Building Operations Manager (Fixed Term), UCN-Operations

Building Operations Manager (Fixed Term)

Department

UCN-Operations

Location

The Aga Khan University, Nairobi

Introduction 

The Aga Khan University is a pioneering institution of higher education whose mission is to improve the quality of life in the developing world and beyond, through world-class teaching, research and health-care delivery. AKU educates students for local and global leadership from campuses and teaching hospitals in six countries, primarily in Asia and Africa. It generates new knowledge to solve problems that affect millions of people, especially the most vulnerable. The University is a private, not-for-profit institution and an agency of the Aga Khan Development Network.

Chartered in June 2021, the Aga Khan University Kenya is located opposite the Aga Khan University Hospital Nairobi. The University Centre is the main campus in Kenya and houses the Graduate School of Media and Communications, Medical College, School of Nursing and Midwifery as well as Research Institutes.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Associate Vice Provost Administration- Kenya, the Building Operations Manager will provide expert advice, strategic planning, and recommendations for the ongoing operation and maintenance of the University Centre (UC), which serves as the Seat of the University in Kenya. The building is multipurpose, with classrooms, studios, laboratories, an auditorium, an exhibition hall and other event spaces, state of the art utility and control systems, and is EDGE Advanced Certified.

Key Responsibilities

• Establish a facilities management plan document that coordinates ongoing maintenance, operations, and safety of the building.

  
  

• Develop detailed maintenance schedules and procedures for all building systems e.g strategies to protect critical assets like HVAC, electrical systems, and structural components to reduce failures.

  
  

• Implement a Computerized Maintenance Management System to streamline maintenance activities.

  
  

• Identify and establish procedures for cleaning, catering, waste management, and daily upkeep.

  
  

• Recommend capital improvements and provide a cost-benefit analysis for proposed upgrades.

  
  

• Assist in developing a long-term capital improvement plan.

  
  

• Identify potential safety hazards and code compliance issues, offering practical solutions.

  
  

• Establish protocols for emergencies, security, and ensuring compliance with local regulations.

  
  

• Propose strategies to optimize energy efficiency and sustainability, including cost-effective solutions for building operations.

  
  

• Recommend ways to optimize space usage, allocation and planning to meet evolving needs.

  
  

• Ensure the efficient utilization of space.

  
  

• Regularly report on progress, needs, and advances in building operations and present findings to university administration.

  
  

• Maintain strong relationships with stakeholders.

  
  

• Provide ongoing technical expertise, supervision, support and mentorship to the facilities team.

  
  

• Stay updated on industry best practices and emerging technologies in facility management.

  
  

• Work closely with the Purchasing and Supply Department on vendor/contractor management matters including but not limited sourcing and selection, contracting and onboarding, performance management, risk mitigation and offboarding.

  
  

Relevant Skills, Qualifications and Experience

• A recognized qualification in Engineering from an accredited tertiary institution is required. Professional certification or training in Project Management will be an added advantage.

  
  

• 5-10 years of related professional experience with demonstrated experience at a supervisory/managerial position.

  
  

• A valid Professional Engineer (PE) licence.

  
  

• Additional certification in building management systems is highly desirable.

  
  

• Strong understanding of building systems and infrastructure, including: Mechanical Engineering principles, Plumbing systems and services, Building Management/Automation systems (BMS/BAS), Electrical distribution systems

  
  

• Proven ability to identify and analyse facility maintenance needs.

  
  

• Experience in developing and implementing comprehensive Facilities Management plans, including preventative maintenance programmes, capital improvement plans, and energy efficiency initiatives, will be an added advantage.

  
  

• Expertise in life cycle costing and budgeting for facilities management.