Facilities Director

🎯 Role Definition

As our Facilities Director, you will be the strategic leader responsible for the entire lifecycle of our corporate facilities. You will develop and execute a comprehensive facilities management strategy that aligns with our business objectives, ensuring our physical environments are world-class, cost-effective, and enhance employee productivity and well-being. This senior role involves overseeing everything from daily operations and maintenance to long-range capital planning, vendor management, and ensuring unwavering compliance with safety and environmental regulations. You will lead a dedicated team, foster a culture of excellence, and serve as the primary advisor to executive leadership on all real estate and facilities matters.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Senior Facilities Manager
Director of Operations
Senior Project Manager (Construction/Facilities)

Advancement To:

Vice President of Global Real Estate and Facilities
Vice President of Operations
Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Lateral Moves:

Director of Real Estate Strategy
Director of Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS)

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Develop and execute a long-term strategic plan for facility management, encompassing maintenance, space planning, and capital improvements to support organizational growth.
Direct all building operations and maintenance activities, including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, fire/life safety, and custodial services to ensure optimal performance and uptime.
Manage the full lifecycle of facility-related capital projects, from initial concept and budget approval through design, construction, commissioning, and final closeout.
Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of facilities managers, technicians, and support staff, fostering a culture of safety, accountability, and service excellence.
Create, manage, and meticulously track the annual facilities operating (OPEX) and capital (CAPEX) budgets, ensuring fiscal responsibility and delivering detailed financial reports and forecasts.
Spearhead the negotiation and administration of contracts with a wide range of external vendors, contractors, and service providers, holding them to strict performance and quality standards.
Ensure enterprise-wide compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations, including OSHA, EPA, ADA, and building codes, maintaining all necessary permits and documentation.
Champion and direct the Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) program, implementing robust policies and procedures to mitigate risk and guarantee a safe and secure workplace for all employees.
Oversee the implementation and optimization of a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) to efficiently manage work orders, asset lifecycle, and preventive maintenance schedules.
Direct corporate space planning, allocation, and move management (MAC) for a dynamic workforce, optimizing workplace layout for efficiency, collaboration, and future needs.
Develop, maintain, and periodically test a comprehensive business continuity and disaster recovery plan for all physical facilities to minimize disruption.
Drive sustainability initiatives by identifying and implementing programs to reduce energy consumption, water usage, waste, and overall environmental impact.
Oversee all aspects of physical security, including access control systems, CCTV, alarm monitoring, and the management of security personnel to protect company assets and people.
Conduct regular, thorough site inspections and audits across all properties to ensure facilities are consistently maintained to the highest standards of safety, cleanliness, and functionality.
Act as the primary command-and-control point of contact for all facility-related emergencies, coordinating a swift and effective response and ensuring clear communication.
Prepare and present compelling, data-driven reports to senior leadership on facility performance, project status, key performance indicators (KPIs), and strategic recommendations.
Evaluate, recommend, and implement new technologies and innovative solutions to enhance operational efficiency, improve the employee workplace experience, and reduce costs.
Manage complex relationships with landlords and property managers for all leased properties, ensuring full compliance with lease agreements and negotiating favorable terms.
Oversee the procurement, inventory management, and lifecycle replacement of all furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E).
Establish and enforce standardized operating procedures (SOPs) for all critical facility functions to ensure consistency, quality, and operational discipline.
Lead site selection, due diligence, and negotiation processes for new offices, expansions, or relocations in close collaboration with executive leadership and real estate brokers.
Manage the corporate mailroom, shipping/receiving, and other workplace services to ensure seamless support for business operations.

Secondary Functions

Support ad-hoc project requests and strategic initiatives from executive leadership and other business units.
Contribute to the organization's long-term real estate portfolio and workplace experience strategy.
Collaborate with HR, IT, and Finance to ensure a seamless employee onboarding and offboarding experience related to physical access, workspace, and assets.
Participate in or lead cross-functional committees focused on employee well-being, safety, and corporate sustainability goals.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Deep expertise in building management systems (BMS) and knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems.
Advanced proficiency with Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) such as FMX, UpKeep, or ServiceChannel.
Strong financial acumen with proven experience in OPEX/CAPEX budget development, financial modeling, and capital planning.
Comprehensive knowledge of Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) regulations and compliance standards (OSHA, EPA, ADA).
Expertise in formal project management methodologies for overseeing construction, renovation, and capital improvement projects.
Master-level skills in vendor management, contract negotiation, and service level agreement (SLA) enforcement.
Proficiency in space planning principles and familiarity with CAD or other space management software.
Experience with physical security systems, including access control, video surveillance, and alarm monitoring.
Strong data analysis and reporting skills to track KPIs and inform strategic decisions.

Soft Skills

Strategic Leadership and Team Development
Exceptional Communication, Presentation, and Interpersonal Skills
Advanced Analytical and Critical-Thinking Abilities
Decisive Problem-Solving under pressure
Powerful Negotiation and Influencing Skills
Unwavering Customer Service and Stakeholder Management Orientation
High Adaptability and Change Management Expertise
Strong Business Acumen and Strategic Mindset

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited university or college.

Preferred Education:

Master’s Degree (MBA or related field).
Professional certification such as Certified Facility Manager (CFM), Facility Management Professional (FMP), or a similar credential is highly desirable.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Facilities Management
Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, or Civil)
Business Administration
Construction Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

10+ years of progressive experience in corporate facilities management, building operations, or a closely related field.
A minimum of 5-7 years of demonstrated experience in a leadership role, managing a team of facilities professionals and external contractors.

Preferred:

Experience managing a multi-site portfolio across different geographic regions.
Proven track record of managing large-scale capital projects ($1M+) from concept to completion.
Experience in a high-growth or fast-paced corporate environment.