Senior Operations Manager

Company Description The Regional Industrial Development Corporation (RIDC) of Southwestern Pennsylvania is a private, non-profit organization founded in 1955 to promote new employment opportunities and support business and industry growth in the region. RIDC focuses on diversifying the regional economy through strategic real estate development and long-term partnerships. The organization takes a dynamic, regional approach to economic development, working with public and private stakeholders to attract and retain companies. RIDC’s mission-driven work offers team members the opportunity to contribute directly to regional economic strength and community revitalization.

RIDC - Senior Operations Manager

Position Summary

RIDC is seeking an experienced, hands-on Senior Operations Manager to provide leadership, technical expertise, and operational oversight across its diverse commercial and industrial real estate portfolio.

This position is responsible for leading building operations, developing and mentoring operations personnel, ensuring the reliability and efficiency of building systems, and establishing consistent operational standards throughout the portfolio.

The ideal candidate combines strong leadership and management capabilities with extensive technical knowledge, particularly in HVAC systems, mechanical equipment, and commercial building infrastructure.

This is a leadership position requiring the ability to think strategically while remaining actively involved in complex operational challenges, troubleshooting, capital planning, and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

Operations Leadership & Team Development

• Provide leadership, direction, and accountability for operations and maintenance personnel across multiple properties.
• Mentor, coach, and develop employees to improve technical capabilities, efficiency, and overall performance.
• Establish consistent operating procedures, preventive maintenance standards, and best practices.
• Evaluate staffing needs, workloads, and operational performance to maximize departmental effectiveness.
• Promote a culture of safety, accountability, teamwork, and proactive problem-solving.

Building Systems & Technical Oversight

• Provide technical guidance and troubleshooting support for complex HVAC, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems.
• Oversee the operation, maintenance, and reliability of commercial building equipment and infrastructure.
• Evaluate mechanical system performance and identify opportunities for improved efficiency, reliability, and energy savings.
• Assist with diagnosing recurring equipment failures and developing long-term solutions.
• Review equipment conditions and make recommendations for repairs, replacements, and system upgrades.
• Experience reading and interpreting MEP drawings, specifications, and technical documentation is highly desirable.

Preventive Maintenance & Asset Management

• Develop and oversee comprehensive preventive maintenance programs for building systems and equipment.
• Ensure inspections, maintenance activities, and work orders are completed accurately and within established timelines.
• Support equipment lifecycle planning and capital replacement strategies.
• Identify opportunities to reduce operating expenses while maintaining building performance and reliability.

Capital Projects & Contractor Management

• Provide technical input on capital improvement projects, equipment replacements, and building system upgrades.
• Assist in developing scopes of work, reviewing contractor proposals, and evaluating technical recommendations.
• Oversee contractor performance, project quality, scheduling, and compliance with operational standards.
• Collaborate with Property Managers and project teams to minimize disruptions to building operations.
• Support capital budgeting and long-term infrastructure planning.

Safety, Compliance & Emergency Response

• Promote and enforce safe work practices and compliance with applicable building codes and regulatory requirements.
• Identify operational risks and implement corrective measures.

Operational Efficiency & Continuous Improvement

• Evaluate existing processes and identify opportunities to improve productivity, consistency, and service delivery.
• Utilize building management systems, maintenance software, and operational data to improve decision-making.
• Identify opportunities to incorporate technology, automation, and energy-management strategies.
• Collaborate with Property Management leadership to develop and implement departmental initiatives.

Required Qualifications

• 10 years managing commercial building operations. 7 years leading maintenance or engineering teams. Demonstrated leadership of multi-person operations teams. Experience managing capital projects and operating budgets. Strong understanding of commercial real estate operations.

Preferred Qualifications

·       Preferred Certifications: Universal EPA Certification, HVAC Certification, LEED AP, CFM, MA/SMT, PMP (preferred), OSHA 30 and Building Operator Certification

• Ability to read, interpret, and evaluate MEP drawings and technical specifications.
• Experience with central utility plants, boilers, chillers, cooling towers, and large commercial HVAC systems.
• Familiarity with building automation systems (BAS/BMS), including Johnson Controls, Siemens, Automated Logic, or similar platforms.
• Experience with capital planning, equipment lifecycle analysis, and energy optimization.
• Familiarity with computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS).

Ideal Candidate

The successful candidate will be a leader first, with the technical knowledge and experience to earn the respect of the operations team.

We are looking for someone who can walk into a mechanical room, understand the systems, ask the right questions, and help develop solutions — while also having the leadership skills to manage people, improve processes, and support the long-term success of RIDC's properties.

This individual should be proactive, organized, collaborative, and comfortable making decisions in a fast-paced environment.

How to Apply

Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their resume through the official job posting or email cpinelli@ridc.org with the subject line Senior Operations Manager – RIDC.

RIDC is an equal opportunity employer.