Executive Director - Physical Plant

Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR); Memphis (TN); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Southwest Tennessee Community College in Memphis invites applications for the Executive Director of Physical Plant. This is a full-time, fiscal year role reporting to the Chief of Administrative Services and provides strategic leadership across maintenance, custodial, grounds, utilities, and construction projects at multiple campus sites.

The Executive Director ensures safe, sustainable facilities that support the college mission and enhance the experiences of students, faculty, staff, and the

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, facilities management, construction management, or a related technical discipline.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in facilities management, engineering, or building operations.
• Minimum of three (3) years of supervisory or administrative leadership experience.
• Successful completion of a background check.
• Preferred certification in facilities management (e.g., CFM, FMP, IFMA, APPA).

Responsibilities

• Provide vision, leadership, and direction for all areas of the Physical Plant, including custodial, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, grounds, and general maintenance.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate operational and strategic maintenance plans, goals, and performance metrics.
• Oversee budgeting and execution of facilities maintenance, repairs, renovations, and new construction projects.
• Prepare and manage annual operating and capital budgets, ensuring compliance with institutional and state requirements.
• Direct and monitor contractors, vendors, and construction managers to ensure high-quality work and adherence to timelines, budgets, and safety standards.
• Supervise Physical Plant staff to promote a collaborative, inclusive, and high‑performing work environment.
• Ensure compliance with applicable codes, regulations, and safety standards (OSHA, EPA, fire safety, accessibility).
• Develop and manage preventive and predictive maintenance programs; lead sustainability initiatives.
• Represent the department on college committees and liaise with external partners and regulatory agencies.

Skills

Leadership

Facilities management

Budgeting

Contract management

Regulatory compliance

Team supervision

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, facilities management, construction management, or related discipline

Job description

Southwest Tennessee Community College is a comprehensive, multicultural, public, open—access college. Southwest has four campuses/centers from which it offers over 100 programs and over 20 technical certificate programs.

We foster student success, transform lives, and increase the educational level of a growing community in Shelby County. Southwest is a Tennessee Board of Regents institution, accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

We invite you to become a part of the Southwest Team!

Title: Executive Director - Physical Plant

Employee Classification: Other Professionals

Institution: Southwest Tennessee Community College

Department: Physical Plant

Campus Location: SWTCC - Multiple Campus Locations

Job Summary

This is a full-time, fiscal year position reporting to the Chief of Administrative Services. The Executive Director of Physical Plant provides strategic leadership and operational oversight of the College’s facilities, including maintenance, custodial services, grounds, utilities, and construction projects across multiple campus sites.

This role ensures that campus facilities and infrastructure are maintained in a safe, efficient, sustainable, and aesthetically pleasing manner that supports the College’s mission and enhances the student, faculty, staff, and community experience.

Job Duties

• Provide vision, leadership, and direction for all areas of the Physical Plant, including custodial, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, grounds, and general maintenance.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate operational and strategic maintenance plans, goals, and performance metrics to ensure effective, efficient, and cost-conscious delivery of services.
• Oversee the planning, budgeting, and execution of facilities maintenance, repairs, renovations, and new construction projects.
• Prepare and manage annual operating and capital budgets, ensuring compliance with institutional and state requirements.
• Direct and monitor contractors, vendors, and construction managers to ensure high-quality work and adherence to timelines, budgets, and safety standards.
• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate Physical Plant staff to promote a collaborative, inclusive, and high‑performing work environment.
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local codes, regulations, and safety standards (including OSHA, EPA, fire safety, and accessibility requirements).
• Develop and manage preventive and predictive maintenance programs for campus infrastructure and energy systems.
• Lead sustainability initiatives, including energy management, water conservation, waste reduction, and green building practices.
• Advise senior leadership on institutional policies and procedures related to physical resources and capital planning.
• Represent the Physical Plant on college committees and serve as a liaison to external partners, contractors, and regulatory agencies.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, facilities management, construction management, or a related technical discipline; or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in facilities management, engineering, or building operations.
• Minimum of three (3) years of supervisory or administrative leadership experience.
• Successful completion of a background check.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certification in facilities management (e.g., CFM, FMP, IFMA, APPA).
• Experience with higher education or large, multi-site institutional facilities.
• Demonstrated experience leading sustainability and energy efficiency initiatives.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Knowledge of and experience with HVAC, plumbing, electrical, fire alarm, and energy management systems.
• Demonstrated knowledge of federal, state, and local statutes, codes, and regulations related to building operations, safety, and construction.
• Proven ability to prepare bid specifications, manage contracts, and oversee service providers.
• Ability to read and interpret architectural and engineering drawings and technical specifications.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate teams, manage change, and foster a culture of accountability and safety.
• Excellent communication, problem‑solving, and decision‑making skills.
• Ability to work effectively with internal and external stakeholders, including architects, engineers, contractors, and regulatory agencies.
• Commitment to sustainability and continuous improvement in facilities operations.

Physical Demands / Working Conditions

• This position requires on‑site presence at campus locations and the ability to respond to facilities emergencies outside of normal business hours. Duties may involve exposure to construction sites, mechanical equipment, and varying weather conditions.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representation of the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the total specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees may be directed to perform job‑related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

Candidates who are called for an interview must notify Human Resources in writing at least five (5) days in advance of any reasonable accommodation needed prior to the date of the interview.

First consideration will be given to current Southwest Tennessee Community College employees who meet the minimum qualifications for the position.

In order to be considered for the position, the following items must be uploaded:

• Resume
• Cover letter
• Unofficial Transcripts

A Summary Of Our Benefits Can Be Found Below

https://www.southwest.tn.edu/hr/benefits-overview.php

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

The TBR does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ethnicity, or national origin, sex, disability, age, status as a protected veteran or any other class protected by Federal or State laws and regulations and by Tennessee Board of Regents policies with respect to employment, programs, and activities.

The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies: LeVetta Hudson, Vice President of People & Culture, [e-mail], 737 Union Ave, Memphis, TN 38103, 901-333-5000. See the full non‑discrimination policy.