Building Operations Manager

Description

*This position is in office full time, 5 days a week and does not have an option for hybrid or remote due to the nature of the role.*

Who are we?

Western National Insurance Group is a private mutual insurance company with over 120 years of experience serving customers' property-and-casualty insurance needs in the Midwestern, Northwestern, and Southwestern United States. Known as “The Relationship Company®,” we define success as a measure of the relationships we’ve built over time. In everything that we do, we know that delivering a friendly and helpful interaction makes for a better experience for everyone involved. That’s the power of “nice”. At Western National, nice is something we work to bring to every person and organization with whom we partner and serve.

Does this opportunity interest you?

Western National is seeking a Building Operations Manager to join our team!

The individual in this role has the opportunity to lead the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of Western National's two office facilities. This position oversees building maintenance, mechanical and building systems, boiler and solar-panel operations, preventive maintenance, vendor relationships, workplace services, mailroom operations, emergency preparedness, and departmental budgets. This role also leads and develops building operations and mailroom employees while providing operational leadership across both facilities to ensure a safe, welcoming, and well-functioning workplace.

What are the responsibilities and opportunities of this role?

• Oversees day-to-day building maintenance, facility operations, and operational continuity across the Company's primary Twin Cities office location and affiliate-owned property.
• Provides technical leadership for HVAC, mechanical systems, building automation, preventive maintenance, and overall building appearance.
• Leads, coaches, and develops building operations staff, mailroom employees, and the Building Manager responsible for the Company's second facility.
• Leverages building automation systems (BAS), operational analytics, and mechanical system performance data to improve energy efficiency, occupant comfort, and long-term facility reliability.
• Oversees the safe and compliant operation, inspection, maintenance, and documentation of boilers and central mechanical systems, including coordination with licensed personnel and specialized contractors.
• Manages operational coordination for the solar-panel system, including performance monitoring, maintenance, vendor relationships, warranty administration, safety requirements, and utility-provider coordination.
• Procures tools, equipment, and supplies and makes operational decisions regarding ongoing building maintenance and facility needs.
• Sources, evaluates, coordinates, and manages outside contractors and vendors to support building operations, maintenance, and facility projects.
• Provides technical guidance and oversees projects involving office remodels, space planning, workstation reconfigurations, and workplace improvements.
• Supports business continuity planning and maintains relationships with landlords, neighboring businesses, emergency contacts, and community partners.
• Prepares and manages departmental budgets, identifies opportunities to improve operational efficiency, and implements cost-effective solutions.
• Collaborates with internal departments and offices to provide expertise on building-related processes, systems, and operational needs.
• Participates in employee and building safety initiatives, including Safety Committees, the Crisis Management Team, safety drills, and emergency preparedness and response activities.
• Exercises independent judgment in day-to-day facility operations, vendor performance, departmental spending, and building safety while escalating significant legal, regulatory, capital, and budget matters as appropriate.
• Identifies operational risks, evaluates complex facility issues, and implements practical solutions to minimize disruptions and maintain business continuity.
• Prioritizes competing operational needs, coordinates resources, and resolves time-sensitive facility challenges.
• Provides responsive, professional service to employees, visitors, vendors, and business partners by communicating facility impacts, managing expectations, and ensuring timely resolution of concerns.
• Anticipates and coordinates workplace needs for senior leaders and executive teams with discretion, urgency, and attention to detail.
• Builds and maintains strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to support a safe, efficient, and welcoming work environment.
• Performs special projects and other duties as assigned.

Requirements

What are the must-have qualifications for a candidate?

• Seven-plus years of progressive experience in facilities or building operations, including building systems, preventive maintenance, building project management, vendor management, and workplace services.
• Three to five years of demonstrated experience leading and developing employees, including coaching, performance management, workflow coordination, and team development.
• Minnesota 2nd Class C Boiler Engineer license or higher.
• Valid, unrestricted driver's license and acceptable driving record.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Strong working knowledge of commercial building systems, including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, mechanical systems, and preventive maintenance practices.
• Working knowledge of building automation systems (BAS), HVAC controls, and building performance monitoring.
• Knowledge of energy management practices that support building efficiency, occupant comfort, and long-term system reliability.
• Experience managing third-party vendors, contracts, and service-provider relationships.
• Working knowledge of operating and capital budget preparation and administration.
• Understanding of building safety, emergency preparedness, business continuity, and facility-related best practices.
• Ability to assess building and mechanical system issues, identify appropriate solutions, and determine when specialized resources are needed.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize operational needs, manage multiple responsibilities, and coordinate resources across multiple facilities.
• Strong communication, negotiation, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with employees, vendors, contractors, property stakeholders, and business partners.
• Proactive, independent approach with the ability to exercise sound judgment, take initiative, and follow through on commitments.
• Proficiency with technology supporting facilities operations, including Microsoft Office and computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS), such as MaintainX.
• Ability to move frequently throughout facilities, stand for extended periods, and lift up to 50 pounds or more with assistance.

What will our ideal candidate have?

• Bachelor's degree in facilities management, business administration, construction management, engineering, or a related field. Additional relevant experience may substitute for a degree.
• Vocational training or certification in facilities maintenance, electrical, HVAC, mechanical systems, or plumbing.
• Additional certifications in boiler operations, HVAC, electrical, mechanical systems, energy management, or facilities management.
• IFMA, BOMI, or similar professional credentials.
• Experience leveraging building performance data, operational analytics, and building automation systems to identify efficiency improvements.
• Experience overseeing solar-panel operations, energy-management initiatives, and complex facility improvement projects.

Compensation overview

The targeted hiring range for this role is $83,100 – $114,290, annually. However, the base pay offered may vary depending on the job-related knowledge, skills, credentials, and experience of each candidate, as well as other factors such as the scope and location of the role. Candidates looking for compensation outside of the posted range are encouraged to apply and will be considered based on their individual qualifications and / or may be considered for other positions.

Culture and Total Rewards

Western National has long been known as “The Relationship Company®” and caring for our employees is part of that relationship commitment. We value connectiveness, empowerment, and accountability, and we believe that our employees are our biggest asset.

Currently ranked as the 41st largest private company by revenue in Minnesota (Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal), Western National has earned accolades year-over-year as an employer of choice and garnered multiple awards for wellness in the workplace. Western National has also been named a Top Workplace by the Star Tribune for consecutive years. In addition, the Group is consistently recognized as a Ward’s 50 property-and-casualty insurance company for its outstanding financial results.

Western National offers full-time employees a significant Total Rewards Package, including:

• Medical insurance plan options and other standard employee benefits, including dental insurance, vision benefits, life insurance, disability insurance, and more!
• Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• 401(k) Plan (participants are eligible for 100% matching on the first 6% of their contributions)
• Wellbeing Program, including onsite fitness studio
• Paid Time Off – including holiday, vacation, and volunteer
• 100% company-paid tuition reimbursement for approved job-relevant coursework and access to The Institutes (Risk and insurance education)
• Paid parental leave
• Bonus opportunities

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Western National provides employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

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