AVP OF PLANT OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE

About Cooper University Health Care

Cooper University Health Care is a leading academic health system affiliated with Cooper Medical School of Rowan University. Cooper, headquartered in Camden, New Jersey, has revenues of more than $3 billion and an A+ credit rating from both S&P and Fitch Ratings.

Cooper has nearly 14,000 team members, including more than 2,200 nurses, more than 1,200 employed physicians representing 95 specialties and subspecialties, and more than 700 advanced practice providers.

Cooper operates MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper as well as three hospitals - its 663-bed flagship Cooper University Hospital in Camden, its 229-bed Cooper University Hospital Cape Regional in Cape May Court House, and Children's Regional Hospital in Camden.

Cooper University Hospital in Camden is the only Level 1 trauma center in South Jersey and the busiest in the region. The hospital has been recognized as a top-performing regional hospital by U.S. News & World Report's Best Hospitals annual survey for six years.

More than 2.54 million patients visit Cooper's facilities annually. Cooper's ambulatory network encompasses three outpatient surgery centers, seven urgent care centers, a wound care center, and more than 130 physician, physical therapy, and radiology offices extending from the Delaware River to the New Jersey shore.

Cooper was named one of America's Best Large Employers for 2026 by Forbes, ranking among the top 200 in the nation.

Visit CooperHealth.org (opens in new window) to learn more.

The Assistant Vice President of Plant Operations and Maintenance provides senior leadership and ensures operational excellence for facilities operations throughout the Cooper University Health System. Responsible for the daily activities required for the safe, efficient, and effective operation of the maintenance and repair functions, and preventative maintenance. Position is responsible for coordination and oversight for property management, maintenance consultants and vendors working and providing services within the organization. Responsible for the dependability and operational efficiency of building systems and utility systems that support overall operations.

The position works closely with design and construction team for management of facility-related capital projects throughout the health system, including the management of budgets and schedules, the procurement of third-party professional services, and compliance with all regulatory and legal requirements of each project.

This position will work as the facilities expert end user for new projects. Recommends facilities-related equipment and building systems that provide the most reliability, operational efficiency, and overall value to the health system. Sets standards for maintenance systems.

• Deliver operational excellence through managed departments, span of control and as an organizational leader
  • Make Cooper the best place to be a patient; the best place to be an employee, and the best place to practice medicine
• Delivers a high level of customer experience,. Ensures a service orientation that permeates through span of control, leads team in driving internal and external customer experience
• Maintains the highest level of reliability for building and utility systems to support safe, high reliability operations. Provides timely notification of any interuptions in utility or building systems with an emphasis on mitigating issue and expediting return to normal operations.
• Strong teamwork, interpersonal relations, communication, active-listening, and analytical skills
• Ensures a constant state of regulatory readiness. Leads the Joint Commission/CMS Survey experience at the facility level. Fully knowledgeable of activities necessary to produce a state of perpetual readiness and compliance
• Effectively manages expenses and organizational resources
• Prioritizes quality and safety and supports the journey to be a highly reliable organization
• Creative and innovative problem-solving
• Ability to work across departments and teams to solve problems and drive improvement
• Supports and drives improvements in organizational initiatives
• Organized, effective time management skills
• Analytical, data driven analysis. Understands and utilizes industry data and benchmarks including Action OI, Press Ganey, HCAHPS, Advisory Board employee engagement, etc.

• Excellent communication skills, ability to communicate effectively to all levels and audiences

At least seven years of progressive experience in facilities management, preferably in a healthcare setting. Experience in engineering, management of business operations, and project management.

Excellent command and understanding of building maintenance and power systems including but not limited to plumbing, electrical, HVAC, air pressure relationships, chilled water, cooling towers, emergency power, etc. Experience with co/tri power generation helpful.

Excellent command and understanding of utility systems including purchasing, distribution, and overall utilization through efficient operations and conservation efforts, including power systems. (Chillers, gas turbine, cooling towers, emergency pow er, etc.)

Demonstrated experience with service and maintenance contract negotiations and administration.

Demonstrated effective interpersonal and communication skills. Demonstrated ability of sound management and proven leadership skills. Ability to manage capital and operating budgets effectively. Demonstrated ability to manage the interests of the hospital, as well as those of the healthcare system.

Bachelor's degree in engineering, architecture, business or related field; education and experience comparable to leadership peers.

Valid Driver's License required

• CHFM (Certified Healthcare Facility Manager) preferred, may pursue once hired
• Demonstrated knowledge of Joint Commission requirements
• Demonstrated knowledge of NFPA requirements
• Must have effective written and verbal communication skills and the ability to present information clearly and professionally
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively connect with patients, guests, staff, and physicians is required
• Must have excellent time management and organizational skills
• Must have strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Must have excellent project management skills
• Must have excellent financial management skills
• Must be result and outcomes driven
• Must be able to operate and thrive in a matrixed environment and manage multiple professional relationships

The New Jersey Pay Transparency Act requires disclosure of the pay range for this position.

A salary offer will vary based on the job role, candidate experience, qualifications, internal pay equity and market data.

Cooper University Health Care is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to equal employment opportunity for all team members. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, or any other status protected by law or regulation. To request reasonable accommodation, contact talent-acquisition@cooperhealth.edu