Senior Maintenance Manager

Job Title: Chief Engineer

Location: Richmond, VA

Position Summary

The Chief Engineer is responsible for the overall operation, maintenance, and performance of building systems within a commercial real estate portfolio. This role oversees the day-to-day engineering and maintenance functions, ensuring the property is operated safely, efficiently, and in compliance with all applicable regulations while delivering a best-in-class experience for tenants and ownership.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader with strong technical expertise in building systems, preventive maintenance, vendor management, and tenant relations.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the operation, maintenance, and repair of all building systems, including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, life safety, fire protection, and mechanical systems.
• Develop and manage preventive maintenance programs to maximize equipment performance and minimize downtime.
• Lead, mentor, and supervise engineering and maintenance staff, providing guidance, training, and performance management.
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, safety standards, and company policies.
• Manage relationships with third-party vendors and contractors, including scheduling, oversight, and quality control of work performed.
• Assist with annual operating budgets, capital projects, and forecasting of maintenance-related expenses.
• Respond to tenant service requests and building emergencies in a professional and timely manner.
• Conduct routine inspections of building systems and common areas to identify operational issues and implement corrective actions.
• Maintain accurate records of maintenance activities, inspections, work orders, equipment performance, and compliance documentation.
• Partner closely with Property Management, Asset Management, Construction, and Leasing teams to support operational and tenant objectives.
• Support capital improvement projects, equipment replacements, and property improvement initiatives from planning through execution.
• Participate in an on-call rotation and respond to after-hours emergencies as needed.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of commercial building engineering experience with progressively increasing responsibilities.
• Prior experience leading building operations within commercial office, mixed-use, industrial, healthcare, or retail properties preferred.
• Strong knowledge of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and life safety systems.
• Experience with building automation systems (BAS) and computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS).
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, technical specifications, and construction documents.
• Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• EPA Universal Certification preferred.
• Relevant engineering, facilities, or trade certifications are highly desirable.

Disclaimer

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. Duties, responsibilities, and requirements may be modified, expanded, or reassigned at any time based on business needs, operational requirements, and organizational priorities.