Lead Facility Manager

Purdue University; West Lafayette (IN); On-site; USD 76,680 - 93,720; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental and vision insurance

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Job summary

Purdue University is seeking a Lead Facility Manager in West Lafayette, IN, to oversee a high‑caliber research facility used for drug discovery and laboratory work.

You will coordinate between lab operations, facility systems and service providers, ensuring safe, reliable environments and continuous research productivity. The role requires collaboration with EH&S, campus partners, and faculty to plan and execute improvements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Facility Management, Engineering, Chemistry, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Six (6) years of experience in facility management, laboratory operations, or a related environment.
• Experience supporting research, laboratory, or technically complex facilities.

Responsibilities

• Provide operational leadership for a complex research facility supporting drug discovery and lab-based research.
• Serve as primary integrator between laboratory operations, facility systems, and service providers.
• Ensure infrastructure, equipment and environments are safe, reliable, and aligned with research needs.
• Coordinate maintenance, safety and capital improvements with campus partners.
• Support troubleshooting and resolution of facility and lab-related issues.

Skills

Troubleshooting

Laboratory environments

EHS OSHA knowledge

Prioritization

Meetings facilitation

Vendor coordination

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Facility Management, Engineering, Chemistry, or related field

Job description

Administrative Operations | West Lafayette, Indiana

The Facilities Management group is growing on campus, focused on providing professional service to our building occupants and developing individuals into a cohesive team. Our facilities range from complex labs, offices, classrooms and even real estate properties. This position lies squarely at the intersection of lab and facility management.

The Lead Facility Manager provides operational leadership for a complex research facility supporting drug discovery and laboratory-based research. This role serves as the primary integrator between laboratory operations, facility systems, and institutional service providers, ensuring that infrastructure, equipment, and environments are safe, reliable, and aligned with research needs. Operating with a high degree of autonomy, this position is responsible for day-to-day facility performance, laboratory infrastructure management, and coordination of maintenance, safety, and capital improvements. The role requires applied knowledge of research environments and the ability to support troubleshooting and resolution of facility and lab-related issues.

Working closely with faculty, researchers, Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S), Physical Facilities, and campus partners, this position ensures continuity of operations, supports research productivity, and contributes to long-term facility and infrastructure planning. This role may expand to include oversight of additional facilities and staff as the research portfolio grows.

About Us

Be a part of Administrative Operations—the organization that powers Purdue University by providing safe, reliable and transformative services. We support the university’s day-to-day operations, as well as the strategic vision for the future.

Administrative Operations delivers a wide range of essential services through various positions, including custodians, construction project managers, electricians, firefighters, groundskeepers, plumbers and more. We are looking for hardworking, dedicated individuals as we continue to grow strong, service-focused teams across campus. Team members work in collaborative environments where their contributions directly impact the success and daily experience of students, faculty, staff and campus visitors.

Our employees benefit from the stability of year-round work, competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental and vision insurance, retirement plans, paid time off and opportunities for ongoing training and professional growth.

What We're Looking For

Education and Experience Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Facility Management, Engineering, Chemistry, or a related technical field, or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Six (6) years of experience in facility management, laboratory operations, or a related environment
• Experience supporting research, laboratory, or technically complex facilities

Preferred

• Experience working in chemical, life sciences, or research laboratory environments
• Hands-on experience with laboratory equipment, mechanical systems, or technical troubleshooting
• IFMA FMP or CFM certification (or willingness to obtain)
• OSHA 30 or equivalent safety certification

Skills Required:

• Support troubleshooting and resolution of facility and lab-related issues.
• Comfort working in laboratory environments with mechanical and technical components
• Knowledge of EHS, OSHA, and laboratory safety practices
• Ability:
  • manage multiple priorities and drive work to completion
  • perform minor repairs and troubleshoot equipment and systems
  • identify risks and coordinate corrective actions
  • facilitate meetings, track action items, and drive accountability
  • investigate undefined issues and implement effective solutions
• Experience:
  • managing service providers, contracts, and performance expectations
  • coordinating projects, vendors, and service providers
• Strong:
  • judgment in operational and safety-related situations
  • understanding of building systems and laboratory infrastructure
  • interpersonal skills and ability to work with faculty, researchers, and technical staff

Additional Information:

• Purdue University will not sponsor employment authorization for this position
• A background check will be required for employment in this position
• FLSA: Exempt (Not Eligible for Overtime)
• Retirement Eligibility: Immediate Defined Contribution by the university
• Benefit Statement: Purdue University offers a substantial Benefit Package including medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous paid time off package for sick and vacation days

The anticipated annual salary for this position is $85,200 commensurate with the candidate’s education and experience. The final salary offer will be determined based on a variety of factors, including equity, available budget, educational background, and relevant experience.

Who We Are

Purdue is a community built on collaboration, with global perspectives, Boilermaker pride and endless opportunity to live, learn and grow. Join us and contribute to our culture.