Director Plant Operations & Engineering

Support Center; United States; On-site; USD 145,000 - 211,000; Full time

Job summary

Lifespace Communities is seeking a strategic Director of Plant Operations & Engineering to lead facilities and engineering standards across our senior living communities. This role drives operational excellence, capital project oversight, and team development across a multi-site portfolio in the Dallas area, delivering safe, reliable, and high-quality environments for residents and staff.

The position emphasizes enterprise-wide standards, budgeting, vendor management, and succession planning,

Qualifications

• 8-10+ years of progressive leadership experience in facilities management, plant operations, engineering, or building maintenance.
• Experience leading complex operations across multiple locations.
• 5-10 years of experience managing capital improvements, construction, renovation, or facilities-related projects.
• Strong working knowledge of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, building systems, and preventive maintenance programs.
• Demonstrated success developing operational standards, managing budgets, and driving measurable improvements.
• Experience in a regulated environment, senior living highly preferred.
• Bachelor's degree preferred; equivalent relevant leadership experience considered.
• Ability and willingness to travel extensively across community locations.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement enterprise facilities strategy & operational excellence across maintenance, engineering, housekeeping, laundry, grounds, security, and apartment refurbishment.
• Oversee capital improvements, renovations, refurbishment programs, and facility-related projects; manage budget and timelines.
• Coach, mentor, and develop leaders to strengthen performance and accountability.
• Promote safety, compliance, and risk management across sites.

Skills

Facilities management

Capital projects

Leadership

Budget management

Regulatory compliance

HVAC/building systems

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Work order systems

Job description

Community: Support Center Address: 3501 Olympus Boulevard Dallas, Texas 75019 Pay Range $145,300.00-$210,800.00+ Annual Lead Operational Excellence. Build High-Performing Teams. Make a Lasting Impact.

At Lifespace Communities, we believe exceptional environments create exceptional experiences. From beautifully maintained residences and welcoming common spaces to safe, efficient, and innovative facilities, our communities reflect our commitment to excellence. We are seeking a strategic, results-driven Director of Plant Operations & Engineering to lead facilities and engineering standards across our portfolio of premier senior living communities. This is an exciting opportunity for an accomplished leader who brings deep technical expertise, strong business acumen, and a passion for developing teams, driving operational performance, and elevating the resident experience. If you've successfully led complex, multi-site facilities operations, managed significant capital investments, and built high-performing teams, we want to connect with you.

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

• Enterprise-Level Impact: Influence facilities operations, engineering standards, and service excellence across multiple communities.
• Strategic Leadership: Shape operational standards, drive efficiencies, and implement best practices across a diverse portfolio.
• Capital Project Leadership: Play a key role in facility improvements, renovations, apartment refurbishments, and capital investments.
• Build & Develop Teams: Coach community leaders, strengthen accountability, and establish a culture of operational excellence.
• Purpose-Driven Organization: Make a meaningful difference in environments where residents live, connect, and thrive.

What You'll Lead

• Enterprise Facilities Strategy & Operational Excellence: Develop and implement consistent standards across maintenance, engineering, housekeeping, laundry, grounds, security, and apartment refurbishment. Drive operational efficiencies, quality outcomes, and exceptional service across multiple locations. Establish meaningful KPIs, performance benchmarks, and accountability measures. Lead enterprise-wide adoption and optimization of work order management systems.
• Capital Projects & Financial Performance: Oversee capital improvements, renovations, refurbishment programs, and facility-related projects. Partner with development and construction teams to ensure projects meet quality, budget, and timeline expectations. Drive financial performance through effective budgeting, resource allocation, staffing models, and vendor management. Identify opportunities to improve operating efficiencies while maintaining exceptional quality standards.
• Leadership & Team Development: Serve as a trusted advisor and subject matter expert to community executive leadership and plant operations teams. Coach, mentor, and develop leaders to strengthen performance, accountability, and succession planning. Build collaborative partnerships across community operations and corporate functions. Champion a culture of service excellence, safety, continuous improvement, and operational accountability.
• Safety, Compliance & Risk Management: Ensure facilities meet applicable regulatory, safety, and operational requirements. Establish proactive maintenance programs and risk mitigation strategies. Support emergency preparedness, disaster response, and business continuity planning. Promote safe, reliable, and well-maintained environments for residents, team members, and visitors.

What Makes You a Great Fit

• 8-10+ years of progressive leadership experience in facilities management, plant operations, engineering, or building maintenance.
• Proven success leading complex operations across multiple locations.
• 5-10 years of experience managing capital improvements, construction, renovation, or facilities-related projects.
• Strong working knowledge of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, building systems, and preventive maintenance programs.
• Demonstrated success developing operational standards, managing budgets, and driving measurable improvements.
• Experience in a regulated environment, senior living highly preferred.
• Strong leadership, communication, relationship-building, and problem-solving skills.
• Bachelor's degree preferred; equivalent relevant leadership experience considered.
• Ability and willingness to travel extensively across community locations.

If you're an accomplished facilities or engineering leader looking for greater impact, executive visibility, and the opportunity to drive excellence across an organization, we'd love to hear from you.

Equal Opportunity Employer To learn more about how our communities serve our residents, please visit lifespacecommunities.com

Lifespace has successfully served older adults for 50 years, and this is just the beginning. With new opportunities, continued growth, and the support from your Lifespace team members, get ready to ignite your life and experience Our Space. COMPANY OVERVIEW: Lifespace Communities, headquartered in Dallas, Texas, is one of the nation's largest nonprofit senior living organizations. For over 50 years, we have been dedicated to creating vibrant communities across the country where older adults are empowered to live their aspirations with purpose, independence, and peace of mind. Driven by a commitment to exceptional service, innovation, and meaningful connections, our team members work together to enrich the lives of our residents every day. At Lifespace, you'll find more than a career, you'll find an opportunity to make a lasting impact while growing professionally in a collaborative, mission-driven organization.