Job Description

The Facilities Manager is responsible for leading the maintenance and facilities operations within UniFirst’s large-scale garment personalization and distribution center. This role ensures the reliability, safety, and efficiency of all facility infrastructure, automation systems, material handling equipment (MHE), and warehouse control systems (WCS). The Facilities Manager provides strategic direction, oversees a team of maintenance technicians, and manages vendor partnerships to optimize performance, reduce downtime, and drive continuous improvement.

This position plays a key role in the continued expansion and modernization of UniFirst’s garment personalization and distribution processes, implementing best-in-class facility maintenance, automation support, and regulatory compliance strategies.

Responsibilities:

Leadership & Strategy:

• Lead and develop a high-performing maintenance team, providing training and career growth opportunities.
• Oversee all aspects of facility and equipment maintenance, ensuring smooth operations across personalization and distribution areas.
• Collaborate with executives, IT, operations, and supply chain teams to align facility goals with broader business strategies.
• Develop and execute a preventive maintenance program to minimize downtime and extend equipment lifespan.

Facilities & Automation Management:

• Ensure optimal performance of all facility infrastructure, material handling equipment (MHE), warehouse control systems (WCS), and garment personalization machinery.
• Work closely with IT to support automation technologies, robotics, and real-time tracking systems.
• Manage facility-related capital projects, including renovations, expansions, and technology upgrades.

Safety, Compliance & Risk Management:

• Maintain compliance with OSHA. OSHA VPP and other safety and environmental regulations.
• Conduct regular facility audits to identify potential risks and implement corrective actions.
• Lead emergency response and disaster recovery planning for facility-related incidents.

Vendor & Budget Management:

• Oversee vendor contracts and negotiations to secure cost-effective facility maintenance solutions.
• Manage the facilities and maintenance budget, ensuring cost efficiency while meeting operational demands.
• Track and analyze maintenance expenditures, identifying areas for cost savings and process improvement.

Process Improvement & Sustainability:

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives, optimizing facility layout, workflow efficiency, and automation capabilities.
• Implement sustainability and energy-saving initiatives, reducing environmental impact while lowering operational costs.
• Utilize data analytics to identify trends, enhance equipment reliability, and improve overall efficiency.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Facilities Management, Industrial Technology, or a related field preferred.
• Equivalent experience in distribution, automation, or manufacturing environments will be considered.
• 7+ years of experience in facilities maintenance, industrial engineering, or distribution center operations.
• 3+ years in a leadership or managerial role, overseeing facility operations and teams.
• Experience managing automated material handling systems (MHE), warehouse control systems (WCS), and garment personalization equipment is a plus.

Technical Skills:

• Strong expertise in mechanical, electrical, and HVAC systems.
• Knowledge of PLC controls, robotics, industrial automation, and WCS software.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, schematics, and electrical diagrams.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD for facility layout planning, workflow optimization, and infrastructure upgrades.
• Experience with CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management Systems) for preventive maintenance tracking.

Additional Requirements:

• Proven leadership skills, with the ability to motivate and manage a diverse maintenance team.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills for managing vendor relationships.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a data-driven approach to maintenance and facility management.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-volume distribution environment with 24/7 operational needs.

Benefits & Perks:

401K with Company Match, Profit Sharing, Health Insurance, Employee Assistance Program, Life Insurance, Paid Time Off, Tuition Reimbursement, 30% Employee Discount, Employee Referral Bonuses.

UniFirst is an international leader in garment & Uniform services industry. We currently employ over 14,000 team partners who serve 300,000 business customer locations throughout the U.S., Canada, and Europe.

We were included in the top 10 of Selling Power magazine’s “Best Companies to Sell For” list and recognized on Forbes magazine’s “Platinum 400 – Best Big Companies” list. As an 80-year old company focused on annual growth, there’s never been a better time to join our team. 

UniFirst is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate in hiring or employment against any individual on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, ancestry, religion, physical or mental disability, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, pregnancy, citizenship, or any other factor protected by anti-discrimination laws

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