Central Utility Plant Manager

JLL; Sunnyvale (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

JLL in Sunnyvale, CA is seeking a Central Utility Plant Manager to oversee the operations of critical central utility plant systems in large-scale facilities. You will lead a team of technicians and engineers, ensure reliability, safety, and regulatory compliance, and drive energy efficiency with preventive maintenance and data-driven improvements.

This role requires a technical bachelor’s degree, 7–10 years in central utility plant operations or critical infrastructure, and proven leadership

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a technical field or equivalent experience.
• 7–10 years in central utility plant operations or critical infrastructure.
• Strong leadership with budget and project planning.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of plant operators, technicians and engineers.
• Monitor and optimize central utility plant operations for efficiency and reliability.
• Develop preventive and predictive maintenance programs.
• Analyze energy data to identify efficiency and cost-savings opportunities.
• Ensure regulatory compliance across environmental, safety and operational standards.
• Manage vendor relationships and procurement for equipment and services.
• Respond to emergencies with effective troubleshooting and resolution.
• Prepare reports, budgets, and capital improvement plans for stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Problem-solving

Energy management

Regulatory compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering or Facilities Management

Tools

BAS

CMMS

Energy management platforms

Job description

What this job involves -

As a Central Utility Plant Manager at JLL, you'll oversee the complete operations of critical central utility plant systems that power large-scale commercial, healthcare, or campus environments. This role places you at the heart of mission-critical infrastructure, where your technical expertise and leadership directly impact facility performance, energy efficiency, and operational continuity. You'll manage complex mechanical systems including chillers, boilers, cooling towers, pumps, and building automation systems while leading a team of skilled technicians and engineers. At JLL, we embrace more innovative ways of working and prioritize opportunities to strengthen and advance your career, giving you the platform to drive operational excellence while developing cutting-edge solutions in energy management and sustainability. Your strategic oversight will ensure regulatory compliance, optimize system performance, and deliver measurable value to our clients through proactive maintenance strategies and continuous improvement initiatives. This position requires both hands-on technical knowledge and strong leadership capabilities as you balance day-to-day operations with long-term strategic planning.

What your day-to-day will look like:

• Lead and mentor a team of plant operators, technicians, and engineers, fostering a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous learning
• Monitor and optimize central utility plant operations including chillers, boilers, cooling towers, pumps, heat exchangers, and related HVAC systems to ensure maximum efficiency and reliability
• Develop and implement preventive and predictive maintenance programs that minimize downtime and extend equipment lifecycle
• Analyze energy consumption data and identify opportunities for efficiency improvements, cost savings, and sustainability initiatives
• Ensure full compliance with local, state, and federal regulations including environmental, safety, and operational standards
• Manage vendor relationships, contractor performance, and procurement processes for equipment, parts, and services
• Respond to emergency situations and system failures with swift troubleshooting and resolution strategies
• Prepare operational reports, budget forecasts, and capital improvement plans for stakeholder review
• Collaborate with facility management teams, clients, and engineering consultants to align utility plant operations with broader organizational goals

Required qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Facilities Management, or related technical field, or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Minimum 7-10 years of experience in central utility plant operations, facilities management, or critical infrastructure environments
• Strong working knowledge of chiller plants, boiler systems, cooling towers, pumps, and building automation systems (BAS)
• Valid stationary engineer license, boiler operator license, or equivalent certification as required by local jurisdiction
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing technical teams and driving operational performance
• Proven track record in budget management, cost control, and capital project planning
• Excellent problem-solving abilities with experience in emergency response and system troubleshooting
• Strong understanding of energy management principles, sustainability practices, and regulatory compliance requirements

Preferred qualifications:

• Master's degree in Engineering, Facilities Management, or related discipline
• Certified Energy Manager (CEM), Certified Plant Engineer (CPE), or Building Operator Certification (BOC)
• Experience with computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) and energy management platforms
• Background in healthcare, higher education, mission-critical, or large commercial campus environments
• Knowledge of LEED, ASHRAE standards, and advanced energy efficiency technologies
• Experience implementing Lean or Six Sigma methodologies in operational environments
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills with ability to translate technical concepts for non-technical audiences