Executive Director - Physical Plant

Southwest Tennessee Community College is a comprehensive, multicultural, public, open—access college. Southwest has four campuses/centers from which it offers over 100 programs and over 20 technical certificate programs.

We foster student success, transform lives, and increase the educational level of a growing community in Shelby County. Southwest is a Tennessee Board of Regents institution, accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

We invite you to become a part of the Southwest Team!

Title: Executive Director - Physical Plant

Employee Classification: Other Professionals

Institution: Southwest Tennessee Community College

Department: Physical Plant

Campus Location: SWTCC - Multiple Campus Locations

Job Summary

This is a full-time, fiscal year position reporting to the Chief of Administrative Services. The Executive Director of Physical Plant provides strategic leadership and operational oversight of the College’s facilities, including maintenance, custodial services, grounds, utilities, and construction projects across multiple campus sites.

This role ensures that campus facilities and infrastructure are maintained in a safe, efficient, sustainable, and aesthetically pleasing manner that supports the College’s mission and enhances the student, faculty, staff, and community experience.

Job Duties

• Provide vision, leadership, and direction for all areas of the Physical Plant, including custodial, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, grounds, and general maintenance.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate operational and strategic maintenance plans, goals, and performance metrics to ensure effective, efficient, and cost-conscious delivery of services.
• Oversee the planning, budgeting, and execution of facilities maintenance, repairs, renovations, and new construction projects.
• Prepare and manage annual operating and capital budgets, ensuring compliance with institutional and state requirements.
• Direct and monitor contractors, vendors, and construction managers to ensure high-quality work and adherence to timelines, budgets, and safety standards.
• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate Physical Plant staff to promote a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing work environment.
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local codes, regulations, and safety standards (including OSHA, EPA, fire safety, and accessibility requirements).
• Develop and manage preventive and predictive maintenance programs for campus infrastructure and energy systems.
• Lead sustainability initiatives, including energy management, water conservation, waste reduction, and green building practices.
• Advise senior leadership on institutional policies and procedures related to physical resources and capital planning.
• Represent the Physical Plant on college committees and serve as a liaison to external partners, contractors, and regulatory agencies.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, facilities management, construction management, or a related technical discipline; or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
  
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in facilities management, engineering, or building operations.
  
• Minimum of three (3) years of supervisory or administrative leadership experience.
  
• Successful completion of a background check.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certification in facilities management (e.g., CFM, FMP, IFMA, APPA).
  
• Experience with higher education or large, multi-site institutional facilities.
  
• Demonstrated experience leading sustainability and energy efficiency initiatives.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of and experience with HVAC, plumbing, electrical, fire alarm, and energy management systems.
  
• Demonstrated knowledge of federal, state, and local statutes, codes, and regulations related to building operations, safety, and construction.
  
• Proven ability to prepare bid specifications, manage contracts, and oversee service providers.
  
• Ability to read and interpret architectural and engineering drawings and technical specificat