Maintenance Department Manager Jobs in California

Facilities & Maintenance Department Manager / Lead Tech

Location: Palo Alto, CA
Employment Type: Full-Time
Compensation: Competitive base salary plus bonus opportunities, based on experience

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and proactive Maintenance & Facilities Manager to oversee the maintenance operations of a portfolio of approximately 110 office and retail properties throughout the San Francisco Peninsula. This leadership role is responsible for ensuring all properties are maintained to the highest operational standards while delivering exceptional service to tenants, property managers, and ownership.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader with personnel management experience and strong technical knowledge of building systems, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects, vendors, and maintenance personnel across a diverse real estate portfolio.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead, supervise, train, and mentor maintenance technicians.
• Coordinate and assign maintenance projects and daily work orders.
• Ensure department-wide compliance with safety standards and company policies.
• Foster a positive, service-oriented culture focused on responsiveness and professionalism.

Facilities & Maintenance Operations

• Oversee preventative maintenance programs across all assigned properties.
• Diagnose, coordinate, and perform routine repairs as needed.
• Conduct regular property inspections and identify maintenance needs before they become operational issues.
• Coordinate seasonal maintenance, capital improvement projects, and facility upgrades.
• Respond to and manage emergency maintenance situations, including after-hours issues when scheduled on-call.

Vendor & Contractor Management

• Solicit bids, negotiate pricing, and manage contractor relationships.
• Coordinate project schedules with vendors, contractors, property managers, and tenants.
• Monitor contractor performance to ensure quality, safety, and timely completion of work.

Tenant & Property Manager Support

• Serve as the primary point of contact for preventative maintenance and service-related requests.
• Maintain strong working relationships with tenants, vendors, and internal teams.
• Communicate proactively with property managers regarding maintenance needs, repairs, and project updates.
• Follow up on completed and outstanding service requests to ensure satisfaction and timely resolution.

Administrative & Budget Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate maintenance records, inspections, inventory, and work order documentation.
• Develop and maintain systems to track recurring and budgeted services.
• Continually update tenant, vendor, and contractor databases.
• Order parts and supplies while managing inventory levels.

Safety & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with company safety policies, OSHA regulations, and applicable health and building codes.
• Conduct safety training and reinforce safe work practices.
• Maintain clean, organized, and safe work environments across all properties.

Qualifications

Required

• Minimum 5 years of experience in facilities management, building maintenance, or property operations with demonstrated leadership experience.
• Strong working knowledge of:
• • HVAC systems
  • Electrical systems
  • Plumbing systems
  • Life safety and fire protection systems
• Experience managing multiple properties or facilities simultaneously.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail and follow-through.
• Proficiency with:
• • Email and work order management systems
  • Building access systems, alarms, and key fob programming
• Valid California driver's license with a clean driving record.
• Ability to lift, climb ladders, walk properties, and perform physical maintenance-related activities.

Preferred

• Experience in commercial real estate, property management, or related industries.
• Technical training, trade school certification, or Associate Degree in Facilities Management, Construction Management, or a related field.
• Experience using maintenance management software.
• Spanish language proficiency.

Schedule & Work Environment

• Monday through Friday
• Standard hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM or as approved by management
• Participation in an on-call rotation for after-hours emergencies
• Travel between multiple properties throughout the San Francisco Peninsula
• Company vehicle provided during work hours
• Approximately 80% – 90% of work hours are spent in the field.

Compensation & Benefits

We offer a competitive compensation package designed to support our employees' professional and personal well-being, including:

• Competitive salary plus performance-based bonus opportunities
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life and disability insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• 11 paid holidays annually
• Cell phone reimbursement
• Educational reimbursement and professional development support
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Join Our Team

If you are a motivated facilities professional who enjoys solving problems, leading teams, and maintaining high-quality commercial properties, we encourage you to apply. This is an excellent opportunity to make a meaningful impact across a dynamic and growing real estate portfolio.

Since 1982, the Premier team has managed the entire life cycle of commercial real estate assets including, leasing, sales, entitlements, development, accounting / financial reporting and property management with a focus in Palo Alto, Menlo Park, and Redwood City. Premier is the oldest continuously operating independent commercial brokerage house in Palo Alto with an excellent reputation and a no-nonsense approach to commercial real estate.