Assistant Vice President of Operations
Position Information
Position Title: Assistant Vice President of Operations
Department: Facilities
Posting Link: https://apptrkr.com/9780374"">https://www.ubjobs.buffalo.edu/postings/63951
Job Type: Full-Time
Posting Detail Information
Position Summary
As a key member of the University Facilities' senior leadership
team, the
Assistant Vice President of Operations
(Asst. VP) provides strategic leadership and oversight for the
repair, maintenance, and operations of the university's physical
facilities within a dynamic, research-intensive institution.
The University at Buffalo spans three distinct campuses, North,
South, and Downtown, comprising more than 110 buildings that range
from historic early 20th-century structures to modern facilities.
This diverse portfolio requires robust operational strategies to
ensure effective maintenance, regulatory compliance, infrastructure
reliability, and uninterrupted campus operations.
University Facilities encompasses Capital Planning, Campus
Planning, Design & Construction, Environment Health &
Safety, Energy Management & Decarbonization, Facilities
Finance, Facilities Operations, and Real Estate & Property
Management As such, the Asst. VP Facilities Operations reports
directly to the Associate Vice President of University
Facilities.
The Asst. VP leads a workforce of 500–600 unionized employees and
is responsible for managing operations across the three campuses,
totaling approximately 13 million gross square feet and 600 acres
of grounds. Departments reporting to the Asst. VP include skilled
trades, utilities operations, warehouse and storeroom management,
customer service, fleet operations, grounds maintenance, and
custodial services.
The Asst. VP supports the development and oversight of the
Facilities' Operations operating budget (not the full University
Facilities budget) which approximates $30 million in annual payroll
and $15 million in maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO)
expenses. This includes providing financial forecasts and variance
analysis to the Director of Finance and maintaining appropriate
oversight of related service and maintenance contracts. This role
also helps to inform the Director of Capital Planning &
Deferred Maintenance, who manages the minor critical maintenance
capital funds, of capital-related maintenance needs.
Although the Asst. VP is not expected to personally respond during
all off‑hours incidences, they are accountable for maintaining
continuous operational coverage and organizational readiness for
24/7/365 response, including emergencies, and may be required to
respond as needed when circumstances require leadership presence,
employee support, or when designated responders are
unavailable.
Consistent with the operational and response-driven nature of the
Operations department, this position is designated as on-site only
and is ineligible for remote or telecommuting arrangements.
Specific to Facilities Operations (verses University Facilities),
key responsibilities of this role include but are not limited
to:
- Leadership & Strategy
- Develop and implement a comprehensive operations strategy
aligned with institutional and departmental priorities and research
needs.
Foster a culture of accountability, safety, and service
excellence in a dynamic, demanding environment.
Operational Oversight
- Direct and manage skilled trades, utilities operations,
grounds, fleet, warehouse operations, and custodial services across
three campuses.
- Ensure compliance with all applicable codes, regulations, and
safety standards.
- Oversee reactive, preventive and predictive maintenance
programs for critical infrastructure.
Emergency Response & Continuity
- In coordination with the Environment, Health, and Safety team,
establish and maintain emergency response plans for
facilities-related incidents, including power outages, weather
events, and critical system failures.
- Ensure teams are trained and equipped to respond promptly to
emergencies at any time.
Performance Management
- Establish, monitor, and report on Key Performance Indicators
(KPIs) and tools for data visualization and performance tracking
for all operational areas.
- Conduct root cause analysis for recurring issues and implement
corrective actions.
- Drive continuous improvement through benchmarking and best
practices.
Process Development
- Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for
all functional areas.
- Draft and manage Memoranda of Understandings (MOUs) with
internal and external stakeholders.
- Draft and manage Service Level Agreements with internal and
external stakeholders.
