintenance roles including at least 4 years in a supervisory position. 
• Proven project management skills, including budgeting, scheduling, and contractor oversight 
• Comfort using operational data (work order volume, completion times, labor hours, cost by property) to set priorities and make staffing and budget decisions. 
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with residents, property managers, vendors, and senior leadership. 
• Software Proficiency: Hands-on experience with Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) or property management platforms like Yardi. 
• Knowledge of multi-family building systems, including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, structural, and life safety systems. 
• Working knowledge of local and state building, fire, and life-safety codes, fair housing requirements, and OSHA safety standards. 

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions 

• Ability to perform the physical requirements of the role, with or without reasonable accommodation, including walking properties, climbing stairs and ladders, and accessing roofs and mechanical spaces. 
• Valid driver's license, clean driving record, and ability to travel between properties regularly. 
• Non-business hours response may occasionally be required. 
• Team player, fast-paced, customer-service driven atmosphere. 
• Capable of working in various weather conditions. 

Job Type: Full-time 

Compensation: $90k-$130k based on experience 

• Competitive base salary with bonus opportunity 
• Health, dental, and vision insurance 
• 401(k) with company match 
• Generous paid time off and company holidays 
• Professional development and certification opportunities