What Does a Maintenance Director Do?

Maintenance directors are responsible for overseeing all aspects of building maintenance and repair. They commonly work with a team of technicians, contractors, and other professionals to ensure that their facilities are well-maintained and safe for employees and visitors.

Maintenance directors may also be tasked with developing and implementing plans for future improvements or renovations to the property. This might include anything from minor updates to major overhauls.

Maintenance Director Job Duties

A maintenance director typically has a wide range of responsibilities, which can include:

• Training and supervising maintenance staff to ensure that they are performing their work safely and efficiently
• Coordinating maintenance schedules to ensure that all work is completed on time
• Making sure that maintenance staff have the tools and materials they need to perform their jobs
• Ensuring that all safety procedures are followed during job tasks
• Informing management of maintenance problems or delays in order to address them as quickly as possible
• Scheduling repairs for facilities such as roofs, boilers, plumbing systems, elevators, and electrical wiring
• Overseeing facility repairs, including scheduling contractors for plumbing, electrical work, and other types of construction work
• Inspecting buildings for signs of structural damage or other issues that could lead to safety problems
• Coordinating communication between management and staff regarding the status of maintenance projects

Maintenance Director Salary & Outlook

Maintenance director salaries vary depending on their level of education, years of experience, and the size and industry of the company. They may also earn additional compensation in the form of bonuses.

• Median Annual Salary: $62,500 ($30.05/hour)
• Top 10% Annual Salary: $109,500 ($52.64/hour)

The employment of maintenance directors is expected to grow at an average rate over the next decade.

Employment growth will be driven by the need to maintain and repair existing infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and buildings. In addition, the need to upgrade or replace outdated equipment and machinery will continue to drive demand for these workers.

Related: Maintenance Director Interview Questions and Answers

Maintenance Director Job Requirements

The following are some of the requirements for obtaining a position as a maintenance director:

Education: A high school diploma is often a minimum requirement for maintenance directors, but many employers prefer a bachelor’s degree in facilities management, building maintenance or a related field. Some facilities management programs include courses in building systems, building design, building maintenance and building operations.

Training & Experience: Maintenance directors typically have at least five years of experience in a related role. They may start as a maintenance technician or a maintenance supervisor before advancing to a maintenance director. They may also have experience in related fields, such as construction or engineering.

Certifications & Licenses: While certifications are not required for a maintenance director role, they can be valuable for candidates applying for jobs and advancing in their careers.

Maintenance Director Skills

Maintenance directors need the following skills in order to be successful:

Leadership: Maintenance directors often work with a team of maintenance workers and supervisors. Leadership skills can help maintenance directors motivate their teams and encourage them to work together to achieve common goals. Leadership skills can also help maintenance directors develop their teams’ professional skills and abilities.

Communication: Maintenance directors often communicate with a variety of individuals and groups, including employees, contractors, suppliers and customers. They may also need to communicate complex information to others, so it’s important for them to be able to explain technical information in an easy-to-understand way.

Problem-solving: Maintenance directors oversee the maintenance of a company’s physical assets, including its buildings, vehicles and machinery. They may be responsible for identifying and resolving issues with these assets, including those that arise unexpectedly. Being able to identify and solve problems is an important skill for maintenance directors to have.

Organization: Maintenance directors often have strong organizational skills, which can help them manage large projects and schedules. They may use their organizational skills to keep track of maintenance records, employee information and other data that’s necessary for their job. Organization can also help them delegate tasks to their team members and ensure that everyone is working on the right projects.

Technological skills: Maintenance directors oversee the upkeep of a company’s physical assets, including its machinery and equipment. They may be responsible for ensuring that all equipment is in working order and that the company has the necessary tools and resources to complete its work. Technological skills can include knowledge of the latest maintenance and repair methods, as well as the ability to identify and implement new technologies that can improve the company’s maintenance processes.

Maintenance Director Work Environment

The maintenance director works in an office most of the time, but also spends time walking around the property to inspect the work of the maintenance staff and to ensure that all systems are functioning properly. The director may be on call 24 hours a day to respond to emergencies. The work is often stressful, as the director must juggle the demands of the staff, the tenants, and the property owner. The director must also be able to handle conflict and to make difficult decisions. The job may require some travel to attend conferences or to visit other properties.

