Facilities Manager

Description

We are seeking a hands-on, solutions-oriented Facilities Manager to oversee the operations and maintenance of three properties: a retail store and office plaza in Wilmette, IL; a commercial landscape facility in North Chicago, IL; and a plant nursery in Bristol, WI. While this position is primarily based in Wilmette, it will involve coordination with on-site personnel at the other two locations. This role combines big-picture thinking, managing staff and subs, and “rolling up your sleeves” to do some of the work yourself. 

Key Responsibilities:

General Oversight (All locations)

• Provide direction and oversight of property and facility maintenance across all locations.
• Serve as primary liaison for major repair or improvement projects—develop scope, solicit bids, evaluate contractors, and make recommendations to the company president.
• Coordinate and communicate with on-site staff at the North Chicago and Bristol locations to ensure continuity in facility standards and maintenance procedures.

Wilmette Location Responsibilities

• Oversee operations at a 5-story commercial office building, 20,000 sq. ft. retail store, and 2,500 sq. ft. mixed-use space.
• Point of contact for tenant maintenance issues—address inquiries related to HVAC, plumbing, keys, remodels/buildouts, and move-in/move-out inspections.
• Manage routine building inspections (fire safety, elevators, mechanicals, HVAC, pest control, etc.).
• Coordinate property maintenance efforts such as irrigation system oversight, parking lot repairs, and snow removal (in-house team).
• Perform or supervise light remodeling, drywall, carpentry, electrical, painting, plumbing, and store display work.
• Assist with room/facility setup for meetings and events.
• Attend to facility-related emergencies and coordinate appropriate response and resolution.

Personnel and Vendor Management

• Coordinate outside vendors, utility providers, tradespeople, and custodial staff.
• Solicit and evaluate quotes for projects beyond internal capabilities, including tenant buildouts, securing bids, coordinating trades and managing budgets.
• Provide direction and oversight to maintenance staff at each location:
• Develop and assign daily, weekly, and seasonal tasks.
• Monitor and review performance to ensure timely and quality work completion.

Requirements

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Majority of work will be conducted on-site in Wilmette, with occasional travel to North Chicago and Bristol, WI. Company vehicle will be provided for use during the workday. 
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs., use basic tools, climb ladders, and perform physical maintenance tasks as needed.
• As the first line of contact for facility related issues, some evening or weekend availability may be required for urgent situations or special events.

Qualifications

• Previous supervisory and hands on experience as a Facility Manager or Property Manager ideally in multi-use commercial settings. Other career parallels could be as a Landscape Project Manager, Residential Construction Project Manager, Estate Manager, Building Manager, Service Technician Manager, or HVAC Supervisor.
• Mechanical aptitude with knowledge and use of hand and power tools.
• Strong tenant relations and customer service skills.
• Highly organized with strong time management skills; a self-starter with excellent communication abilities.
• Trustworthy, honest, reliable, and prompt.
• Interest in learning building systems: HVAC, plumbing, and electrical.
• Problem solver with a keen eye to proactively anticipate maintenance needs, who can manage multiple priorities and stay calm and focused during emergencies. 
• Ability to manage maintenance staff and vendors while also performing hands-on tasks.
• Pass background and motor vehicle records checks, along with a pre-employment drug test.