Senior Manager, Operations

Position Summary

The Senior Manager of Operations provides leadership and oversight for The Arc Howard County's operational infrastructure, including facilities and building systems, fleet assets, technology infrastructure and support, vendor and contract management, workplace safety, OSHA compliance, physical security, emergency preparedness, and operational projects. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Senior Manager translates organizational priorities into effective operational plans and ensures that facilities, vehicles, technology systems, vendors, and physical resources support the organization's mission and service delivery. The position provides direct leadership to the Chief Engineer and Technology IT Systems Lead and manages external service providers supporting operational functions. The administrative function is not included within Operations and will report through Human Resources.

Essential Functions

Provide operational leadership and management.

• Lead the Operations function and establish priorities aligned with organizational goals and service needs.
• Translate organizational strategy into actionable operating plans, projects, timelines, and performance expectations.
• Supervise, coach, and develop assigned Operations staff, including the Chief Engineer and Technology/IT Systems Lead.
• Identify operational risks, analyze root causes, and implement practical and sustainable solutions.
• Lead cross-functional operational initiatives involving facilities, technology, fleet, safety, security, and organizational infrastructure.
• Serve as a key operational resource to the Executive Director and leadership team.

Manage facilities, building systems, and capital needs.

• Oversee organizational buildings, facilities, grounds, equipment, and related infrastructure.
• Direct preventive and corrective maintenance programs and ensure timely resolution of facility-related issues.
• Oversee HVAC, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, life-safety, and other critical building systems.
• Manage facility inspections, contractors, landlords, property-management relationships, and service vendors.
• Coordinate space planning, renovations, repairs, equipment placement, and facility improvement projects.
• Develop short- and long-term facility and major-equipment replacement priorities and support capital planning.

Provide oversight of fleet assets and vehicle infrastructure.

• Establish and monitor standards for vehicle maintenance, inspections, registrations, repairs, and fleet safety.
• Develop vehicle replacement and lifecycle plans and monitor vehicle condition, utilization, and operating costs.
• Manage fleet-related vendors and coordinate vehicle acquisition, replacement, and disposal recommendations.
• Partner with Finance and insurance representatives regarding fleet coverage and vehicle claims.
• Collaborate with the Transportation Manager and program leadership to support vehicle availability and program needs.
• Maintain responsibility for fleet governance and vehicle assets; day-to-day driver supervision, routing, scheduling, staffing, and transportation service delivery will reside within Programs or another designated management function.

Oversee technology systems and support.

• Provide direct oversight to the Technology/IT Systems Lead and/or manage relationships with external managed technology service providers.
• Coordinate technology vendors, hardware, software, telecommunications, equipment inventory, and support services.
• Establish service expectations and monitor technology support, system reliability, and equipment availability.
• Develop technology equipment replacement and lifecycle-management plans and coordinate technology purchasing within approved budgets.
• Partner with Human Resources on employee technology setup, access, and equipment recovery processes.
• Support cybersecurity, access controls, data protection, and technology risk-management efforts in partnership with service providers and leadership.
• Evaluate technology solutions and the appropriate balance between internal technology resources and outsourced support.

Manage vendors, procurement, and contracts.

• Identify, evaluate, and recommend operational vendors based on service quality, cost, responsiveness, and organizational requirements.
• Coordinate competitive bids, proposals, and procurement processes when appropriate.
• Negotiate or support the negotiation of operational contracts, pricing, service agreements, and deliverables.
• Monitor vendor performance and hold external partners accountable to established service expectations.
• Coordinate contract renewals and identify opportunities for vendor consolidation, cost reduction, or improved service.
• Partner with Finance and organizational leadership regarding significant purchases and contractual commitments.

Lead operational safety, OSHA compliance, security, and emergency preparedness.

• Coordinate workplace safety initiatives and OSHA-related compliance activities affecting organizational facilities and operations.
• Conduct or coordinate facility and workplace safety inspections and ensure corrective actions are completed.
• Maintain appropriate safety documentation and coordinate required operational safety training.
• Work collaboratively with Human Resources, Quality, and program leadership regarding workplace incidents, safety concerns, and risk mitigation.
• Oversee physical security systems, building access, alarms, cameras, and related security vendors as applicable.
• Lead the operational components of emergency preparedness and business continuity planning, including facility, weather, utility, and other operational disruptions.

Manage operational budgets, assets, and projects.

• Develop and manage the annual Operations budget in collaboration with the Executive Director and Finance.
• Forecast significant maintenance, facility, fleet, equipment, and technology expenditures and maintain multi-year asset replacement plans.
• Monitor operational expenses and identify opportunities for efficiency and cost savings without compromising safety or service quality.
• Develop business justifications and recommendations for significant operational purchases and investments.
• Lead operational projects from planning through implementation, including scope, timelines, budgets, responsibilities, and deliverables.
• Partner with Finance and Development regarding significant capital needs and potential funding opportunities.

Other Functions

• Participate in organizational leadership initiatives and cross-department projects as assigned.
• Maintain effective working relationships with employees, vendors, contractors, partners, and community stakeholders.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Executive Director.