Manager, Campus Trades

Department
OPS Facilities Building Trades and Campus Services Management

Job Summary
Reporting to the Director of Building Trades, this Manager is responsible for leading the 25+ personnel in the Structural Mechanic, Carpentry, Locksmith, and Decorating Shops, and providing technical expertise, budget management and quality assurance oversight to small and large-scale projects involving building envelope, sheet metal and masonry. This role includes the daily assignment of maintenance and operations tasks, material and tool ordering approval, and client interface on project scheduling and closeout of all preventive and corrective maintenance tasks assigned to the aforementioned shops.

Responsibilities

• Manage employees by establishing annual performance goals, allocating resources, assessing annual performance, and determining individual merit, incentive and/or promotional increases.
• Develop, execute and maintain staffing model to ensure assigned Shops are staffed to the appropriate level to meet the required capability and capacity. Hire, mentor and develop assigned staff. Responsible for managing the timecard approval process and disciplinary process in accordance with union contracts for all assigned staff. Responsible for developing and executing task specific safety plans for all assigned shop activities.
• Manage and provide technical expertise regarding the design and construction of non-capital building envelope and masonry projects. These projects are triggered by a failure of the system, part of the preventative maintenance program or departmental requests. Adherence to the allocated budget is a requirement. All projects must be compliant with all related codes. Assure schedule, scope, standards, and quality meet University requirements. Accurate and timely communication between Facilities Services and the department or departments is essential.
• Responsible for timely execution of feasibility studies and cost studies. Ability to prioritize based on cost, potential impact of failure, and risk of failure. Demonstrated knowledge of the impact that various types of design may have in future years on the Facilities Services Operations & Maintenance budget. Ability to differentiate the anticipated operating and maintenance costs and to distinguish between initial as well as long term costs and liabilities between different materials and procedures used on projects. This includes performing fact finding and analysis to assure sound decisions are made relative to first cost versus life cycle costs. Has the ability to differentiate between upfront as well as long term costs and liabilities between different materials as well as procedures used on projects.
• Act as the university's point of contact with local and state government agencies regarding compliance with roofing and façade code issues. Must know the University's liabilities and the timelines to repair imminent hazards as well as preventive projects. Must present the University's plans for compliance with accurate detail as to work to be done and timeline for Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) as well as accurate costs for the University. Must communicate back to the University any changes or revisions required by the AHJ.
• Conducts regular inspection tours of buildings, equipment and surrounding grounds for deficiencies, potential safety, health, or code problems and necessary repairs. Prepares written reports summarizing findings, and advises management, building users, or others, as appropriate, of findings and recommendations for dealing with problems noticed on inspection.
• Conduct regular communications with internal and external customers and stakeholders ensuring understanding of the project process. Develop and maintain strong relationships within University community to meet the mission of Facilities Services.
• Maintains Facilities Services philosophies by fostering a spirit of teamwork and cooperation.
• Supervises employees by establishing annual performance goals, allocating resources, assessing annual performance, and determining individual merit, incentive and/or promotional increases.
• Provides training, prioritizes and schedules work assignments (daily management and long-range planning), inspects work, and provides guidance and technical assistance. Conducts inspections of buildings, equipment and/or surrounding grounds for deficiencies and potential safety, health, or code problems.
• Develops and uses performance measurement tools to improve processes. Implements standard operating procedures.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree.

Experience:

• Eight years experience in design, construction and project management related duties and activities.
• Experience in project management in a university setting.
• Experience in managing numerous projects concurrently.
• Experience, which demonstrates competency and exposure to large-scale building projects involving all building trade divisions.
• Higher education or related institutional facilities experience.

Certifications:

• Valid driver's license.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Computer literacy in a Windows environment. Effectively using computer technology (computerized maintenance management system, procurement authorization logs, spreadsheets, etc.).
• Mastery of building systems, concrete materials and methods, metal materials and methods (specialty doors, entrances and storefronts), glazing, thermal and moisture protection (damp proofing, waterproofing, building insulation, etc) roofing materials and systems (shingles, tile, coverings, panels, membrane roofing, flashings, etc).
• In-depth understanding with building processes related to roofing and masonry codes in the City of Chicago and the State of Illinois.
• Detailed knowledge and understanding of the building process, with specific experience in roofing, sheet metal, masonry and façade categories.
• Ability to evaluate appropriateness of estimates, bids, and cost proposals.
• Ability to understand construction documents.
• Provides training, prioritizes and schedules work assignments (daily management and long-range planning), inspects work, and provides guidance and technical assistance. Conducts inspections of buildings, equipment and/or surrounding grounds for deficiencies and potential safety, health, or code problems.
• Develops and uses performance measurement tools to improve processes. Implements standard operating procedures.

Preferred Competencies

• Demonstrated negotiation skills.
• Demonstrated oral and written communication skills with tradespersons, professionals, faculty, students, staff, and administrators.
• Strong customer service orientation.
• Perform multiple tasks concurrently.
• Perform within deadlines, reading; confidentiality; problem-solving.
• Attention to detail.
• Familiarity with coordinating multiple interest groups and stakeholders is important. Work within complex phasing constraints and within existing densely built mature facilities environments is a plus.
• Specific knowledge of the University of Chicago is a plus.

Working Conditions

• Ability to physically enter construction sites (climb a ladder) and visually inspect work in progress.
• Must demonstrate mechanical aptitude and manual dexterity and be physically capable of strenuous activity over extended periods of time.
• Must be able to lift and move loads appropriate to job requirements and be able to bend and work in a kneeling position for periods of time.
• Must be able to climb stairs and ladders, be capable of working at heights as needed, be able to enter and work within tight spaces, and be able to withstand hot and cold temperatures.
• Must be able to respond to emergency calls at any hour of the day and must be willing to work long or irregular hours when needed.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)
• Cover Letter (required)
• List of 3 References (required)

The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family
Facilities Management

Role Impact
People Manager

Scheduled Weekly Hours
40

Drug Test Required
No

Health Screen Required
No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
Yes

Pay Rate Type
Salary

FLSA Status
Exempt

Pay Range
$94,248.61 - $110,880.72
The included pay rate or range represents the University's good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible
Yes
The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.