Director of Maintenance

As the Director of Maintenance at Senior Lifestyle, your primary responsibilities include overseeing the maintenance of the physical plant, managing staff, implementing preventative maintenance programs, ensuring compliance with building codes, and conducting regular inspections of Life Safety Systems. You will also coordinate schedules and repairs for apartments and common areas, maintain budgets, and manage inventory control for maintenance supplies.

To qualify for the Director of Maintenance position at Senior Lifestyle, you should have at least 2 years of maintenance or plant operations experience, and while management experience is preferred, it is not required. Experience with Dept. of Human Services Regulations is advantageous, and strong communication skills and a positive, proactive attitude are essential.

The Director of Maintenance at Senior Lifestyle ensures safety compliance by conducting regular inspections of all Life Safety Systems, including fire extinguishers and alarms. You will also implement the department’s safety and disaster plans, lead safety committee meetings, and work closely with various stakeholders to uphold safety standards across the property.

Daily routines for the Director of Maintenance at Senior Lifestyle involve overseeing maintenance staff, coordinating schedules, conducting inspections, and managing communication with contractors. You’ll also review maintenance requests, ensure compliance with standards, and participate in meetings with the executive leadership team. Flexibility and adaptability are key, as every day may bring new challenges to tackle.

Senior Lifestyle offers a comprehensive benefits package to the Director of Maintenance, which includes health, dental, and vision coverage, retirement benefits, as well as short-term and long-term disability plans. Additionally, team members enjoy paid time off and access to DailyPay, providing the opportunity to access earned wages before the regular payday.

When handling a maintenance issue reported by a resident, I would first acknowledge the concern and reassure them that the matter will be addressed promptly. I’d gather details about the issue and then assess the urgency before delegating the task to a qualified team member or contractor. Communication is key, so I would keep the resident informed throughout the process regarding the status and any follow-up actions.

In my previous role, I implemented a preventative maintenance program by first conducting a comprehensive audit of all equipment and facilities. Based on this, I created a maintenance schedule that included regular inspections and necessary repairs. I trained staff on the importance of following the checklist, ensuring all tasks were completed on time. This not only improved safety standards but also significantly reduced emergency repair costs.

When prioritizing maintenance requests, I first assess the urgency and impact on residents' safety and comfort. Life-threatening issues, like water leaks or electrical problems, take precedence. I also consider the implications of each request on overall community satisfaction and resource availability. By managing requests in an organized manner and communicating updates, I ensure that all concerns are addressed in a timely fashion.

To maintain effective communication with my maintenance team, I would host regular meetings to discuss daily tasks, challenges, and successes. An open-door policy encourages staff to share concerns anytime. Additionally, using a maintenance management software can help track requests, updates, and performance, ensuring everyone is informed and accountable.

In my previous position, I encountered a team member who frequently missed deadlines. I scheduled a one-on-one meeting to understand the underlying issues and offered support in time management strategies. By setting clear expectations and providing regular feedback, that team member improved their performance significantly and became a more engaged part of our team.

I ensure my team is compliant with safety regulations by providing ongoing training and conducting regular safety audits. I emphasize the importance of staying updated with safety standards and encourage open discussions during team meetings. By leading by example and fostering a safety-first culture, I promote accountability and commitment to compliance among team members.

I have substantial experience in budgeting for maintenance departments. I prepare annual budgets based on historical data, anticipated needs, and input from team members. I monitor expenditures closely, adjusting forecasts as necessary to ensure that all spending aligns with our overall financial goals. This proactive approach helps to maintain fiscal responsibility while ensuring our facilities remain functional and safe.

Coordinating a major renovation project starts with thorough planning. I would begin by establishing a project timeline and budget while involving necessary stakeholders for input. Regular team meetings would maintain clear communication, and I would coordinate with contractors to schedule work efficiently. By prioritizing transparency and constant updates, I would ensure that everyone is aligned and that the renovation meets safety and quality standards.

I find maintenance management software incredibly useful for tracking work orders, scheduling tasks, and maintaining inventory. Additionally, tools like digital checklists help ensure regular inspections are completed. I also encourage the use of mobile communication apps for quick updates and response, making it easier for team members to stay connected and efficient in their roles.

When training new maintenance staff, I take a hands-on approach by providing practical guidance and direct oversight. I pair new hires with experienced team members for mentorship and ensure they understand our safety protocols and standards. Regular check-ins and feedback sessions help reinforce learning and foster confidence in their skills.