Sr Director of Facilities Management

Company Overview

Sr Director of Facilities Management

Cadence Education is one of the premier early childhood educators in the United States, operating over 325 private preschools and elementary schools across 30 states. With over 30 years in business, we have developed an unparalleled expertise in preparing students to thrive in the next step of their childhood.

At Cadence Education, our mission is to create bright futures for children, families, employees and our communities. This mission can only be accomplished through a team of passionate childcare professionals who combine their talents to provide an unparalleled level of care and compassion for children and their families. Our research-based curriculum and home-based environments are the leading edge of early education.

Our schools are staffed with individuals who are talented, fun, and genuinely enthusiastic about child development and learning. We encourage collaboration and cherish open-communication in each school and with our corporate office.  We work hard to create an outstanding work-life balance by supporting leaders and staff members every step of the way. For additional information about Cadence, please visit www.cadence-education.com.

Benefits of Working Full Time at Cadence Education:

• Competitive compensation
• On demand pay with UKG Wallet
• 50% childcare tuition discount
• 401(k) with employer match
• Educational and professional development
• Comprehensive benefit package for all full-time employees, including:
• Paid time off that increases with seniority
• Medical, dental, vision options available
• Additional life, disability, and retirement plans
• Tuition reimbursement
• Company-paid life insurance
• Paid holidays
• 401K
• Pet insurance
• Paid CDA 

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the VP of Operations Support, the Sr Director of Facilities Management provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the maintenance, repair, and improvement of all company-owned and leased facilities across a multi-state portfolio. This role is responsible for developing and executing proactive maintenance programs, managing capital improvement projects, ensuring regulatory compliance, and maintaining brand standards. The Director leads a high-performing team, manages vendor relationships, and partners cross-functionally to align facilities operations with organizational goals, optimize spending, and support a safe, functional, and appealing environment for staff, clients, and visitors.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Develop and manage annual Repair & Maintenance (R&M) and Capital Expenditure (CapEx) budgets for a large, geographically diverse portfolio.
• Monitor spending, forecast needs, and drive cost control through data-driven decision-making and KPI reporting.
• Oversee accounting and fiscal reporting processes, including preparation and review of internal performance metrics, external vendor performance reporting, and organizational-level financial summaries.
• Identify and implement strategies to achieve a planned maintenance ratio of 80%+ to reduce reactive repair costs.

• Negotiate, execute, and manage vendor contracts for key facility services, ensuring service quality, cost-effectiveness, and compliance with agreed service levels.
• Oversee a mix of national service aggregators and local providers, balancing operational efficiency with tailored local support.

• Plan, coordinate, and oversee facility renovations, system replacements, and large-scale repairs, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to brand standards.
• Lead the facility integration process for newly acquired locations, ensuring seamless vendor onboarding and operational readiness.

• Ensure all facilities meet applicable building codes, safety regulations, and licensing requirements.
• Oversee environmental health and safety protocols, including emergency repairs, water intrusion remediation, and mold abatement.

• Direct, mentor, and develop facilities staff (Manager, Specialists, Integration functions, Special Projects), fostering a culture of accountability, responsiveness, and professional growth.
• Set departmental goals aligned with organizational objectives and monitor progress against measurable performance targets.

• Serve as the primary point of contact for operations leadership regarding facility matters, providing clear, concise updates and action plans.
• Present fiscal reports, internal performance metrics, and external vendor performance evaluations to leadership, translating complex data into actionable insights.
• Collaborate with Finance, Operations, and Real Estate to align facility strategy with growth, cost control, and service excellence.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

·         Must be a successful leader of people, have strong leadership skills and the ability to motivate a team. 

·         Must be able to decide how to allocate people, time and other resource to create, execute, and accomplish an operating or project plan on time and within budget. 

·         Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills; able to translate technical issues into actionable information for diverse audiences.

·         Must be able to manage priorities in a dynamic environment and adapt to change quickly and positively.

·         Must demonstrate ability to be self-directed, as well as demonstrate excellent organizational, analytical and interpersonal skills.

·         Must be able to work as a team member with peers, other managers, staff and leadership.

·         Must possess good customer service and communications skills, the ability to work with professionals and maintain confidentiality standards.

·         Demonstrated success in vendor negotiation, large-scale budget oversight, and capital project delivery.

·         Strong knowledge of building systems (HVAC, electrical, plumbing), maintenance best practices, and regulatory compliance requirements.

Education or equivalency:

·         Bachelor’s degree in Facilities Management, Construction Management, Business Administration, or related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience).

Experience:

·         Must have a minimum of eight (8) years of progressively facilities maintenance related experience that demonstrates a strong level of understanding of the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

·         Experience must include demonstrated leadership ability.