Facilities Operations Manager

Job Type

Full-time

Description

Founded in 1966, Durham Exchange Industries, Inc. (DECI) is a respected nonprofit organization based in Durham, North Carolina with a mission to help people with vocational disabilities achieve a sense of self-worth by optimizing their potential to earn competitive wages through work. We do this through hands-on job training, vocational evaluation, employment placement, and long-term support, both within DECI and in the broader community.

DECI operates as a self-supporting social enterprise, partnering with local, national, and international customers to provide dependable production, logistics, and support services. Revenue from these commercial operations is reinvested directly into our programs-fueling job training, employment services, and individualized support for the people we serve.

Our workplace culture is inclusive, collaborative, and purpose driven. Employees at DECI are more than team members-they are part of a mission that strengthens individuals, families, and the Durham community. Every role contributes to building pathways to employment, independence, and long-term success.

If you're looking for a career where your work has real impact, where your skills support both business excellence and human potential, and where inclusion is more than a value-it's a daily practice - DECI is a place where purpose and profession meet.

Join Our Team and Make a Lasting Impact

We're looking for a dynamic and hands-on Facilities Operations Manager to lead and elevate our facilities, custodial, and food service operations. In this role, you'll do more than manage buildings-you'll help create a safe, efficient, and welcoming environment that directly supports our mission and the people we serve.

If you're a strategic thinker with strong leadership skills and a passion for operational excellence, we'd love to meet you.

What You'll Do

As our Facilities Operations Manager, you will lead a diverse team and oversee the day-to-day operations that keep our organization running smoothly:

• Lead & Inspire Teams
  Supervise and develop the Facilities Assistant Manager, Cafeteria Assistant Manager, and Janitorial Team, fostering accountability, collaboration, and high performance.
• Drive Operational Excellence
  Oversee maintenance, janitorial, cafeteria, and groundskeeping functions, ensuring all facilities are safe, clean, and functioning at peak performance.
• Manage Critical Systems
  Ensure all building systems-HVAC, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and fire/life safety-are well-maintained, compliant, and reliable.
• Own Preventive Maintenance & Compliance
  Implement and monitor preventive maintenance programs and ensure compliance with OSHA, health codes, and regulatory standards.
• Optimize Vendor & Contractor Performance
  Serve as the primary contact for service providers and ensure high-quality, cost-effective delivery.
• Manage Budgets & Resources
  Oversee departmental budgets (labor, utilities, supplies), track spending, and identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Promote a Culture of Safety
  Lead safety initiatives, chair the Safety Committee, and ensure best practices are embedded across operations.
• Oversee Custodial & Cafeteria Services
  Ensure a clean, organized environment and safe, compliant food service operations.
• Collaborate Across Departments
  Partner with Program Services to support client training and engagement within operational areas.
• Support Growth & Development
  Coach team members, conduct performance evaluations, and promote ongoing professional development.

• Bachelor's degree in Facilities Management, Engineering, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 5+ years of facilities or operations management experience, including supervisory responsibility
• Experience overseeing maintenance, custodial, and/or food service operations
• Solid knowledge of building systems (HVAC, electrical, plumbing) and safety/regulatory standards
• Proficiency in Excel and MaintainX
• Strong budgeting, analytical, and problem-solving abilities
• Excellent communication and leadership skills with the ability to motivate diverse teams
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation
• Ability to lift up to 35 lbs as needed for operational support

• Reasonable Accommodations: We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
• Other Responsibilities: This role may include assisting individuals with disabilities, including emergency interventions (if NCI certified), and performing other duties as assigned.