Plant Operations Director

Location: Middlebury VT
Job Type: Full-Time Exempt Director / Department Head
Work Schedule: Monday Friday (day shift) with flexibility for emergencies critical projects or occasional evenings/weekends
Salary Range: $106000 $160000

This mission-driven healthcare organization serves Middlebury Vermont and surrounding communities through a network of hospital and outpatient facilities. The organization is dedicated to providing safe high-quality patient-centered care while maintaining modern reliable and compliant facilities that support clinical excellence. The Plant Operations Director will work closely with clinical administrative and support leaders to ensure all facilities building systems and plant operations meet the highest standards of safety reliability and regulatory compliance.

The Plant Operations Director provides strategic and operational leadership for Plant Operations Facilities Maintenance Biomedical Engineering and Hazardous Waste functions across hospital and clinic sites. The Director ensures all facilities building systems and medical equipment are safe functional code-compliant and aligned with organizational goals. This role includes oversight of HVAC electrical plumbing mechanical utility and life safety systems biomedical equipment and hazardous waste programs.

• Lead Plant Operations Facilities Maintenance Biomedical Engineering and Hazardous Waste functions.

• Oversee safe reliable operation and maintenance of building systems medical gas utilities and life safety systems.

• Ensure compliance with healthcare codes and regulations (CMS OSHA NFPA Life Safety Code Joint Commission state/local codes).

• Develop and improve preventive and predictive maintenance programs to maximize uptime and asset life.

• Manage Biomedical Engineering to maintain and inspect critical medical equipment per regulatory and manufacturer standards.

• Oversee hazardous materials and waste management programs.

• Serve as the subject matter expert for life safety systems including fire alarms suppression emergency power and egress.

• Plan and manage minor construction renovation and repair projects with internal stakeholders and contractors.

• Participate in capital planning and budgeting for facility upgrades and equipment replacements.

• Develop monitor and manage departmental operating and capital budgets; implement cost control strategies.

• Lead mentor and develop plant operations managers supervisors and technical staff.

• Foster a culture of safety quality and service excellence.

• Collaborate with clinical and support departments to prioritize work requests and coordinate projects.

• Participate in Environment of Care Safety and Emergency Management committees.

• Prepare for and lead regulatory surveys inspections and audits; oversee corrective actions.

• Maintain accurate documentation including work orders maintenance logs life safety drawings and risk assessments.

• Evaluate and manage vendor relationships and service contracts for high performance and cost-effectiveness.

• Serve as an on-call leader for emergencies utility failures severe weather events and other critical situations.

• In-depth knowledge of building systems plant operations and biomedical equipment.

• Strong understanding of healthcare facility codes and regulatory requirements (CMS OSHA NFPA Joint Commission).

• Knowledge of hazardous materials/waste management in healthcare.

• Ability to interpret technical drawings blueprints manuals and life safety plans.

• Proficiency in CMMS or similar maintenance management systems.

• Strong leadership project management and team-building skills.

• Financial management budgeting and cost-control abilities.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to manage multiple demands in a 24/7 healthcare environment.

• Analytical problem-solving and decision-making skills.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite; familiarity with BAS/BMS systems.

• Commitment to safety quality and regulatory compliance.

• Minimum 5 years progressive leadership experience in facilities management plant operations engineering or related field.

• Healthcare or hospital experience strongly preferred.

• Technical/college education in maintenance building trades engineering facilities management or equivalent experience.

• Experience managing capital projects renovations or construction in occupied facilities.

• Prior responsibility for departmental budgeting vendor management and performance metrics.

• Certified Healthcare Facility Manager (CHFM) strongly desired; support provided to obtain post-hire if needed.

• Other certifications (CPMM CMRP etc.) a plus.

• Valid drivers license required for site travel.

• OSHA NFPA or other regulatory/safety coursework preferred.

• Medical Dental Vision insurance

• Retirement plan with employer contributions

• Life insurance and short/long-term disability coverage

• Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid holidays

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• Tuition reimbursement/education support

• Employee referral program discounts and pet insurance

• On-site food service options

• Professional development and certification support (e.g. CHFM)

• Uniforms or stipend where applicable