Associate Manager, Facilities

Who are we?

About LabCentral   

Founded in the heart of Kendall Square in 2013, LabCentral is a network of shared laboratory spaces and scientific communities that serve as a launchpad for high-potential life-sciences and biotech start-ups. We deliver first-class facility and operational support, skilled laboratory personnel, and an expansive events program designed to add value to the community and promote connectivity ‒ as well as the other critical services and support that early-stage companies need to begin start-up operations.

What is this role?  

Do you thrive on leading a team to maintain safe, functional, state-of-the-art facilities that support cutting-edge breakthroughs? Are you adept at developing and implementing robust procedures, fostering strong collaboration, and building a trusting work environment? Are you resourceful, and can autonomously manage programs and projects with a hands-on approach? 

LabCentral is hiring an Associate Manager, Facilities to join our team in Cambridge. This role will report to the Associate Director, Facilities. You will be a strong fit for this role if you have progressive experience in facilities management, leading small teams, HVAC savvy, and developing and operationalizing systems. We are looking for a self-directed individual who enjoys empowering a team to solve problems while delivering outstanding service to our resident companies. 

What will you do? 

Responsibilities: You will use your expertise and leadership to ensure building systems and infrastructure operate optimally; residents have what they need to be successful, and the Facilities Team is organized and at peak performance. Every day is different, so strategic thinking, flexibility, and responsiveness are key! 

Facilities Operations and Programs 

• Provide mentorship, project leadership, and technical expertise to ensure operational reliability and consistency across sites. 
• Own and manage critical technical vendor programs (e.g., HVAC, Compressed Air/Vacuum, RODI) across all sites, including refining the technical scope, managing vendor relationships, and ensuring quality control. 
• Oversee the operational assessment, planning, and execution for projects, equipment, and systems repair/replacement, delegating execution as appropriate and escalating strategic decisions or significant budgetary impacts to direct manager. 
• Liaise between facilities and the EHS team, responsible for implementing and supporting safety protocols and fostering an unflappable culture of safety. Serve as an Emergency Coordinator for Main Street sites. 
• Support the development of the annual department budget and goals, and manage team activities and resources effectively to achieve established objectives within approved budget parameters. 
• Support direct manager with established relationships with contractors, property managers, and landlords, including leading negotiations for project quotes. 

Develop Systems and Empower the Team 

• Implement and refine the Facilities Team’s core operating systems (e.g., responsibilities matrix, issue management workflows, communication protocols) to ensure efficiency and accountability, establishing and maintaining clear procedures and documentation for facilities operations. 
• Lead, coach, and develop direct reports, maintaining clear roles, responsibilities, and performance goals, and supporting their professional growth. 
• Provide expert guidance and serve as the primary technical mentor and escalation point for other team members on complex repairs and situations. 
• Communicate expectations and priorities clearly, ensuring team proficiency and identifying skill gaps. 
• Facilitate department meetings by preparing agendas and fostering an environment that overcomes work challenges, alleviates bottlenecks, prioritizes work focus, develops skills, and shares feedback. 
• Act as a role model for service quality, ensuring consistency across the team. 

Foster Cross-Functional Relationships 

• Serve as the liaison between the Facilities team and other functional managers (laboratory and operations) ensuring alignment on cross-functional initiatives and priorities. 
• Build strong cross-functional relationships and address collaboration barriers to achieve shared organizational goals. 
• Summarize team decisions and work effectively to share relevant information upstream. 

 
What do you bring?

Your success will be guided and determined by many things, including some of the following metrics: 

• The continued success of well-established sites measured by site net promoter score and manager's performance evaluation. 
• Ability to take ownership of operations, respond effectively to tasks, and guide team efficiency. 
• Operational continuity of the sites through proactive maintenance, minimal downtime during service interruptions, and consistent adherence to safety protocols. 
• Successful implementation and maintenance of operational procedures and systems. 
• Strong team engagement, ability to create cohesion, and lead others’ development. 

