General Manager - Operations (Facility and Administration)

Role Overview

Based in Mira Road, Mumbai, reporting to the Trustee/Director, the General Manager - Operations will ensure comprehensive operational excellence for the institution. This senior leadership position demands oversight of facilities, administrative functions, infrastructure, compliance, vendor relations, and campus support services, ensuring operational efficiency, safety, and satisfaction among all stakeholders.

Facility & Infrastructure Management

• Direct all facility operations including housekeeping, security, cafeteria services, transportation, maintenance, and utilities management.
• Ensure the optimal performance of building systems such as HVAC, electrical, plumbing, elevators, DG sets, and fire safety.
• Create and oversee preventive and corrective maintenance programs.
• Maintain superior standards of cleanliness, hygiene, safety, and overall campus upkeep.
• Supervise energy consumption and initiate sustainability efforts where feasible.

Administration & Campus Operations

• Manage campus-wide administration encompassing space allocation, asset and inventory control, and utility oversight.
• Ensure smooth functioning of ancillary support services across departments and campuses.
• Oversee cafeteria and food services compliance with hygiene standards and FSSAI regulations.
• Develop and refine operational policies, SOPs, and service benchmarks to promote efficiency.
• Champion continuous process enhancements to improve overall operational effectiveness.

Vendor & Contract Management

• Identify, evaluate, onboard, and govern vendors providing operational and facility services.
• Negotiate contracts, enforce SLAs, and ensure service delivery meets quality and timeliness standards.
• Conduct regular vendor reviews and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Balance cost management with sustaining high service quality.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure strict compliance with all relevant laws including labor, fire safety, environmental, and operational regulations.
• Coordinate with government agencies, regulators, and inspectors.
• Perform internal audits and address corrective and preventive measures promptly.
• Formulate and execute risk reduction and emergency preparedness plans.

Financial & Budget Management

• Develop and manage the annual operational budget.
• Oversee operational expenses and identify avenues for cost savings.
• Monitor CAPEX and OPEX, ensuring effective resource utilization.
• Maintain financial discipline and adherence to budgetary provisions.

Team Leadership & Stakeholder Management

• Head multi-disciplinary operational teams fostering a performance-driven culture with clear KPIs.
• Collaborate with academic, administrative, and leadership staff to ensure operational coherence.
• Handle escalations efficiently and resolve operational challenges in a timely manner.

Projects & Expansion

• Lead infrastructure projects including campus expansions and renovations.
• Liaise with architects, consultants, contractors, and other stakeholders.
• Ensure projects are delivered on schedule, within budget, and comply with standards.

Qualifications and Experience

• 15 to 20+ years of experience in operations, administration, facility management, or campus operations.
• Educational background: Engineering, MBA, or related professional qualifications.
• Preferred experience managing large institutions, campuses, or corporate facilities.
• In-depth knowledge of facility management systems, vendor coordination, and statutory compliance.
• Proven leadership skills and ability to manage diverse stakeholders effectively.

Preferred Industry Experience

• Educational institutions
• Real estate and facility management
• Healthcare and hospital campuses
• Large corporate campuses
• Hospitality and integrated facilities

Success Indicators

• Seamless campus operational management.
• High standards of safety, hygiene, and infrastructure upkeep.
• Adherence to budgets with optimized operational costs.
• Elevated stakeholder satisfaction.
• Timely completion of all operational and infrastructural projects.
• Zero major compliance breaches or disruptions.