Plant Operations Director

Job Description

Job DescriptionPlant Operations Director – Healthcare Facilities

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: $106,000 – $160,000

Company Overview

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.

Position Summary

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.

Key Responsibilities

• 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.

Required Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

• 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.

Education / Experience

• 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.

Licenses / Certifications

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

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

• Valid driver’s license required for site travel.

• OSHA, NFPA, or other regulatory/safety coursework preferred.

Benefits

• 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