Facilities at MD Restaurant Group, Palatine, Illinois

Facilities Manager

MD Restaurant Group ("MDRG") is a rapidly growing multi-unit, multi-state Culver's restaurant franchisee operating across Illinois and Ohio. As we expand from 14 locations to more than 20 locations over the next several years, we are seeking a hands-on, operationally focused Facilities Manager to lead and help scale our facilities, equipment, and property infrastructure across the organization.

This role will serve as a key business partner responsible for maintaining safe, efficient, and well-maintained restaurant environments while supporting long-term growth initiatives. The ideal candidate will bring experience managing facilities operations, vendor relationships, preventative maintenance programs, capital projects, and multi-site property needs in a fast-paced environment. This position will play a critical role in maintaining brand standards, minimizing downtime, controlling repair and maintenance costs, and ensuring operational excellence across all locations.

The successful candidate will be highly organized, responsive, and solutions-oriented, with the ability to prioritize competing demands, manage external vendors and contractors, and collaborate effectively with restaurant operations leadership. Experience in supporting multi-unit retail, restaurant, hospitality, or service-based environments is strongly preferred. This role reports to the Director of Operations (or COO). Works closely with Vice President of Operations, Area Managers, and store leaders.

Core Responsibilities

• Ensure all facilities-related work orders across locations are completed timely within the expectations established with the vendor.
• Oversee HVAC, refrigeration, kitchen equipment, plumbing, electrical, roofing, parking lots, building systems, landscaping and snow plowing
• Reduce emergency repairs through structured preventative maintenance
• Ensure rapid resolution of critical operational failures

• Negotiate and manage national and local service contracts that meet Culver's Brand Standards
• Establish approved vendor lists by trade for each location
• Standardize pricing and service level expectations
• Evaluate vendor performance and enforce accountability
• Achieve measurable annual cost savings targets (8-12% goal)

• Develop and maintain preventative maintenance calendar
• Implement CMMS or structured tracking system
• Audit compliance quarterly
• Track warranty coverage and manufacturer guidelines
• Extend asset life and reduce capital replacement frequency

• Build and maintain asset registry for all locations
• Develop 3-year and 5-year CapEx forecast
• Identify replacement timing for major equipment (HVAC, refrigeration, roofing, kitchen systems)
• Support budgeting process annually

• Partner with construction team during new builds
• Oversee facilities punch lists prior to opening
• Standardize equipment specifications
• Ensure vendor onboarding for new markets
• Support remodel and refresh projects

• Ensure fire suppression, hood systems, alarms, and life-safety systems are inspected and compliant
• Maintain health department-related equipment standards
• Coordinate required inspections
• Reduce operational risk exposure

• Train GMs on basic troubleshooting and maintenance standards
• Provide escalation support for high-priority repairs
• Serve as the single point of contact for facilities issues
• Free GMs to focus on sales, labor, and guest experience

Qualifications

• 5+ years multi-unit facilities or property management experience
• Experience in restaurant, retail, or hospitality environments
• Strong vendor relationship building background
• Knowledge of HVAC, refrigeration, kitchen equipment systems
• Budget management experience ($500k+ annual spend preferred)
• Proficiency in CMMS or maintenance tracking systems
• Ability to travel regularly between locations

• Experience supporting multi-site / multi-state locations
• Construction or renovation project oversight
• Experience supporting rapid growth organizations

Equal Opportunity Employer E-verify Employer

Job Type: Full-time

Hours: M-F, Sat & Sun on emergency basis

Work Location: Hybrid. 70-80% at Restaurant locations, 20-30% home/corp office.

Direct Reports: None