Facilities Operations Manager

JLL; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

JLL is seeking a Facilities Operations Manager to lead the life sciences client’s facility operations in Cambridge, MA. You will own the facility’s performance, safety, and regulatory compliance, with hands-on control of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, BAS, and lab utilities.

Your role requires strategic leadership, vendor management, and a passion for continuous improvement. You will manage budgets, drive preventive maintenance programs, and leverage AI and data analytics to optimize asset

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Facilities Management, or related field or equivalent experience.
• 6+ years in facilities management, with life sciences/pharma exposure preferred.
• Strong knowledge of FDA GMPs and cleanroom standards.
• Experience managing HVAC, electrical, and laboratory utilities.
• Experience with capital projects from planning to execution.
• Demonstrated budget management and cost optimization.

Responsibilities

• Lead the facilities operations team including technicians, engineers, and vendors.
• Oversee critical building systems for 24/7 reliability.
• Ensure compliance with FDA, EPA, OSHA, MWRA and life sciences regulations.
• Develop preventive/predictive maintenance using data analytics and AI tools.
• Manage vendor contracts, SLAs, and KPI performance.
• Oversee capital improvements and equipment installations with minimal disruption.
• Lead incident response, root cause analysis, and corrective actions.
• Prepare and manage the facilities operating budget and cost-saving initiatives.
• Provide updates to client leadership on metrics, projects, and tech advancements.

Skills

Facilities management

Regulatory compliance

HVAC systems

Capital projects

Budget management

Stakeholder communication

Digital twin

AI in maintenance

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

CMMS

Building Automation (BAS)

Job description

Facilities Operations Manager – JLL

What This Job Involves:

As a Facilities Operations Manager supporting our life sciences client, you'll serve as the strategic operational leader responsible for maintaining a safe, compliant, and high-performing facility environment. This role is built for a driven, high-energy professional who brings an infectious enthusiasm for operational excellence. You are someone who doesn't just manage a facility — you own it, with deep, hands-on knowledge of every system, process, and stakeholder relationship that keeps it running at its best. This role demands both technical mastery and exceptional relationship-building skills as you oversee all aspects of facility operations including HVAC, electrical and plumbing systems, critical utilities, and regulatory compliance specific to life sciences environments. You'll manage vendor relationships, lead high-performing facilities teams, and uphold the stringent standards required in pharmaceutical and biotech settings.

What Your Day-to-Day Will Look Like:

• Lead and manage the facilities operations team — including technicians, engineers, and vendor partners — fostering a culture of safety, accountability, energy, and continuous improvement
• Oversee critical building systems including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, BAS, and laboratory support equipment to ensure 24/7 operational reliability
• Maintain comprehensive compliance with FDA, EPA, OSHA, MWRA and other regulatory requirements specific to life sciences facilities
• Develop and execute preventive and predictive maintenance programs that optimize equipment performance and extend asset lifecycles — leveraging AI-powered tools and data analytics where applicable
• Manage vendor contracts, service level agreements, and KPI performance metrics to ensure quality service delivery and cost-effectiveness
• Coordinate and oversee capital improvement projects, facility modifications, and equipment installations with minimal disruption to ongoing operations
• Respond swiftly and decisively to emergency situations and lead root cause analysis efforts to prevent recurrence of facilities-related incidents
• Prepare and manage the facilities operating budget, identifying cost‑saving opportunities while maintaining service quality and safety standards
• Serve as the primary facilities liaison with client leadership, providing regular updates on performance metrics, upcoming projects, continuous improvement initiatives, and technology advancement opportunities

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Facilities Management, or a related technical field, or equivalent combination of education and experience
• 6+ years of progressive facilities management experience, with at least 3+ years in a life sciences, pharmaceutical, or biotech environment
• Strong working knowledge of regulatory requirements including FDA regulations, GMP, and cleanroom standards
• Proven experience managing critical facilities infrastructure including HVAC, electrical distribution, emergency power systems, and laboratory utilities
• Experience managing capital projects and facility modifications from planning through execution
• Strong budget management skills with demonstrated ability to optimize costs while maintaining service excellence
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills with the ability to translate technical concepts for non‑technical audiences
• An open, forward‑thinking mindset toward emerging technologies, including AI applications in facility management, predictive maintenance platforms and digital twin environments

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in Engineering, facilities management, or related discipline
• Professional certifications such as Certified Facility Manager (CFM) or Project Management Professional (PMP) or Professional Engineering (PE)
• Experience with computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS), building automation system, hope... .??
• Background ...

Location

Cambridge, MA (on-site)