Director Operations and Maintenance

Job Requirements

About the Opportunity

Join one of Maryland's most respected academic medical systems as the Director Operations and Maintenance, overseeing operations and maintenance across UMMC's University and Midtown campuses. This is a high-impact leadership role for an experienced facilities executive who thrives in a complex, mission-driven environment and is passionate about ensuring safe, efficient, and world-class healthcare spaces.

Responsibilities

• Lead Critical Operations: Ensure the reliability and continuous operation of all electrical and mechanical systems across both campuses, maintaining a safe environment of care for patients, staff, and visitors. Oversee utilities management - including HVAC, steam, medical gas, fire protection, and water systems - while proactively identifying opportunities to reduce energy consumption and optimize costs.
• Drive Facilities Excellence: Develop and lead comprehensive building maintenance and life cycle management programs, overseeing work order systems, building inspections, and capital repair priorities. Manage construction coordination, system outages, and emergency response to keep operations running smoothly even during active projects.
• Manage Budgets & Resources: Develop and administer operating and capital budgets, negotiate and monitor contracts, and implement cost-effective controls and preventive maintenance programs. Collaborate with union leadership and participate in contract negotiations.
• Lead & Develop a High-Performing Team: Hire, train, develop, and evaluate a skilled team of facilities professionals, setting clear performance standards and fostering a culture of accountability, safety, and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate & Influence Across the Organization: Key member of the capital asset planning group, operations scheduling committee, and Environment of Care Committee, work cross-functionally to balance competing priorities, minimize disruption to patient care, and shape the long-term direction of UMMC's facilities.
• Champion Compliance & Safety: Ensure adherence to TJC, OSHA, JCAHO, NFPA, ASHRAE, and all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, maintaining the integrity and safety of both campuses.
  
  

What We're Looking For

• Proven leadership experience in healthcare or complex facilities management
• Knowledge of electrical, mechanical, and utility systems
• Strong financial acumen and experience managing large operating and capital budgets
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills across all levels of an organization
• Familiarity with TJC, Life Safety, and applicable building codes and regulations
• Experience working with unions preferred
  
  

Work Experience

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in electrical or mechanical engineering or a related field from an accredited college or university or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required. Current registration as a professional engineer is preferred.
• Accredited by American Hospital Associations as a Certified Hospital Facility Manager (CHFM) or fifteen years experience in facilities plant and/or facilities maintenance operations.
• 10 years supervising skill tradespersons and design professionals; Five years in plant and/or maintenance, facilities management, and or facilities construction management leadership in hospital or bio-medical research facility organizations.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Comprehensive knowledge of federal, state and local electrical, mechanical standards, codes, designs and regulations pertinent to the hospital environment. Knowledge of mechanical engineering systems and equipment, such as, fire suppression systems, HVAC, mechanical and electrical components is required.
• Proficient knowledge of TJC, local, state, federal codes, building codes, industry standards in mechanical, electrical, life safety and fire protection engineering fields.
• Expert understanding of environmental sustainability, energy and resource management and conservation strategies and how they are implemented into capital facilities and operations.
• General knowledge of Computer Automated Design (CAD). Demonstrated knowledge of microcomputer applications, including word processing, graphics, spreadsheets, and data management.
• A high level of proficiency and demonstrated effectiveness in problem solving and implementing new programs related to increased departmental and organizational operating efficiency is required. Effective interpersonal skills are needed to manage multi-trade teams.
• Highly effective verbal and written communication skills are required to work successfully with a diverse group of staff at all levels within the organization, including executive management and the Board of Directors.