Director of Maintenance

VETERINARY UNITED is seeking a Director of Facilities!

Job Summary

The Director of Facilities is a senior leadership role responsible for the strategic oversight and operational management of facilities across 25 veterinary clinic sites for Veterinary United. This all-encompassing position ensures the efficient, safe, and cost-effective operation of physical assets, including buildings, grounds, equipment, and infrastructure tailored to veterinary care environments. The Director will lead a team of facilities professionals, develop and implement policies, and align facilities management with organizational goals to support animal health services, sustainability, regulatory compliance, and business continuity in a multi-site veterinary network.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Planning and Leadership: Develop and execute a comprehensive facilities management strategy for all 28 veterinary sites, including long-term capital improvement plans, space utilization optimization for clinical and administrative areas, and sustainability initiatives focused on animal welfare and energy efficiency.
• Operational Management: Oversee day-to-day facilities operations, including maintenance, repairs, cleaning, and utilities management across all locations. Implement preventive maintenance programs to minimize downtime, ensuring reliable HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and specialized veterinary equipment systems.
• Compliance and Risk Management: Ensure all sites comply with local, state, and federal regulations, including health and safety standards (e.g., OSHA, ADA), environmental laws, veterinary-specific codes, and animal care facility requirements. Conduct regular audits, risk assessments, and emergency preparedness planning to mitigate liabilities and support uninterrupted veterinary services.
• Team Leadership and Development: Recruit, train, and mentor a high-performing facilities team, including maintenance staff. Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and professional growth while promoting diversity and inclusion.
• Vendor and Stakeholder Management: Manage relationships with external contractors, suppliers, and regulatory agencies. Coordinate with internal stakeholders, such as VU Directors, Site Leaders, and Executive Leadership, to address facilities-related needs and resolve issues promptly.
• Sustainability and Efficiency Initiatives: Champion green building practices, energy efficiency programs, waste reduction strategies (including biohazard management), and environmental sustainability across sites. Monitor and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) related to operational efficiency and environmental impact.
• Project Management: Lead major facilities projects, such as clinic renovations, expansions, or new site setups, from conception through completion. Utilize project management tools to ensure on-time and within-budget delivery while minimizing disruption to veterinary operations.
• Technology Integration: Implement and oversee facilities management software to streamline operations, track assets, schedule maintenance, and analyze data for informed decision-making.
• Emergency Response: Develop and maintain crisis management protocols for all sites, including response to natural disasters, security threats, equipment failures, or operational disruptions affecting animal care.
• Vehicle Management: Overseeing the entire lifecycle of the company fleet, from acquisition and maintenance (preventive, reactive, regulatory compliance) to disposal, ensuring operational readiness, cost-effectiveness, and adherence to all safety/environmental standards, integrated with facilities operations and budgeting.
• Perform any and all other duties as deemed necessary by the organization to support Veterinary United's mission and operational needs.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Facilities Management, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Experience: Minimum of 10 years in facilities management, with at least 5 years in a leadership role overseeing multi-site operations (preferably 10 sites). Proven track record in managing large-scale facilities portfolios, ideally in veterinary, healthcare, or regulated service industries. Experience with pneumatic devices, medical equipment, electrical, and carpentry are preferred. 
• Certifications: Professional certifications such as Certified Facility Manager (CFM), Facilities Management Professional (FMP), or Certified Energy Manager (CEM), NATE/HVAC Certified preferred by not required. 

Skills and Competencies

• Technical Skills: Proficiency in facilities management systems, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, building automation, and veterinary-specific infrastructure (e.g., sterilization equipment, animal housing systems). Strong knowledge of sustainability practices, energy management, and regulatory compliance in healthcare-like settings.
• Leadership and Management: Exceptional ability to lead diverse teams, delegate effectively, and inspire performance. Experience in change management and organizational development.
• Analytical and Problem-Solving: Advanced skills in data analysis and forecasting. Ability to identify issues proactively and implement innovative solutions in dynamic multi-site environments.
• Communication: Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex information to executive audiences and collaborate across departments, including veterinary professionals.
• Project Management: Expertise in methodologies such as Agile or PMP, with a focus on multi-site coordination and resource optimization.
• Interpersonal Competencies: High emotional intelligence, adaptability, and resilience in fast-paced veterinary operations. Commitment to ethical practices and fostering a positive work culture centered on animal care and employee well-being.
• Other Competencies: Strategic thinking, negotiation prowess with vendors and contractors, and a customer-service orientation toward internal stakeholders and clinic operations.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

• Ability to travel frequently to various veterinary sites (up to 80% travel required).
• Capable of performing site inspections, which may involve walking, climbing, lifting up to 50 lbs., and exposure to varying weather conditions, animal care environments, or biohazard risks requiring personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Standard office environment with occasional exposure to construction, maintenance, or clinical sites.

Compensation and Benefits

Competitive salary commensurate with experience, comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and professional development opportunities.

Veterinary United is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.