Maintenance Director Trends

Here are three trends influencing how maintenance directors work. Maintenance directors will need to stay up-to-date on these developments to keep their skills relevant and maintain a competitive advantage in the workplace.

The Need for a More Integrated Approach to Maintenance

The maintenance industry is changing, and businesses are starting to realize the need for a more integrated approach to maintenance. This means that they are looking for professionals who can not only manage the day-to-day operations of their maintenance department, but also work with other departments to ensure that all aspects of the business are running smoothly.

As the need for an integrated approach to maintenance becomes more apparent, Maintenance Directors will need to be able to communicate effectively with other members of the team and understand the needs of the business as a whole. They will also need to be able to develop long-term plans for maintenance that take into account the needs of the entire company.

More Focus on Preventative Maintenance

Maintenance directors are increasingly being asked to focus on preventative maintenance in order to reduce costs and improve efficiency. This trend is driven by the fact that many businesses are realizing that preventive maintenance can help them avoid costly repairs and replacements in the future.

As a maintenance director, you can capitalize on this trend by developing a strong preventative maintenance program. This will require you to identify potential problems before they occur and come up with solutions to fix them. In addition, you will need to train your employees on how to perform preventive maintenance tasks so that they can do them on their own.

How to Become a Maintenance Director

A career as a maintenance director can be rewarding and fulfilling. It’s important to consider the many different aspects of this job before starting down the path.

One of the most important things to think about is what type of company you want to work for. Do you prefer working for a large corporation or a small business? What about working in a manufacturing environment or a service industry? There are many factors that go into making this decision, so take your time and do your research.

Another important consideration is the type of work you want to do. Do you want to focus on mechanical, electrical, or plumbing systems? Or would you rather oversee all types of maintenance work? Again, there are many options available, so make sure you find a position that matches your interests and skills.

Finally, it’s important to consider how much travel will be required. Many maintenance directors spend a significant amount of time on the road visiting various locations and overseeing projects. If you don’t want to be away from home for long periods of time, then this may not be the right career for you.

Advancement Prospects

Maintenance directors typically start out as maintenance workers or general maintenance supervisors. They may also start out as entry-level managers in larger organizations. As they gain experience, they move up to higher-level managerial positions. In small organizations, the maintenance director may be the top maintenance position. In large organizations, the maintenance director may report to a vice president of operations or a general manager.

Maintenance Director Job Description Example

The Maintenance Director is responsible for the physical plant of the community and its upkeep. This includes, but is not limited to, all buildings, equipment, and systems. The Maintenance Director is also responsible for the safety of all staff, residents, and visitors, and for the security of the community. The Maintenance Director plans, organizes, and directs the work of the Maintenance Department. The Maintenance Director also manages the Maintenance Department budget.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Direct and oversee all aspects of the Maintenance Department, including but not limited to: budgeting, scheduling, training, safety, compliance, and quality control
• Develop long-term strategies and plans for the efficient and effective operation of the department while ensuring that all short-term goals are met
• Work closely with other departments within the organization to ensure that all maintenance needs are being met in a timely and efficient manner
• Ensure that all equipment is properly maintained and serviced in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications and company guidelines
• Schedule and coordinate all preventive maintenance activities for all equipment and systems
• Investigate and troubleshoot all equipment failures, making necessary repairs or adjustments in a timely manner
• Maintain accurate records of all maintenance activities, including but not limited to: work orders, time cards, invoices, and inventory levels
• Supervise and train all Maintenance Department staff members, providing feedback and guidance as needed
• Monitor departmental budget and make recommendations for cost-saving measures when necessary
• Keep abreast of new technologies and developments in the field of maintenance and make recommendations for the implementation of new systems and processes
• Respond to emergency situations in a prompt and efficient manner, taking all necessary steps to mitigate damages and minimize downtime
• Perform all other duties as assigned

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, facilities management, or related field
• 10+ years experience in maintenance management, with at least 5 years in a supervisory role
• Working knowledge of building codes, OSHA regulations, and safety standards
• Proven experience developing and managing budgets
• Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate teams
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

• Master’s degree in engineering, business administration, or related field
• 15+ years experience in maintenance management
• Certification as a Facilities Management Professional (FMP) or Certified Maintenance Manager (CMM)
• Experience with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS), and/or work order management systems
• Lean Six Sigma certification