The Building Manager plays a pivotal role in the operation of a large-scale laboratory facility dedicated to biomedical research. This position requires exceptional leadership, managerial, communication and technical skills to ensure the efficient and effective functioning of the laboratory facility. The Building Manager must interact effectively with individuals at all levels within and outside the University, and develop a support team that is cooperative, collaborative, responsive and proactive.
The Building Manager works collaboratively with key service partners to provide broad facility services and daily operational support for students, faculty, and staff in the building. They are responsible for all routine issues of building maintenance, equipment, access, and oversee a third-party Building Management and Operations team. They serve as the primary on site liaison to academic departments, laboratories, vivarium, EHS and construction teams. This includes the continued operation of centralized core facilities and vivarium, management of work orders for repairs, support for ongoing space improvements and construction, and stewardship of all laboratories and administrative spaces within the facility.
The position supervises loading dock personnel, who handle all incoming and outgoing mail, package, freight, supplies and delivery of gases and research materials to laboratories and the vivarium. They create and maintain standard operating procedures to comply with EHS policy and work to ensure compliance with local, state, federal and University regulations.
When effective steady-state operations of this large-state laboratory facility is accomplished and maintained, the opportunity to participate in other facility management projects under the purview of the Office of the Dean for Research may be presented.
Strategic Planning and Facility Organization: Develop strategic plans for the establishment and operation of the laboratory facility in alignment with the institution's research goals and objectives. The manager will collaborate with project leads to develop support plans to meet the needs of the users and provide ongoing communications to users. Collaborate with the Office of Space Planning and Programming in the Provost Office, the Office of Capital Projects, academic departments, and campus partners to develop expansion of the facility. Participate in the development of the strategic plans and monitor work activities to ensure compliance with established objectives. Oversee the setup and organization of the laboratory facility, including overseeing, together with individuals from the Laboratory Animal Research team, the phased design and construction projects, procuring equipment and supplies if required, setting up transportation methods and means for personnel, equipment, and research specimens to/from the University and ensuring compliance with safety regulations and protocols. In conjunction with the Real Estate Office, manage and monitor the relationship with the Princeton West Innovation Campus, and the related condominium association, ensuring that all sides of the association duly fulfills operational requirements.
Operational Management: Oversee security and facilities management teams in regular ongoing operations and in urgent situations for notification and support and ensure proper operating oversight exists for the contracted labor. Provide leadership, mentorship, and support to foster a collaborative and productive work environment. Coordinates facility maintenance by collaborating with Facilities, for building needs and issues, including upkeep, repair, custodial support, and replacement of furnishings and equipment. Supervision and direct out of trade work when necessary to support site operations. Establish and enforce strict safety protocols and regulatory compliance standards to maintain a safe working environment and ensure adherence to institutional, federal, and industry regulations. Assist with vendor scheduled inspections/testing, e.g., fire life safety and mechanical systems maintenance under the direction and in coordination with PWIC/JLL/PU DPS. Coordinate directly with Landlord’s Central Utility Complex (CUC) for utilities, wastewater treatment plant, and site engineering staff throughout year.
Administration: Development and execution of an annual Facility Project Plan for preventative maintenance, acquisition of replacement equipment and responsibility for the asset management program. Assist in the development and management of the facility budget, including forecasting expenses, allocating resources, and optimizing operational efficiency to maximize research outcomes within budgetary constraints. Supervise the facility loading dock attendant, who oversees all incoming and outgoing freight, mail, gases, deliveries to laboratories, and furniture moves.
Communication and Research Support: Foster collaborations and partnerships with internal and external stakeholders and works collaboratively with key service partners, including the Central Utility Complex (CUC), Academic Departments, Real Estate Office, Facilities Operations, Office of Information Technology, and Laboratory Animal Resources. Ensure the needs of the supported groups and programs are met and the support is delivered with best-in-class service. Oversee continuous communications to the departments, users, and support teams on events, building impacts and special projects, and leads periodic user group and operations meetings. Disseminate pertinent information to the appropriate departments and stakeholders. Provide broad facility services and daily operational support for students, faculty, and staff in the facility. Collaborate with researchers to provide technical support and respond to AV and IT support requests, acting as the liaison with Media Services and OIT. Oversee inventory management processes, including procurement, tracking, and storage of laboratory supplies and reagents to support ongoing research activities.
Access and Space Management: Direct all access such as campus entry and card access, visitor access requests, physical keys, and building card access SALTO/CACS. Management of space including room numbering, signage, room assignment, tigerspace updates and space reservations system integration (i.e. conference room booking, hoteling work stations). Maintain building signage, building directories and emergency operational plans. Implement quality assurance and control measures to maintain documentation, record-keeping, and data management practices. Reads, understands, and interprets construction and equipment related documents, such as drawings, equipment manuals, and procedures.
ESSENTIAL Formal Education (minimal level REQUIRED for this position): High school diploma or GED
ESSENTIAL Work Experience (minimum experience REQUIRED for this position): 7+ years
ESSENTIAL Minimum Required Knowledge, Skills, Competencies, and Abilities:
•7 + years of applicable and transferable experience
•Experience with facility management and understanding of trade preventative maintenance and operations, such as HVAC, carpentry, electric, and plumbing, preferably in an academic or research environment.
•Strong leadership and supervisory skills with demonstrated experience in managing direct reports and contractors.
•Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills with meticulous attention to detail and the ability to multi-task and prioritize competing demands effectively.
•Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders and foster a culture of teamwork, innovation and excellence.
•Must be available for after-hours and emergency call back work, which may involve the carrying of a cell phone.
•Must have the ability to study, comprehend, and effectively utilize campus and departmental technology and computerized software systems.
PREFERRED Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Experience, and Other Education:
•In-depth knowledge of laboratory operations, safety protocols, and regulatory compliance requirements, including experience with Institutional Review Board (IRB) and Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) protocols.
•Proficiency in budget management, resource allocation, and financial planning, with the ability to develop and monitor budgets effectively.
•Strong working knowledge of the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code (NJUCC), National Electrical Code (NEC), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
•Technical expertise with highly complex building infrastructure and experience in laboratory facility equipment operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting, with experience in overseeing equipment procurement and vendor management.
•Knowledge of current trends, advancements, and best practices in biomedical research, including familiarity with emerging technologies and methodologies.
Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
The University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's qualifications, work experience, education/training, key skills, market, collective bargaining agreements as applicable, and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The posted salary range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate for a full-time position; salaries for part-time positions are pro-rated accordingly.
If the salary range on the posted position shows an hourly rate, this is the baseline; the actual hourly rate may be higher, depending on the position and factors listed above.
The University also offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees. Please see this link for more information.