Plumbing Shop Manager (Maintenance)

Responsible for overseeing and managing all plumbing operations, installation, maintenance, and repair activities across the organization. Supervises plumbing staff, ensuring compliance with safety and building codes, managing large-scale plumbing projects, and optimizing the performance and efficiency of plumbing systems. Manages critical plumbing systems for the university with a focus on reliability, cost management, and sustainability initiatives. Serves as the organization's contractor of record.

Responsibilities:

• Manages day-to-day activities of the plumbing department.
• Leads and manages the plumbing team, providing direction, mentorship, and performance evaluations.
• Ensures team members adhere to safety standards, quality work practices, and timelines.
• Oversees the routine maintenance, repair, and inspection of all plumbing systems across campus facilities.
• Ensures plumbing systems are functioning efficiently, meeting industry standards, and in compliance with local, state, and federal codes including OSHA and environmental standards.
• Plans, coordinates, and manages plumbing-related projects, including new installations, system upgrades, and renovations including reviewing construction documents to ensure adherence to organizational standards. Provides architects and engineers with alternative plumbing system designs when appropriate.
• Ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and meet quality standards.
• Leads troubleshooting and diagnostics for complex plumbing issues, utilizing advanced tools and techniques to identify and resolve system failures or inefficiencies.
• Controls spending and optimize resource allocation for plumbing operations and projects.
• Stays up to date on knowledge of changes in regulations that may impact plumbing practices.
• Manages relationships with plumbing contractors, suppliers, and service providers.
• Oversees the emergency response for plumbing-related issues, ensuring that repairs and replacements are made quickly and efficiently, minimizing disruptions to campus or facility operations.
• Maintains detailed records of plumbing maintenance, repairs, and inspections.
• Creates reports on plumbing system performance, issues, and cost savings initiatives to senior leadership.
• Identifies skill gaps within the plumbing team and provide training opportunities to enhance team capabilities. Promote a culture of continuous improvement and safety.
• Collaborates with other facilities management teams, contractors, and departments to ensure plumbing systems are integrated with overall building operations and maintenance plans.
• Serves as the organization's contractor of record with the Oklahoma Construction Industries Board.
• May serve as the Director's designee in their absence.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Education: High School Diploma or GED equivalent required, AND;

• 5 years of experience in plumbing systems maintenance and installation, including 2 years of supervisory or management experience

Skills:

• Extensive knowledge of plumbing systems, fire suppression systems, installation, maintenance, and repairs, with advanced technical expertise in diagnostics and troubleshooting.
• Strong leadership and management skills, with experience in supervising and mentoring a team of skilled professionals.
• In-depth understanding of building codes, plumbing codes, and relevant safety regulations (e.g., OSHA, local building codes, water conservation standards).
• Proven ability to manage large-scale plumbing projects, including budgeting, scheduling, and procurement.
• Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to address complex plumbing challenges and provide effective solutions.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, for effective interaction with team members, vendors, and senior management.
• Ability to implement energy-efficient and sustainable plumbing practices to optimize system performance and reduce operational costs.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and handle multiple projects simultaneously.

Certifications:

• Plumbing contractor's license issued by the State of Oklahoma Construction Industries Board, to be filed on behalf of University of Oklahoma
• Valid Oklahoma driver's license required for travel between facilities

Working Conditions:

• This position may require occasional after-hours work or on-call availability for plumbing emergencies. Use of hand tools.  Requires physical work tasks; heavy lifting, climbing, pushing, or pulling required objects up to 50 lbs.  Ability to stand, walk, kneel, crouch, bend, reach, and work in confined spaces.  Exposure to potentially dangerous materials and situations that require mandatory safety precautions and may include the use of protective equipment. Examples include: extreme temperatures, potentially toxic chemicals or biohazardous materials, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, and/or loud noises.

Supervision: Supervises team of 3 - 5 plumbers

Special Instructions: If you are selected as a final candidate for this position, you will be subject to The University of Oklahoma Norman Campus Tuberculosis Testing policy.  To view the policy, visit https://hr.ou.edu/Policies-Handbooks/TB-Testing.

Why You Belong at the University of Oklahoma: The University of Oklahoma fosters an inclusive culture of respect and civility, belonging, and access, which are essential to our collective pursuit of excellence and our determination to change lives. The unique talents, perspectives, and experiences of our community enrich the learning, and working environment at OU, inspiring us to harness our innovation, creativity, and collaboration for the advancement of people everywhere.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The University of Oklahoma, in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, age, religion, disability, political beliefs, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes, but is not limited to, admissions, employment, financial aid, housing, services in educational programs or activities, and health care services that the University operates or provides.