Develop, interpret, negotiate, and implement University-wide
facilities operations policies, standards, and procedures in
alignment with the strategic objectives of the University at
Buffalo and SUNY. The position exercises broad independent judgment
in establishing and enforcing operational policies that govern
campus infrastructure, utilities, maintenance, custodial services,
grounds, and skilled trades, with direct impact on the safety,
reliability, and performance of the institution's physical
assets.
Financial & Resource Management
- Manage an annual operating budget of approximately $45 million,
ensuring fiscal responsibility and alignment with institutional
goals.
- Inform the Director of Capital Planning & Deferred
Maintenance, who manages the minor critical maintenance capital
funds, of capital-related maintenance needs.
- Optimize resource allocation for labor, materials, and
equipment.
- In conjunction with Central Procurement, maintain appropriate
oversight of related service and maintenance contracts.
Employee Relations & Workforce Management
- Promote professional development, engagement, and retention
strategies for staff at all levels.
- Coordinate with Human Resources / Employee Relations to manage
complex relations issues, ensuring compliance with collective
bargaining agreements.
- About The University at Buffalo
The University at Buffalo (UB) #ubuffalo is one of America's
leading public research universities and a flagship of the State
University of New York system, recognized for our excellence and
our impact. UB is a premier, research-intensive public university
dedicated to academic excellence. Our research, creative activity
and people positively impact the world. Like the city we call home,
UB is distinguished by a culture of resilient optimism, resourceful
thinking and pragmatic dreaming that enables us to reach others
every day. Visit our website to learn more about the University at
Buffalo.
Applicants must be authorized to work in the United
States by their start date. The
University at Buffalo does not guarantee that it will
sponsor, support, or otherwise
assist with obtaining work authorization.
University at Buffalo is an affirmative action/equal
opportunity employer and, in
keeping with our commitment, welcomes all to
apply including veterans and
individuals with disabilities.
Learn more:
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in engineering, facilities management,
business administration, or related field.
- Minimum 10 years of progressive leadership experience in
facilities operations of large-scale institutional settings.
- Demonstrated success in managing large, unionized teams and
complex infrastructure systems.
- Familiarity with CMMS implementation, optimization, and
reporting.
- Strategic thinker with ability to translate vision into
actionable plans.
- Expertise in KPI development, data analytics, and root cause
analysis.
- Experience managing operating budgets, including planning,
forecasting, and cost control.
- Exceptional communication skills with the ability to
effectively engage and influence stakeholders at all levels of a
large, complex institution—from front-line staff to senior
executives.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, and
PowerPoint) for daily administrative and reporting tasks.
- Ability to be available as needed for critical issues and
emergencies, ensuring operational continuity 24/7 through team
coverage and leadership oversight.
- Valid driver's license.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with facilities operations in higher education and
research institutions.
- Certification in facilities management (e.g., IFMA CFM) or
related credentials.
- Advanced degree in the fields of mechanical engineering,
electrical engineering, industrial engineering or related
field.
- Experience with multiple CMMS or ERP systems.
- Strong understanding of grounds, building systems and
mechanical equipment, including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and
other critical infrastructure components.
- Proficiency in developing SOPs, MOUs, and compliance
documentation.
Physical Demands
This position requires the ability to perform work in a combination
of office and field settings. The Asst. VP must be able to walk
extended distances across campus, climb stairs and ladders,
access rooftops and elevated areas, and enter
electrical, mechanical, utility rooms, and construction spaces as
needed to support operational oversight and emergency response. The
role may involve occasional lifting, bending, and reaching. All
activities are performed in accordance with applicable safety
protocols. Reasonable accommodation will be provided as required by
law.
Salary Range
Competitive
Special Instructions Summary
Is a background check required for this posting?
Yes
Contact Information
Contact's Name: Suzanne Gentz
Contact's Pronouns:
Contact's Title: Director of Finance
Contact's Email: sgentz@buffalo.edu
Contact's Phone: 716-645-1527
Posting Dates
Posted: 08/21/2026
Deadline for Applicants:
Date to be filled: 12/31/2026
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