Towson University (TU) is one of the nation’s top 100 public universities. Located north of Baltimore, TU currently enrolls more than 19,000 students and is the second-largest university in the prestigious University System of Maryland. Towson University values diversity and fosters a climate that is grounded in respect and inclusion to cultivate the intellectual and personal growth of the entire university community.
The Manager of Trades provides daily administrative and operational supervision of personnel assigned to Facilities Management Department trade shops to carry out operations and maintenance requirements for Towson University. This role will lead and manage the Renovation Services team with the execution of campus projects, while providing project management of Renovation Services team activities. Duties of this role include project planning and oversight, and the safe and successful completion of projects on-time, on-budget, to the satisfaction of the customers.
Responsibilities and Duties
Lead shops personnel to plan, estimate, schedule, and execute renovation projects and maintenance tasks to support continuous operations of TU facilities. Shops included, but are not limited to, carpentry, electrical, automotive/fleet, paint, and renovations/minor construction.
Ensure trades staff are well versed in delivering accurate, high-quality work with a strict focus on safety. Effectively communicate with staff and customers. Resolve conflicts or complaints from customers and employees utilizing conflict resolution strategies. Manage work order system for associated shops. Oversee maintenance and operations at Hidden Waters remote site.
Ensure adherence to departmental procedures and policies by assigned personnel. Conduct staff performance evaluations throughout the year in a timely manner. Train, motivate, and coach employees as they provide quality, efficient service to customers. Provide constructive feedback to train and develop staff members.
Help develop and manage training and development program for the division including leadership/supervisory, technical, safety, and required annual training. Manage safety program for trades shops in compliance with OSHA and other governing safety standards.
Ensure work environments are maintained in a clean, tidy, and safe manner for staff members and bystanders. Work with Material Management to oversee and manage tool and material inventories.
Analyze processes and practices to develop more efficient and effective ways to conduct daily operations with a focus on continuous improvement.
Review and approve expense reports, time sheets, purchase requests and other requests necessary for the daily operation of the trades shops in accordance with governing policies and procedures.
Perform other duties as required.
Qualifications and Skills
Bachelor’s degree and five years of progressively responsible experience in the trades, project/construction management, and/or facilities management with at least three years in supervisory capacity. Master’s degree can substitute for one year of supervisory experience.
Must possess and demonstrate strong leadership and management skills and experience. Excellent analytical, writing, and communication skills are necessary to be successful in this position.
Knowledge of project management principles and methodologies, construction, and facilities maintenance and operations are also required to ensure success.
Working knowledge of federal, state, and local environmental and sustainability policies are preferred. Must be able to work independently, to be a team leader, and a team member.
Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with leadership, staff, and customers, and to handle sensitive information and materials with discretion and tact. Must be able to present ideas and information clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, to perform mathematical calculations, and effectively utilize computer programs required for effective daily operations and to prepare reports and correspondence.
Must have ability to delegate, handle multiple tasks, and set priorities. Ability to develop and participate in best practices. Must have comprehensive knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and other systems applicable to facilities, construction, and facilities support.
Must be able to perform construction/trades cost and time estimates, develop scopes of work, and read and interpret blueprints, designs, specifications, and schematics. Must be able to plan and organize work for assigned personnel. Must be able to understand and operate inventory management, maintenance/work management, finance, and timekeeping systems.
Must be willing and able to be on-call for emergency situations. Must be able to wear and work in personal protective equipment. Must possess a strong adherence to a culture of safety, integrity, and service. Must be able to conduct performance counseling, mentoring, and training. Must understand and practice conflict resolution strategies.
Preferred background in facilities management/construction in a higher education or institutional environment. Familiarity with acquisition processes and contracts.
Salary and Benefits
Salary starting at $90k, salary commensurate on experience, and full University benefits that include 22 days of annual leave, up to 15 holidays, personal and sick days; excellent health, life, and retirement plans; and tuition remission. To learn more about our benefits, click here. TU also offers a variety of great perks and discounts, which can be found here.
This position will be open for a minimum of 14 days. For consideration, please submit a cover letter and resume with your online application.
The safety of our students, faculty, staff, and neighbors has been our top priority and the focus of every one of our decisions since the earliest days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, the University System of Maryland (USM) has strongly encouraged full COVID vaccination and up-to-date booster shots (when eligible) for all faculty, staff, and students at all schools in the USM as both a reasonable and necessary means of protecting our health and safety.
The largest comprehensive university in the Baltimore area, Towson University is nationally recognized for its excellent programs in the arts and sciences, communications, business, health professions, education, fine arts and computer information systems. Located in suburban Towson, eight miles north of Baltimore, our beautifully landscaped, 328-acre setting offers a pleasant environment for study and a diverse campus life, as well as easy access to a wealth of university and community resources. Towson University's educational experience branches out to off-campus locations throughout Maryland, including a number of online options. Our many interdisciplinary partnerships with public and private organizations throughout Maryland provide opportunities for research, internships and jobs. Towson University is a founding member of the Coalition of Urban and Metropolitan Universities (CUMU).