General Services Director

Buncombe County Government is seeking a highly qualified General Services Director to oversee a broad range of essential operations that support the County’s daily functions. This role provides leadership for facilities management, grounds, fleet services, and capital projects, ensuring effective and excellent service delivery and alignment with the County’s mission and values. We are looking for a collaborative professional with strong management skills, experience in complex operational environments, and a commitment to continuous improvement in public service. This Director will lead a department of approximately 50 professionals in Building Maintenance, Fleet, Grounds Maintenance, and Administration. These divisions keep our County offices, parks, and facilities running smoothly.

Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Facilities Management, Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field and seven (7) years of experience in the management and direction of Facility Management, Public Works, Construction/Capital Projects; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Problems arise from both operations and issues with strategy. Requires an ability to make decisions with some uncertainty regarding the most effective approach or methods to use requiring the analysis of multiple factors. Decisions and actions have a direct impact on departmental outcomes and long-term operational results. Regularly interacts with senior management or executive leadership on significant matters.

• Oversee departmental operations including, but not limited to, facility maintenance and operations (including specialized facilities such as detention and public safety communications centers), facility construction and renovation projects, grounds maintenance, fleet maintenance and repair, fleet planning and procurement, parking garage operations, and lease management to ensure efficient, cost-effective, and reliable service delivery in support of County programs and services.

• Provide leadership and direction to General Services management, professional, and support staff through direct and indirect supervision to ensure continued development with a focus on the delivery of superior service and adherence to established policies, procedures, and standards; champion continuous improvement, including devising new strategies, training and development opportunities to ensure staff is sufficiently knowledgeable and dynamic regarding protocols and performance expectations.

• Lead the development and implementation of long-range facility and fleet planning initiatives, including facility replacement and renovation assessments, support for the development and prioritization of the County's Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), vehicle replacement planning, and comprehensive cost-benefit and feasibility analyses. Evaluate and implement sustainability, resilience, renewable energy, and emerging technologies to improve facility and fleet performance, reduce lifecycle costs, and inform capital investment decisions and operational strategies.

• Direct the preparation and implementation of the department’s annual operating and capital budgets consistent with program goals and objectives; provide strategic oversight of a diverse portfolio of capital and operational projects spanning multiple fiscal years, including the development and management of project budgets, schedules, resource allocation strategies, and performance measures to ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and in accordance with established goals and priorities.

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including County leadership, departments, employees, vendors, contractors, community partners, boards, committees, and governmental agencies; represent the department through recurring and specialized meetings, workshops, task forces, and community groups to foster collaboration, knowledge sharing, and alignment with organizational goals.

• Prepare and present reports to County leadership, boards, commissions, other governmental agencies, and community groups, including the presentation of findings related to executive and elected officials’ requests for research and information.

• Receive, respond to, and resolve confidential and sensitive inquiries; investigate complaints and operational concerns and recommend corrective actions as necessary.

• Ensure departmental compliance with federal, state, and local laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.

• Perform special projects and other related duties within area of responsibility as assigned.

Work is performed in both office and field environments. Field work includes visits to County facilities, construction sites, maintenance shops, parking facilities, and other County-owned properties where exposure to varying weather conditions, noise, dust, dirt, moving mechanical equipment, and construction activities may occur. The position requires travel throughout the County and attendance at meetings with County officials, contractors, consultants, and community stakeholders. This position may be required to respond to facility emergencies and emergency operations outside of normal business hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

• Knowledge of facilities management, capital improvement planning, construction and renovation project management, asset lifecycle management, and preventive maintenance principles.

• Knowledge of public sector budgeting, financial management, capital planning, and resource allocation principles, including the ability to develop, administer, and monitor operating and capital budgets.

• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to program activities and/or business functions; and of the principles and practices of public administration and management.

• Ability to direct and organize program activities and/or business functions; to establish goals and objectives that support the strategic plan; to identify problems, evaluate alternatives, and implement effective solutions; to develop and evaluate policies and procedures; to prepare reports; to communicate effectively; and to supervise the work of others.

• Knowledge of computer systems, databases, and spreadsheet use to ensure department efficiency.  

• Ability to analyze data, identify trends, and deliver proposals that are clear, engaging, data-based, accurate, and aligned with Buncombe County’s strategic goals.

• Possesses leadership and excellent team management skills. Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, including experience working directly with users and collaborating across internal teams to deliver complex projects.

Receives broad direction in accordance with organizational objectives and policies and reports directly to the County Manager or Assistant County Manager.