Senior-level jobsoverglobe Melrose, Massachusetts

Our client is seeking a Director of Facilities Operations to assume full leadership and operational responsibility for the facilities management at Melrose Wakefield Hospital, a 174-bed hospital campus in Melrose, Massachusetts. This is a direct-hire, senior-level position critical to the seamless and safe operation of a key healthcare institution. The Director will be accountable for the entire physical plant, including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and utility systems, ensuring 100% compliance with stringent regulatory standards while supporting the overarching goal of exceptional patient care. This role is designed for an experienced healthcare facilities leader who excels in strategic management, team development, and operational excellence within a dynamic, high-stakes environment.

---

The Organization and Its Mission

Melrose Wakefield Hospital is a cornerstone of community health, jointly operating with Lawrence Memorial Hospital of Medford. This integrated healthcare system is committed to providing high-quality, compassionate care to its patients. The facilities themselves are not just buildings; they are a critical component of the clinical ecosystem. The reliability of the power grid, the purity of the water, the precision of the air handling systems, and the safety of the physical environment are all non-negotiable elements that directly impact patient outcomes and staff effectiveness.

As the Director of Facilities Operations, you will be the steward of this critical infrastructure. Your leadership ensures that clinicians have the safe, reliable, and technologically supportive environment they need to deliver world-class care. This is a role where operational expertise directly translates into positive community impact.

A Deep Dive into the Role: Key Responsibilities

The Director of Facilities Operations holds a multifaceted role that blends deep technical knowledge with advanced leadership and business acumen. Your responsibilities will span tactical, strategic, and financial domains.

1. Operational Leadership and System Stewardship:

• Direct Daily Operations: Provide overarching direction for the continuous operation and maintenance of all critical building systems, including but not limited to:

  • Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems, with a focus on infection control and specialized environment areas (ORs, ICUs).

  • Electrical systems, including normal and emergency power distribution, generators, and uninterrupted power supply (UPS) systems.

  • Plumbing and water systems, ensuring water quality and prevention of waterborne pathogens.

  • Central plant utilities and energy management systems.

• Maintenance Program Management: Oversee and continuously improve a comprehensive preventive maintenance program to maximize equipment lifespan and reliability. Simultaneously, manage efficient and rapid reactive repair workflows to minimize downtime and disruption to clinical operations.

2. Team Leadership and Talent Development:

• Lead and Mentor Teams: Directly manage, mentor, and develop a team of skilled trades personnel, supervisors, and facilities managers. Foster a culture of accountability, safety, and continuous improvement.

• Performance Management: Conduct regular performance reviews, identify skill gaps, and implement training programs to elevate the entire team’s capabilities.

• Promote Collaborative Culture: Build strong, collaborative relationships between the facilities team and clinical/departmental leadership to ensure alignment of goals and priorities.

3. Regulatory Compliance and Safety Assurance:

• Ensure Continuous Compliance: Serve as the subject matter expert and responsible party for ensuring all facilities operations comply with the rigorous standards of:

  • The Joint Commission (TJC)

  • Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

  • National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

  • Other local, state, and federal regulations.

• Lead Accreditation Readiness: Prepare for and manage all facilities-related aspects of regulatory surveys and accreditation visits, ensuring a state of constant survey readiness.

4. Financial and Vendor Management:

• Budget Management: Develop, manage, and be accountable for the annual facilities operating and capital budgets. Justify investments in infrastructure upgrades and new technologies.

• Contract and Vendor Management: Oversee all service contracts, negotiate terms, and manage relationships with external vendors and contractors to ensure quality service and cost-effectiveness.

• Strategic Sourcing: Evaluate and select vendors for major projects, ensuring they meet the hospital’s standards for safety, quality, and compliance.

5. Strategic Partnership and Planning:

• Partner with Hospital Leadership: Act as a strategic partner to the hospital’s executive team, providing insights and recommendations on long-term infrastructure planning, space utilization, and capital project planning.

• Support Patient Care Goals: Align all facilities initiatives with the hospital’s mission and strategic goals, ensuring the physical environment actively supports and enhances the patient care experience.

Candidate Qualifications and Required Experience

We are seeking a candidate with a proven track record of leadership in a similarly complex and regulated environment. The ideal profile is a blend of education, hands-on experience, and innate leadership qualities.

Mandatory Qualifications:

• Education: A Bachelor’s degree in Facilities Management, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field. Equivalent, demonstrable work experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.

• Management Experience: A minimum of 5 years of progressive management experience in healthcare facilities operations. Experience within a hospital setting is non-negotiable.

• Functional Trade Expertise: At least 5 years of hands-on, functional expertise in one or more of the core trade areas: HVAC, electrical, plumbing, or plant operations. This foundational knowledge is critical for credibility and effective decision-making.

• Regulatory Knowledge: Proven, in-depth knowledge of and experience with The Joint Commission (TJC), OSHA, and NFPA standards as they apply to healthcare facilities.

Core Competencies and Behavioral Attributes:

• Leadership and Influence: Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, and develop multidisciplinary teams. A leader who inspires trust and drives performance.

• Strategic and Financial Acumen: Strong business and financial skills, with experience in budget management, capital planning, and vendor contract negotiation.

• Problem-Solving and Decision-Making: Excellent analytical and critical-thinking skills, with the ability to make sound decisions under pressure in a fast-paced environment.

• Communication Excellence: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively interact with everyone from frontline staff to the C-suite and regulatory officials.

• Patient-Focused Mindset: A deep-seated understanding that every decision and action in this role ultimately serves the patient and supports clinical care.

Additional Preference:

• This position is designated for US Candidates Only.

Compensation and Benefits

This is a direct-hire position offering a competitive compensation package commensurate with the significant responsibilities and required experience. The package will include a base salary, performance-based incentives, and a comprehensive benefits suite typical of a leading healthcare organization, which includes health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.

The Application Process

The application process is designed to be thorough to ensure a mutual fit.

1. Initial Application: Qualified candidates are to submit a detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) to [email protected] or via the application link: https://lnkd.in/eShRNECd. Your CV should specifically highlight your healthcare facilities experience, team leadership scope, and key accomplishments.

2. Recruiter Screening: Selected applicants will participate in a preliminary phone screening with the hiring recruiter to discuss background, experience, and career motivations.

3. Hiring Manager Interview: A virtual or in-person interview with the senior hiring leader to delve into technical competencies, leadership philosophy, and situational management.

4. Panel Interview & Stakeholder Meetings: A final round of interviews with a panel of key stakeholders and potential peers to assess cultural fit and strategic alignment.