Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Facilities Superintendent

🎯 Role Definition

This role requires a dynamic and experienced Facilities Superintendent to lead the operational management and maintenance of our physical infrastructure. This pivotal role involves directing a team of maintenance professionals, managing vendor relationships, and overseeing all aspects of building systems to ensure a safe, efficient, and productive environment. The ideal candidate is a proactive problem-solver with a strong technical background in building systems, exceptional leadership skills, and a proven track record in managing complex facility projects, budgets, and preventative maintenance programs. You will be the cornerstone of our daily operations, ensuring our facilities meet the highest standards of quality and compliance.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Senior Facilities Manager or Coordinator
Lead Maintenance Technician / Chief Engineer
Construction Project Coordinator

Advancement To:

Director of Facilities
Regional Facilities Manager
Director of Operations

Lateral Moves:

Construction Project Manager
Operations Manager

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Direct and oversee the daily operations of the facilities maintenance department, including the management, scheduling, and development of all maintenance staff and technicians.
Develop, implement, and manage a comprehensive preventative maintenance program for all building systems, including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, and life safety equipment.
Manage and administer the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) to track work orders, preventative maintenance schedules, asset history, and labor hours.
Prepare, manage, and monitor annual operating and capital budgets for the facilities department, ensuring adherence to financial objectives and justifying variances.
Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of facility-related projects, including renovations, equipment installations, office reconfigurations, and capital improvements from conception to completion.
Source, negotiate with, and manage external vendors and contractors, ensuring quality of work, compliance with contracts, and adherence to safety standards.
Conduct regular and thorough inspections of all facilities and grounds to identify maintenance needs, potential hazards, and opportunities for operational improvement.
Ensure strict compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations, including OSHA, EPA, ADA, and building codes, maintaining all necessary documentation and permits.
Develop and implement emergency response plans and procedures, acting as the primary point of contact during facility-related emergencies to minimize downtime and ensure safety.
Oversee the building's energy management program, identifying and implementing strategies for utility conservation and promoting sustainable operational practices.
Manage custodial services, groundskeeping, and pest control operations to maintain a clean, safe, and aesthetically pleasing environment for all employees and visitors.
Direct space planning efforts, including coordinating departmental moves, furniture installation, and reconfigurations to optimize workplace efficiency.
Maintain and update as-built drawings, technical manuals, and other critical facility documentation to ensure accurate records of the building infrastructure.
Lead the facility's safety committee, promoting a culture of safety through training, regular meetings, and proactive hazard identification and mitigation.
Evaluate and recommend new technologies, systems, and equipment that can enhance facility efficiency, reduce operational costs, and improve service delivery.
Supervise the maintenance and operation of building automation systems (BAS) to ensure optimal environmental comfort and energy efficiency.
Respond promptly and effectively to high-priority service requests from building occupants, ensuring excellent customer service and timely resolution of issues.
Generate and present detailed reports to senior management on key performance indicators, including work order status, budget performance, project updates, and utility consumption.
Manage the procurement of necessary parts, supplies, and equipment for the maintenance department, maintaining appropriate inventory levels.
Provide hands-on technical support and guidance to the maintenance team for troubleshooting and repairing complex mechanical, electrical, and plumbing issues.
Develop and deliver training programs for facilities staff on new procedures, safety protocols, and equipment operation to foster continuous improvement.

Secondary Functions

Generate and present regular reports on facility performance, utility consumption, and maintenance metrics to leadership.
Contribute to the organization's long-term strategic planning for facility growth, capital renewal, and deferred maintenance.
Collaborate with IT and other business units to ensure seamless integration of facility-related systems and support operational needs.
Participate in organizational planning and agile project management ceremonies related to facility and capital projects.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Building Systems Expertise: In-depth knowledge of commercial HVAC, electrical distribution, plumbing, fire suppression, and life safety systems.
CMMS Proficiency: Hands-on experience with Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (e.g., eMaint, Fiix, UpKeep, ServiceChannel).
Budget & Financial Management: Skill in developing, tracking, and managing operational and capital budgets.
Project Management: Proven ability to manage construction, renovation, and equipment installation projects from scope development to closeout.
Regulatory Compliance: Strong understanding of OSHA, EPA, ADA, NFPA, and local building codes.
Vendor & Contract Management: Experience in negotiating contracts, managing vendor performance, and overseeing outsourced services.
Blueprint Interpretation: Ability to read and interpret blueprints, schematics, and technical drawings.
Building Automation Systems (BAS): Familiarity with operating and troubleshooting building automation and energy management systems.

Soft Skills

Leadership & Team Management: Ability to hire, train, mentor, and motivate a diverse team of maintenance professionals.
Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for interacting with staff, vendors, and senior leadership.
Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills to diagnose complex issues and implement effective solutions under pressure.
Organization & Time Management: Superior ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Customer Service Orientation: A commitment to providing high-quality service to building occupants and stakeholders.
Decision Making: Decisive and capable of making sound judgments, particularly during emergency situations.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED combined with significant, directly relevant trade experience or certifications.

Preferred Education:

Bachelor's Degree or technical degree.

Relevant Fields of Study:

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

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 5-10 years

Preferred: 7+ years of progressive experience in facilities or building maintenance, with at least 3-5 years in a supervisory or management capacity overseeing staff and complex building operations. Professional certifications (e.g., FMP, CFM, PMP) are highly desirable.