As a member of the UG2 Management Team, reporting directly to the Facilities Manager, the Project Manager is responsible for the oversight and execution of the daily operations associated with the UG2 Facilities & Grounds Department at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT). This position provides leadership, technical support, and operational oversight for skilled trades personnel while ensuring the efficient delivery of maintenance services, capital projects, and regulatory compliance across the campus.

The Project Manager is responsible for managing Building Engines CMMS work orders, coordinating in-house staff and outsourced vendors, administering payroll through E-Pay, maintaining key control systems, overseeing energy management systems, and directing preventive, corrective, and emergency maintenance activities. The position also ensures compliance with OSHA and all applicable regulatory requirements through effective project and contract management.

This position is designated as Essential Personnel and requires availability to respond to campus operational and project-related emergencies at all times.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Operations Management

• Oversee the daily operations of the mechanical maintenance and engineering staff throughout the FIT campus.
• Manage a multi-union workforce responsible for preventive maintenance, repairs, and capital projects involving mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems.
• Supervise employees, contractors, and vendors performing installations, maintenance, repairs, inspections, and code compliance work.
• Coordinate project assignments using Building Engines CMMS and other automated work management systems.
• Ensure timely completion of all corrective, preventive, and project-related work in accordance with established standards and specifications.

Project Management

• Manage maintenance-related projects from planning through completion.
• Coordinate internal resources and external contractors to ensure efficient utilization of labor, equipment, and materials.
• Monitor project schedules, budgets, quality standards, and contractor performance.
• Maintain strict control over project materials, equipment, and inventory required for successful project execution.
• Prepare operational reports, project documentation, and performance updates for review by the Director of Facilities Operations.

Residence Hall Operations

• Direct the annual residence hall suite preparation program.
• Conduct inspections of vacant student housing units.
• Coordinate repairs, maintenance, contractor activities, and project schedules to ensure all residence hall units are completed prior to student occupancy.
• Monitor budgets and project timelines associated with residence hall turnover.

Maintenance Oversight

• Possess working knowledge of repairs and preventive maintenance involving:
• Pumps
• Piping systems
• Heating systems
• Mechanical equipment
• HVAC systems
• Assist in developing preventive maintenance standards and work procedures.
• Review work orders and identify deficiencies in service delivery.
• Implement corrective actions to maintain quality standards and client satisfaction.

Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure compliance with OSHA regulations and all applicable federal, state, and local safety requirements.
• Manage DOB, DEP, and FDNY violations associated with FIT properties.
• Coordinate compliance activities with UG2 leadership and FIT Facilities & Grounds personnel.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Manage Building Engines CMMS work order assignments and workflow.
• Administer E-Pay payroll functions.
• Maintain key control systems.
• Support campus energy management initiatives.
• Prepare operational reports, maintenance records, and project documentation.
• Manage billable work including labor, materials, and contractor cost recovery.

Emergency Response

• Serve as an integral member of the campus Emergency Response Team.
• Respond to campus emergencies, institution closures, weather events, and other operational incidents.
• Provide administrative, management, and operational support outside normal business hours when required.

Required Knowledge and Technical Expertise

The successful candidate must possess working knowledge of the following building systems:

• Building Management Systems (BMS)
• Centrifugal chiller systems
• Chilled water distribution systems
• Cooling towers
• Standpipe systems
• Fire sprinkler systems
• Air compressors
• Air handling units
• Temperature control systems
• HVAC systems
• Electrical distribution systems
• Plumbing systems
• Vertical transportation systems
• Environmental systems
• Life Safety systems
• Emergency power generation and distribution systems

These systems support academic buildings, administrative facilities, and residential halls throughout the FIT campus.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Minimum of three (3) to five (5) years of progressively responsible management experience in facilities operations, maintenance, engineering, or related field.

Additional Position-Specific Qualifications

Applicants must possess:

• Strong working knowledge of mechanical, refrigeration, plumbing, and electrical systems.
• Experience supervising union employees and outside contractors.
• Strong organizational, leadership, and project management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively across diverse constituencies.
• Strong customer service orientation.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships within an academic environment.
• Proficiency with:
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Building Engines CMMS
• Payroll systems
• Building Management Systems (BMS)
• Energy Management Software
• Computerized maintenance management systems

Preferred Qualifications

• Trade licenses or certifications in one or more of the following disciplines:
• Mechanical
• Refrigeration
• Plumbing
• Electrical
• Additional technical certifications relevant to facilities management are highly desirable.

Physical and Work Environment

This position requires regular movement throughout the campus, including mechanical rooms, rooftops, construction sites, and residence halls. The Project Manager may be exposed to varying weather conditions and mechanical environments while performing inspections and supervising work.

Essential Personnel Designation

The Project Manager is designated as Essential Personnel and is required to provide administrative, operational, management, and emergency support during:

• Institution closures
• Weather emergencies
• Scheduled and unscheduled events
• Campus emergencies
• After-hours operational incidents

Availability outside normal working hours is a condition of employment.