Director of Plant Operations (CHFM) - Hospital - Middlebury, VT

Job Description

Job Description

Our client is seeking an experienced Director of Plant Operations to lead all building maintenance, Biomed, hazardous waste, and facilities compliance functions within an acute‑care hospital environment. This role ensures that all physical structures, utility systems, medical equipment, and life‑safety systems meet CMS, OSHA, Joint Commission, and Life Safety Code standards.

The Director provides strategic and operational leadership, oversees the Plant Operations Manager and technical teams, and partners with senior leaders on facility projects, safety initiatives, and long‑term infrastructure planning. This position also serves on the hospital's leadership council.

Onsite | No Visa Sponsorship | No Relocation Assistance

Requirements:

Operational & Technical Leadership

• Maintain safe, reliable, and efficient hospital facilities and grounds.
• Oversee life‑safety systems, preventive maintenance programs, and emergency preparedness.
• Ensure compliance with CMS, OSHA, Joint Commission, and Life Safety Code requirements.
• Lead all Plant Operations functions, including building maintenance, Biomed, hazardous waste, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, boilers, and utility systems.

Team Leadership & Performance

• Establish departmental goals, workflows, and service standards.
• Oversee work performed by internal teams and external vendors.
• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Provide coaching, development, and performance management for the Plant Operations Manager and technical staff.

Regulatory, Safety & Compliance

• Maintain documentation, reporting, and compliance programs.
• Lead safety initiatives and risk‑mitigation strategies across all facilities.
• Support hospital‑wide emergency management and life‑safety programs.
• Ensure readiness for regulatory surveys and audits (CMS, TJC, OSHA)

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Support capital planning, budgeting, and long‑term infrastructure strategy.
• Serve as a key advisor on facility condition, risk, and regulatory readiness.
• Partner with clinical, administrative, and network leaders on facility projects and operational improvements.

Qualifications (Must-Haves)

• Excellent communication, team‑building, and prioritization skills.
• 5+ years of facilities leadership experience in healthcare or a complex multi‑site environment.
• Strong understanding of healthcare facility regulations, compliance requirements, and life‑safety standards.
• Working knowledge of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, boilers, hazardous materials, and safety management.
• Experience with business strategy implementation, cost control, and productivity improvement.
• Ability to navigate politically sensitive environments and collaborate across departments.

Preferred Skills:

• Healthcare facilities experience (hospital or long‑term care)
• CHFM certification (Certified Healthcare Facility Manager)
• College degree in maintenance, engineering, or technical trade education with state licensure.
• Experience with capital projects, facility master planning, or infrastructure upgrades.

Benefits & Perks:

• Retirement Plan
• Paid Time Off
• Life Insurance
• Pet Insurance
• Employee Discounts
• Medical, Dental, Vision
• Employee Referral Bonuses
• On‑site food service at select locations
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Tuition reimbursement & tuition advance programs