Director of Plant Operations

Job Description

Job Description

Job title: Director of Plant Operation

Status: Full-Time | Exempt

Job Summary- Director of Plant Operations

Northlake Behavioral Health System is seeking an experienced Director of Plant Operations to lead all facility operations and ensure a safe, compliant, and therapeutic environment for our patients, visitors, and staff.

This leadership role is responsible for overseeing plant operations, maintenance, environmental services, transportation, grounds, utilities, life safety, emergency management, and the Environment of Care (EOC) Program. The ideal candidate has strong healthcare facilities management experience, excels in regulatory compliance, and is knowledgeable in maintaining aging infrastructure and complex building systems.

Key Responsibilities

As the Director of Plant Operations, you will:

• Lead daily operations for Maintenance, Environmental Services, Transportation, and Grounds.

• Supervise, coach, and develop departmental staff.

• Oversee preventive maintenance programs for all building systems and equipment.

• Manage HVAC, plumbing, electrical, generators, boilers, chillers, fire alarm, sprinkler, roofing, and utility systems.

• Ensure compliance with CMS, DNV, OSHA, NFPA Life Safety Code, state licensing, and Environment of Care standards.

• Lead Environment of Care rounds, audits, and regulatory survey readiness.

• Develop and maintain Emergency Operations Plans, disaster preparedness, and life safety programs.

• Plan and manage capital improvement projects, renovations, and deferred maintenance initiatives.

• Coordinate contractors, vendors, and construction projects while minimizing operational disruptions.

• Manage departmental budgets, purchasing, contracts, and inventory.

• Oversee vendor compliance, invoice reconciliation, and regulatory documentation.

• Serve on Environment of Care, Safety, Emergency Management, Infection Prevention, and Quality committees.

• Maintain 24/7 operational readiness and participate in on-call coverage as needed.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in Facilities Management, Engineering, Construction Management, Industrial Technology, Mechanical/Electrical Systems, Business Administration, or related field preferred. High School Diploma or GED with five (5) years of progressively responsible plant operations experience in a healthcare or institutional setting may substitute for degree requirement.

Experience: Minimum of three (3) years of plant operations experience in a hospital, behavioral health, residential treatment, or similar setting. Minimum of one (1) year of supervisory or management experience required. Experience with building systems, preventive maintenance, utilities management, and facility operations required. Experience with older infrastructure and MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing), HVAC, and life safety systems preferred. Experience with healthcare regulatory standards (CMS, DNV or similar, state licensing, OSHA, NFPA Life Safety Code, Environment of Care), as well as vendor management, construction/renovation projects, and budget oversight preferred.

Driving Privileges: Must have a valid and unencumbered Louisiana or Mississippi Driver’s License (depending on state of residency); Must have a clear driving record and qualify to be added to the company’s auto insurance.

HIPAA: Does not have access to medical records or Protected Health Information (PHI). Responsible for maintaining patient confidentiality and adhering to all HIPAA regulations.

Northlake Behavioral Health is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for all employment; free from discrimination based on race, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, religion, associational preferences, status as a qualified individual with a disability, or status as a protected veteran.