Operations Manager
HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology
Summary
The Operations Manager leads day-to-day campus operations and plans, coordinates, budgets, and supervises facilities, capital, and other projects from start to finish. This role manages internal facilities staff and coordinates third-party service providers to ensure buildings, systems, and campus services operate safely, reliably, and cost-effectively.
Job description
Position Summary
The Operations Manager leads day-to-day campus operations and plans, coordinates, budgets, and supervises facilities, capital, and other projects from start to finish. This role manages internal facilities staff and coordinates third-party service providers to ensure buildings, systems, and campus services operate safely, reliably, and cost-effectively.
Operations Leadership
- Lead day-to-day campus operations and supervise the facilities/maintenance/project team (6–10 direct reports).
- Manage third-party providers and coordinate services performed by outside contractors.
- Manage and maintain the computerized maintenance management system (CMMS).
- Develop and manage metrics, KPIs, and dashboards for performance monitoring.
- Develop and manage facilities/maintenance, operating, and capital budgets.
- Ensure compliance with safety, security, and environmental policies and regulations.
Facilities Systems & Preventive Maintenance
- Develop and manage systems to inspect, maintain, and repair building systems (mechanical, electrical, plumbing, HVAC) to ensure optimal operation.
- Maintain appropriate levels of maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) items, including tools.
- Develop recommendations for cost, energy, and waste reduction.
Project / Construction Management
- Lead projects end-to-end: define scope, plan work, manage schedule and budget, and deliver results.
- Develop RFPs; identify/qualify providers; review proposals; select best total value.
- Track and report project progress; manage changes to scope/schedule/cost/quality and associated risks.
- Maintain project documentation and escalate issues to senior leadership as needed.
Preferred Skills/Certifications
- Certified Facility Manager (CFM)
- Project Management Professional (PMP)
- Energy management experience and/or Certified Energy Manager (CEM)
- Experience supporting Class A office and laboratory environments
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in engineering or related discipline (or equivalent technical degree)
- 5 years of progressive experience in facilities maintenance, engineering operations, construction, or related field
- 3 years of experience in facilities management and/or project/construction management
- Ability to interpret drawings, specifications, and schematics
- Working knowledge of complex electrical, mechanical, HVAC, and Building Automation Systems (BAS)
- Strong leadership, organization, and prioritization skills; proven problem-solver
- Strong written/verbal communication and customer-service mindset
- Advanced computer skills (Mac experience preferred)
- Valid driver's license (DMV check required)
Company overview
HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology is a nonprofit research institute established in 2008 that has become a global leader in genomic sciences and biotechnology innovation. Located on a 152-acre campus within Cummings Research Park in Huntsville, Alabama, the institute operates with a threefold mission: sparking scientific discoveries that impact human health and well-being, fostering life sciences entrepreneurship and business growth, and creating a genomics-literate workforce and society. Under the leadership of Dr. Richard M. Myers, a key collaborator on the Human Genome Project, HudsonAlpha has developed into a thriving ecosystem that co-locates nonprofit scientific researchers with entrepreneurs and educators. The institute houses 17 faculty investigators whose research spans diverse areas including the genetic basis of human diseases, computational genomics, plant genomics, immunogenomics, and neurodegenerative disorders. HudsonAlpha operates several specialized facilities including the Genome Sequencing Center, which specializes in de novo eukaryotic whole genome sequencing, assembly and analysis; the CAP-accredited and CLIA-licensed Clinical Services Lab; and The Smith Family Clinic for Genomic Medicine. The institute also hosts more than 45 diverse biotech companies on campus, creating a unique collaborative environment that accelerates translation of genomic discoveries into practical applications for medicine, agriculture, and sustainable energy. Through its Educational Outreach programs, HudsonAlpha trains the next generation of life science researchers while building genomic literacy across healthcare providers, educators, and the broader community.