Plant & Operations Maintenance Manager

Compensation Data

COMPENSATION: The salary range for this position is $110,000 to $120,000. If both numbers are the same, that is the amount that Aramark expects to offer. This is Aramark's good faith and reasonable estimate of the compensation for this position as of the time of posting.

BENEFITS: Aramark offers comprehensive benefit programs and services for eligible employees including medical, dental, vision, and work/life resources. Additional benefits may include retirement savings plans like 401(k) and paid days off such as parental leave and disability coverage. Benefits vary by location and are subject to any legal requirements or limitations, employee eligibility status, and where the employee lives and/or works. For more information about Aramark benefits, click here Aramark Careers - Benefits & Compensation.

There is no predetermined application window for this position, the position will close once a qualified candidate is selected. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with applicable law, including, but not limited to, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, the California Fair Chance Act, and the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance to the extent that those laws apply to the opportunity

Job Description

Industry: Facilities Management | Higher Education |

Job Type: Full-Time

Aramark is seeking an experienced Plant Operations & Maintenance Manager to lead facility maintenance, engineering services, and plant operations across a higher education environment. The successful candidate will oversee all building systems, trade operations, preventative maintenance programs, workforce management, and regulatory compliance while driving operational excellence, customer satisfaction, and financial performance.

This position is ideal for a facilities management professional with expertise in HVAC, electrical systems, plumbing, utilities management, life safety systems, work order management, and campus maintenance operations.

Job Responsibilities

Facilities & Plant Operations Management

• Plan, administer, and direct all facility maintenance and engineering operations.
• Lead daily plant operations and all trade activities throughout the campus.
• Oversee work order requests, scheduling, completion, and performance metrics.
• Ensure optimal operation of building systems, utilities, and infrastructure.
• Manage preventative maintenance programs and asset reliability initiatives.
• Monitor operational KPIs and implement continuous improvement strategies.

Building Systems & Engineering Oversight

• Maintain responsibility for:
• HVAC/R systems
• Boilers and chillers
• Electrical distribution systems
• Plumbing systems
• Water treatment systems
• Generators and emergency power systems
• Fire safety and life safety systems
• Energy management programs
• Grounds maintenance

Client Relationship Management

• Serve as primary facilities management consultant to the client.
• Provide recommendations regarding staffing levels and operational efficiencies.
• Conduct regular client meetings and facility rounding.
• Identify opportunities for service expansion and operational improvements.
• Develop and maintain trusted client partnerships.

Program Development & Compliance

• Develop, implement, and maintain the Plant Operations & Maintenance (POM) Program.

• Ensure compliance with:

• Joint Commission standards

• OSHA requirements

• NFPA regulations

• Local, state, and federal codes

• Client contractual obligations

• Maintain documentation, inspections, audits, and accreditation readiness.

Workforce Leadership & Development

• Lead Facility Supervisors, Maintenance Supervisors, and frontline staff.
• Develop job descriptions and standards of performance under Aramark management.
• Track employee training, certifications, compliance, and performance evaluations.
• Conduct service excellence training and employee engagement initiatives.
• Facilitate team meetings focused on operational goals, safety, and customer service.

Financial & Vendor Management

• Manage departmental budgets and capital planning initiatives.
• Analyze operational expenses and explain financial variances.
• Maintain profit and loss (P&L) accountability.
• Oversee vendor relationships, contracts, and contractor performance.
• Manage supplies, materials, labor resources, and purchasing activities.

Reporting & Administration

• Produce operational, compliance, maintenance, and performance reports.
• Utilize CMMS and work order management systems effectively.
• Ensure accurate tracking of preventive maintenance schedules and labor utilization.
• Support leadership with operational analytics and strategic recommendations.

At Aramark, developing new skills and doing what it takes to get the job done make a positive impact for our employees and for our customers. In order to meet our commitments, job duties may change or new ones may be assigned without formal notice.

Qualifications

• 5-7+ years of facilities maintenance management experience.

• Experience managing university or higher education

• Strong knowledge of:

• HVAC systems

• Electrical systems

• Plumbing infrastructure

• Boilers and chillers

• Building automation systems

• Preventive maintenance programs

• Demonstrated leadership experience managing multiple trades and maintenance teams.

• Experience with budgeting, forecasting, and P&L management.

• Strong analytical, organizational, and project management skills.

• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Facilities Management, Engineering Technology, or related field.
• Higher Education Facilities Management experience preferred.
• Licensed trade professional preferred.

Preferred Trade Licenses

• S-1 or S-2 Heating License
• HVAC License
• Electrical License
• Master Electrician License
• Plumbing License
• Stationary Engineer License
• Refrigeration License
• Boiler Operator License
• Any applicable state or local trade license

Education

About Aramark

Our Mission

Rooted in service and united by our purpose, we strive to do great things for each other, our partners, our communities, and our planet.

At Aramark, we believe that every employee should enjoy equal employment opportunity and be free to participate in all aspects of the company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military status, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by applicable law.

About Aramark

The people of Aramark proudly serve millions of guests every day through food and facilities in 15 countries around the world. Rooted in service and united by our purpose, we strive to do great things for each other, our partners, our communities, and our planet. We believe a career should develop your talents, fuel your passions, and empower your professional growth. So, no matter what you're pursuing - a new challenge, a sense of belonging, or just a great place to work - our focus is helping you reach your full potential. Learn more about working here at http://www.aramarkcareers.com or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Nearest Major Market: Hartford