HudsonAlpha - Operations Manager

HudsonAlpha; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology in Huntsville, AL is seeking an Operations Manager to lead day-to-day campus operations and oversee facilities, capital projects, and service providers. The role requires coordinating internal staff and external contractors to maintain safe, reliable, and cost-efficient operations.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's in engineering or related field with 5+ years in facilities or engineering operations, including project management, and knowledge of

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related discipline (or equivalent technical degree).
• 5 years of progressive experience in facilities maintenance, engineering operations, construction, or related field.
• 3 years of experience in facilities management and/or project/construction management.
• Ability to interpret drawings, specifications, and schematics.
• Working knowledge of complex electrical, mechanical, HVAC, and Building Automation Systems (BAS).
• Strong leadership, organization, and prioritization skills; proven problem-solver.
• Strong written/verbal communication and customer-service mindset.
• Advanced computer skills (Mac experience preferred).
• Valid driver's license (DMV check required).

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day campus operations and supervise the facilities/maintenance/project team (6–10 direct reports).
• Manage third-party providers and coordinate services performed by outside contractors.
• Manage and maintain the computerized maintenance management system (CMMS).
• Develop and manage metrics, KPIs, and dashboards for performance monitoring.
• Develop and manage facilities/maintenance, operating, and capital budgets.
• Ensure compliance with safety, security, and environmental policies and regulations.
• Develop and manage systems to inspect, maintain, and repair building systems (mechanical, electrical, plumbing, HVAC) for optimal operation.
• Maintain appropriate levels of maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) items, including tools.
• Develop recommendations for cost, energy, and waste reduction.
• Lead projects end-to-end: define scope, plan work, manage schedule and budget, and deliver results.
• Develop RFPs; identify/qualify providers; review proposals; select best total value.
• Track and report project progress; manage changes to scope/schedule/cost/quality and related risks.
• Maintain project documentation and elevate issues to senior leadership as needed.

Skills

Facilities leadership

Facilities operations

Project management

Interpreting drawings

BAS knowledge

Electrical/Mechanical/HVAC

Communication skills

Computer literacy

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or related

Tools

CMMS

Job description

INSTITUTE OVERVIEW

The HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology (www.hudsonalpha.org) is a non-profit organization with the mission to use biotechnology and basic biological research to make important discoveries, improve human health, stimulate economic development, inspire young people to seek careers in science, and teach members of the public the importance of science in their everyday lives. Located in Cummings Research Park in Huntsville, Alabama, one of the world's leading science and technology parks, HudsonAlpha's campus contains state-of-the-art laboratories for biological research and development, as well as education, in the areas of genomics, genetics, and personalized medicine.

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

The Operations Department provides all aspects of operational support for the HudsonAlpha campus, including maintenance of facilities and campus, shipping and receiving, janitorial, warehousing, mail, furnishings, waste management, construction/project management, environmental, health and safety (EH&S), security, food service/vending, leasing, and landlord functions. The department accommodates a range ofrequests while ensuring that overall standards for cleanliness, safety, and optimal operation are maintained. The department serves the needs of HudsonAlpha staff as well as the other tenants on campus.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Operations Manager leads day-to-day campus operations and plans, coordinates, budgets, and supervises facilities, capital, and other projects from start to finish. This role manages internal facilities staff and coordinates third-party service providers to ensure buildings, systems, and campus services operate safely, reliably, and cost-effectively.

JOB-SPECIFIC TASKS

Operations Leadership

• Lead day-to-day campus operations and supervise the facilities/maintenance/project team (6–10 direct reports).
• Manage third-party providers and coordinate services performed by outside contractors.
• Manage and maintain the computerized maintenance management system (CMMS).
• Develop and manage metrics, KPIs, and dashboards for performance monitoring.
• Develop and manage facilities/maintenance, operating, and capital budgets.
• Ensure compliance with safety, security, and environmental policies and regulations.

Facilities Systems & Preventive Maintenance

• Develop and manage systems to inspect, maintain, and repair building systems (mechanical, electrical, plumbing, HVAC) to ensure optimal operation.
• Maintain appropriate levels of maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) items, including tools.
• Develop recommendations for cost, energy, and waste reduction.

Project / Construction Management

• Lead projects end-to-end: define scope, plan work, manage schedule and budget, and deliver results.
• Develop RFPs; identify/qualify providers; review proposals; select best total value.
• Track and report project progress; manage changes to scope/schedule/cost/quality and associated risks.
• Maintain project documentation and elevate issues to senior leadership as needed.

REQUIRED EDUCATION/SKILLS

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related discipline (or equivalent technical degree).
• 5 years of progressive experience in facilities maintenance, engineering operations, construction, or related field.
• 3 years of experience in facilities management and/or project/construction management.
• Ability to interpret drawings, specifications, and schematics.
• Working knowledge of complex electrical, mechanical, HVAC, and Building Automation Systems (BAS).
• Strong leadership, organization, and prioritization skills; proven problem-solver.
• Strong written/verbal communication and customer-service mindset.
• Advanced computer skills (Mac experience preferred).
• Valid driver's license (DMV check required).

PREFERRED SKILLS/CERTIFICATIONS

• Certified Facility Manager (CFM)
• Project Management Professional (PMP)
• Energy management experience and/or Certified Energy Manager (CEM)
• Experience supporting Class A office and laboratory environments

Physical Demands/Environmental Factors/Mental Functions

ADA Requirements – The physical demands, work environment factors, and mental functions described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential function of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Disclaimer - All job requirements are subject to possible revision to reflect changes in the position requirements or to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a threat or risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees. This job description does not state or imply that these are the only duties required in this position. Employees will be required to follow other job-related duties as requested by their supervisor/manager (within guidelines and compliance with Federal and State Laws). Continued employment remains on an "at-will" basis.

Physical Demands

• Frequent to constant moving, transporting, positioning, removing, and/or installing materials up to 40 pounds.
• Occasionally ascend/descend several flights of stairs.
• Limited ascension/descension of a ladder.
• Frequently move about a multi-building property.
• Occasionally remain in a stationary position (sit or stand).
• Frequently position self (e.g., stoop, crouch, crawl, bend) and pull and push to install and upkeep equipment, inspect buildings, ensure safety, etc., on HudsonAlpha property.
• Vision to read printed materials and a computer screen and to distinguish colors in wiring.
• Constant communication in person, over the telephone, and on the radio.
• Occasional operation of power tools, hand tools, and motor vehicles.
• Constant mental and visual attention, requiring constant alertness or activity.

Environmental Factors

• Work in both indoor and outdoor environments with exposure to controlled temperature conditions, cold and hot temperatures, and inclement weather conditions.
• Moderate to loud noise levels.
• Exposure to chemical, mechanical, and electrical hazards and hazardous physical substances and fumes.
• Occasional prolonged and irregular hours, which include early morning or evening hours.
• Required to maintain availability to come to work outside of regular workday hours, which include weekend days and holidays, or to otherwise be available to respond to emergency situations on the HudsonAlpha campus (On-Call Requirement).

Mental Functions

• Communicate, both orally and in writing, in the English language with individuals in interpreting and enforcing rules, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to concentrate, analyze, and problem-solve or troubleshoot equipment or facility issues.

It is the policy of HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, in accordance with all applicable laws, to recruit, hire, train, and promote persons in all job titles without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.