Description

Summary

The Manager. Maintenance Operations is responsible for managing and coordinating all trade and general maintenance activities, staff, and projects for the Tulane National Primate Research Center (TNPRC). This position directly supervises the General Maintenance Supervisor, as well as licensed trades personnel, Electricians, Plumbers, Locksmiths, Vehicle Mechanics, and Welders.

This role provides leadership in scheduling, training, workload management, and customer service response while ensuring all operations comply with safety, compliance, and performance standards. The position plays a key role in the coordination and execution of in-house and contracted maintenance projects, assuring that project scopes, schedules, and budgets are maintained. It serves as the primary liaison between TNPRC internal stakeholders and the maintenance teams and oversees vendor relationships to ensure timely and quality delivery of services.

The incumbent exercises discretion and independent judgment across operations, project planning, contract management, and personnel leadership in a complex, regulated, and research-driven environment.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across internal departments and with external vendors or contractors

• Proven leadership and personnel management skills, including staff development, performance oversight, and team building

• Strong organizational and project coordination abilities, with demonstrated success managing multiple priorities, timelines, and deliverables

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) and familiarity with CMMS systems (e.g., TMA) and eProcurement platforms (e.g., SciQuest)

• Solid analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail and a solutions-oriented mindset

• Ability to manage high-pressure situations, meet deadlines, and maintain accountability in both day-to-day and project-based environments

• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, regulated setting with flexibility to respond to urgent needs during evenings, weekends, or holidays as required

• Capacity to handle concurrent assignments, shifting priorities, and unforeseen challenges while maintaining professional composure

Required Education and/or Experience

• High School diploma or equivalent

• Minimum of 5 years of hands-on maintenance and/or skilled trades experience

• Minimum of 3 years of supervisory or management experience in facilities, maintenance, or project environments

Preferred Qualifications

• Trade certification(s) or bachelor's degree in a related field
• Experience with maintenance project estimating and contractor oversight

• Background in safety, compliance, and/or regulatory operations

• Experience with academic, research, or biosafety-regulated environments