Overview In this role you will lead 25+ trades staff within the Building Trades Shops to oversee building envelope, sheet metal, and masonry projects. You'll manage budgets, ensure quality and codes compliance, and act as the primary liaison for project scheduling and closeout with clients. You'll guide staffing, safety plans, and performance development while coordinating with stakeholders to support campus facilities. This position offers the chance to shape major maintenance and non-capital construction efforts in a large university setting.
Responsibilities- Lead 25+ personnel across Structural Mechanic, Carpentry, Locksmith, and Decorating Shops; set goals, allocate resources, assess performance, and manage merit/promotion.
- Oversee staffing models, hiring, mentoring, and disciplinary processes in alignment with union contracts.
- Approve timecards, plan safety procedures, and supervise daily and long-range work assignments.
- Provide technical leadership on design/construction of non-capital building envelope and masonry projects; ensure budget adherence and code compliance.
- Conduct feasibility and cost studies; evaluate long-term life-cycle costs versus first costs.
- Serve as point of contact with AHJ and local/state agencies for roofing and façade codes; communicate plans, timelines, and costings.
- Perform regular inspections, document findings, and provide management with recommendations.
- Maintain strong internal/external communications to support project processes and stakeholder relationships.
- Develop performance measures and standard operating procedures to improve processes.
- Perform other related duties as needed.
Key requirements- 7+ years of work experience in a related discipline
- Bachelor's degree preferred; minimum degree achieved is a college or university degree
- Valid driver's license
- Proficiency with Windows and CMMS; ability to use spreadsheets and procurement logs
- Extensive knowledge of building systems, roofing, sheet metal, masonry, and façade processes; familiarity with Chicago/IL roofing and masonry codes
- Experience managing multiple large-scale projects concurrently in a university or similar setting
- Strong interviewing, budgeting, and cost analysis capabilities
- Negotiation
- Oral and written communication
- Customer service orientation
- Building systems mastery (concrete, metal, glazing, moisture protection)
- Roofing materials and systems
- Sheet metal and masonry design/construction
