Facilities Operations Manager in Durham, North Carolina at Durham Exchange Club Industries

Founded in 1966, Durham Exchange Industries, Inc. (DECI) is a respected nonprofit organization based in Durham, North Carolina with a mission to help people with vocational disabilities achieve a sense of self-worth by optimizing their potential to earn competitive wages through work. We do this through hands-on job training, vocational evaluation, employment placement, and long-term support, both within DECI and in the broader community.

DECI operates as a self-supporting social enterprise, partnering with local, national, and international customers to provide dependable production, logistics, and support services. Revenue from these commercial operations is reinvested directly into our programs—fueling job training, employment services, and individualized support for the people we serve.

Our workplace culture is inclusive, collaborative, and purpose driven. Employees at DECI are more than team members—they are part of a mission that strengthens individuals, families, and the Durham community. Every role contributes to building pathways to employment, independence, and long-term success.

If you’re looking for a career where your work has real impact, where your skills support both business excellence and human potential, and where inclusion is more than a value—it’s a daily practice - DECI is a place where purpose and profession meet.

Join Our Team and Make a Lasting Impact

We’re looking for a dynamic and hands-on Facilities Operations Manager to lead and elevate our facilities, custodial, and food service operations. In this role, you’ll do more than manage buildings—you’ll help create a safe, efficient, and welcoming environment that directly supports our mission and the people we serve.

If you’re a strategic thinker with strong leadership skills and a passion for operational excellence, we’d love to meet you.

What You’ll Do

As our Facilities Operations Manager, you will lead a diverse team and oversee the day-to-day operations that keep our organization running smoothly:

• Lead & Inspire Teams
  Supervise and develop the Facilities Assistant Manager, Cafeteria Assistant Manager, and Janitorial Team, fostering accountability, collaboration, and high performance.
  
• Drive Operational Excellence
  Oversee maintenance, janitorial, cafeteria, and groundskeeping functions, ensuring all facilities are safe, clean, and functioning at peak performance.
  
• Manage Critical Systems
  Ensure all building systems—HVAC, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and fire/life safety—are well-maintained, compliant, and reliable.
  
• Own Preventive Maintenance & Compliance
  Implement and monitor preventive maintenance programs and ensure compliance with OSHA, health codes, and regulatory standards.
  
• Optimize Vendor & Contractor Performance
  Serve as the primary contact for service providers and ensure high-quality, cost-effective delivery.
  
• Manage Budgets & Resources
  Oversee departmental budgets (labor, utilities, supplies), track spending, and identify cost-saving opportunities.
  
• Promote a Culture of Safety
  Lead safety initiatives, chair the Safety Committee, and ensure best practices are embedded across operations.
  
• Oversee Custodial & Cafeteria Services
  Ensure a clean, organized environment and safe, compliant food service operations.
  
• Collaborate Across Departments
  Partner with Program Services to support client training and engagement within operational areas.
  
• Support Growth & Development
  Coach team members, conduct performance evaluations, and promote ongoing professional development.
  

Why This Role Matters

Your leadership will directly impact the daily experience of staff, clients, and visitors. You’ll play a key role in maintaining an environment that is safe, inclusive, and empowering—while helping teams thrive and operations run efficiently.

Join Us

If you're ready to take ownership of critical operations, lead high-performing teams, and make a meaningful difference, we encourage you to apply.

Apply today and help us build environments where people and missions thrive.

What You Bring

We’re seeking a motivated leader with a strong blend of technical expertise and people leadership:

• Bachelor’s degree in Facilities Management, Engineering, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 5+ years of facilities or operations management experience, including supervisory responsibility
• Experience overseeing maintenance, custodial, and/or food service operations
• Solid knowledge of building systems (HVAC, electrical, plumbing) and safety/regulatory standards
• Proficiency in Excel and MaintainX
• Strong budgeting, analytical, and problem-solving abilities
• Excellent communication and leadership skills with the ability to motivate diverse teams
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
• Ability to lift up to 35 lbs as needed for operational support

Additional Information

• Reasonable Accommodations: We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
• Other Responsibilities: This role may include assisting individuals with disabilities, including emergency interventions (if NCI certified), and performing other duties as assigned.