AVP of Plant Operations and Maintenance

At Cooper University Health Care, our commitment to providing extraordinary health care begins with our team. Our extraordinary professionals are continuously discovering clinical innovations and enhanced access to the most up-to-date facilities, equipment, technologies and research protocols. We have a commitment to our employees to provide competitive rates and compensation programs. Cooper offers full and part-time employees a comprehensive benefits program, including health, dental, vision, life, disability, and retirement. We also provide attractive working conditions and opportunities for career growth through professional development.

Discover why Cooper University Health Care is the employer of choice in South Jersey.

The Assistant Vice President of Plant Operations and Maintenance provides senior leadership and ensures operational excellence for facilities operations throughout the Cooper University Health System. Responsible for the daily activities required for the safe, efficient, and effective operation of the maintenance and repair functions, and preventative maintenance. Position is responsible for coordination and oversight for property management, maintenance consultants and vendors working and providing services within the organization. Responsible for the dependability and operational efficiency of building systems and utility systems that support overall operations.

The position works closely with design and construction team for management of facility-related capital projects throughout the health system, including the management of budgets and schedules, the procurement of third-party professional services, and compliance with all regulatory and legal requirements of each project.

This position will work as the facilities expert end user for new projects. Recommends facilities-related equipment and building systems that provide the most reliability, operational efficiency, and overall value to the health system.  Sets standards for maintenance systems.

• Deliver operational excellence through managed departments, span of control and as an organizational leader
  • Make Cooper the best place to be a patient; the best place to be an employee, and the best place to practice medicine
• Delivers a high level of customer experience,. Ensures a service orientation that permeates through span of control, leads team in driving internal and external customer experience
• Maintains the highest level of reliability for building and utility systems to support safe, high reliability operations. Provides timely notification of any interuptions in utility or building systems with an emphasis on mitigating issue and expediting return to normal operations.
• Strong teamwork, interpersonal relations, communication, active-listening, and analytical skills
• Ensures a constant state of regulatory readiness. Leads the Joint Commission/CMS Survey experience at the facility level. Fully knowledgeable of activities necessary to produce a state of perpetual readiness and compliance
• Effectively manages expenses and organizational resources
• Prioritizes quality and safety and supports the journey to be a highly reliable organization
• Creative and innovative problem-solving
• Ability to work across departments and teams to solve problems and drive improvement
• Supports and drives improvements in organizational initiatives
• Organized, effective time management skills
• Analytical, data driven analysis. Understands and utilizes industry data and benchmarks including Action OI, Press Ganey, HCAHPS, Advisory Board employee engagement, etc.

• Excellent communication skills, ability to communicate effectively to all levels and audiences

At least seven years of progressive experience in facilities management, preferably in a healthcare setting. Experience in engineering, management of business operations, and project management.

Excellent command and understanding of building maintenance and power systems including but not limited to plumbing, electrical, HVAC, air pressure relationships, chilled water, cooling towers, emergency power, etc. Experience with co/tri power generation helpful.

Excellent command and understanding of utility systems including purchasing, distribution, and overall utilization through efficient operations and conservation efforts, including power systems. (Chillers, gas turbine, cooling towers, emergency pow er, etc.)

Demonstrated experience with service and maintenance contract negotiations and administration.

Demonstrated effective interpersonal and communication skills. Demonstrated ability of sound management and proven leadership skills. Ability to manage capital and operating budgets effectively. Demonstrated ability to manage the interests of the hospital, as well as those of the healthcare system. 

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, architecture, business or related field; education and experience comparable to leadership peers. 

Valid Driver’s License required

• CHFM (Certified Healthcare Facility Manager) preferred, may pursue once hired
• Demonstrated knowledge of Joint Commission requirements
• Demonstrated knowledge of NFPA requirements 
• Must have effective written and verbal communication skills and the ability to present information clearly and professionally
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively connect with patients, guests, staff, and physicians is required
• Must have excellent time management and organizational skills
• Must have strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Must have excellent project management skills
• Must have excellent financial management skills
• Must be result and outcomes driven
• Must be able to operate and thrive in a matrixed environment and manage multiple professional relationships