 
You're not expected to hold all of these qualifications; however, the ideal candidate will possess many of the following: 

Desired qualifications and technical skills: 

• 5+ years of progressive experience in facilities management, including exposure to leadership and department management responsibilities. 
• Strong experience in property management and managing relationships with contractors and property managers. 
• Proven ability to develop, implement, and maintain operational procedures and systems. 
• Technical expertise with critical systems operation and maintenance (e.g., HVAC, Compressed Air/Vacuum, RODI, electrical, plumbing, wastewater). 
• Intermediate to advanced understanding of building infrastructure, construction methods and materials, and best/safe practices. 
• Proficient with computers (Mac and PC), Microsoft Office Suite products, and general IT systems. 
• Experience managing CMMS and asset management systems. 
• Ability to conduct hands-on facilities work involving tasks such as lifting up to 50lbs, climbing a ladder, and using hand and power tools. 
• Conversational in other languages is a plus. 
• This onsite role requires the ability to work on location in Cambridge, MA, including after-hours on-call shifts and occasional, but rare, off-hours including weekends. 

Desired competencies and behaviors: 

• Accountability: Takes ownership of work, follows through on commitments, and holds self and others responsible for outcomes. Strong time management, organization, and decision-making skills within their scope of responsibility. 
• Collaboration: Works effectively with others, values diverse perspectives, and contributes to shared goals, fostering a trusting work environment. Ability to critically evaluate requests considering impacts to LabCentral's facility and business. 
• Technical/Functional Knowledge: Demonstrates the skills and expertise required to perform the role effectively and adapt to evolving needs, ensuring team proficiency and identifying skill gaps. Capable of managing complex situations, from intricate details to broader operational initiatives. 
• Communication Skills: Conveys information clearly and effectively, adjusting style for audience and context, and communicates expectations and priorities clearly. Effectively escalates critical issues and provides concise updates to leadership. 
• Professionalism/Customer Service: Demonstrates respect, responsiveness, and a commitment to delivering a positive experience for all internal and external stakeholders, acting as a role model for service quality. 

Work environment: 

• Fully onsite during regular business hours with a start time that often varies between 6:00 am to 9:00 am based on operational needs. 
• Ability to sit and stand for long periods, ability to move around an office and lab environment, and ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand. 
• Ability to lift and carry a minimum of 50 pounds.

What do we offer? 

Benefits:  

• Fully Covered Medical and Dental Premiums: We have you and your dependents covered, including deductible costs.  
• Long and Short-Term Disability & Life Insurance: Life can be unexpected; we’ve got your back. 
• Flexible Vacation: Enjoy the flexibility to take the time you need.  
• Three Months Fully Paid Parental Leave: We’ll help support you during life's important moments. 
• 401K Match Up to 6% with Immediate Vestment: Know your future is secure with our 401K match. 
• Transportation Reimbursements: We'll cover commuting costs for a parking pass, MBTA, or bike maintenance so you can get to work hassle-free. 
• Health & Wellness: Relax and enjoy reimbursements for fitness, yoga, massage therapy, and other holistic health practices. 
• Technology Stipend: To ensure you stay connected, we offer a monthly cell phone stipend as well as yearly reimbursements for cell phone repairs. 
• Professional Growth: We offer a stipend for continuing education and training to invest in your career growth, and we help ease the burden of student loans by providing reimbursement.  
• Fantastic Work Environment: Be inspired by colleagues and residents, and work in vibrant spaces that are stocked with a variety of snacks. Plus, we offer in-house programming on thought-provoking and diverse topics!  

Compensation  

Our compensation philosophy is intentional and researched to align with average market salaries; comprehensive, generous benefits to support overall well-being; and parity with our existing and future team members. Below details the value of what our compensation package may look like, but specific details pertaining to an individual will vary.     

Salary range: $67-87k along with the potential to earn a bonus of 10% based on company performance.    

Approximate monetary value of benefits (based off an individual – dependents increase value): $22,000.  

 Equal Opportunity Employer       

LabCentral is committed to building teams that reflect the fabric of the city around us. We welcome all candidates regardless of race, color, ancestry, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, Veteran status, or any other legally protected status. Any other human expressions and experiences not mentioned here are equally welcome. If you require an accommodation, please let us know. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.