Research Animal Resources
Infrastructure Director
9375OS

Position Summary:
Research Animal Resources (RAR) strives to advance scientific progress and promote the humane treatment of animals, in partnership with the University of Minnesota's research community, by providing exemplary service & education in animal care, procurement, health, and well-being.

RARâ™s Infrastructure Director is responsible for leading the facilities management, cage wash, and supply chain operations of the department while collaborating with animal care and veterinary services to ensure seamless integration of the assigned operations. This position directs daily operations of infrastructure needed to ensure the animal facility environment is in compliance with local, state and federal regulations, university policies,  as well as  AAALAC accreditation standards, ensuring facility space, equipment, and associated resources are efficiently deployed and metrics are tracked.  The Director will supervise manager-level employees in the facilities management, cage wash, and supply chain operations.

This position works with the RAR Executive Director and members of the RAR Senior Leadership Team (SLT) to provide strategic planning, organization, and direction within RAR.  The Infrastructure Director identifies and develops broad operational goals and objectives, directs significant programs, and operates with a significant level of independence within a matrixed department.  This role is responsible for developing, implementing, and enforcing policies, procedures, and standards as well as cooperative working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.  The incumbent will be a member of the RAR Senior Leadership Team.  


Job Duties: 
Operational and Programmatic Leadership (35%)
● Establish and maintain operational redundancy measures, including maintaining backup systems and ensuring that team members are cross-trained to handle critical functions in the event of unexpected absences or system failures, for all areas of responsibility including, but not limited to:
o Sanitation of equipment
o Oversee supply chain logistics (i.e. assembled caging, needed animal supplies, PPE)
o Ensure ongoing compliance with regulatory standards for all operational facilities for HVAC, lighting, water, etc.
o Maintenance and availability of safety equipment
● Oversee and manage capital inventory log to plan for equipment upkeep, certification, maintenance, and replacement.
● Lead RARâ™s engagement in facility upgrades, including renovations and construction projects
● Collaborate with UMN Facilities Management to develop and implement an effective and efficient partnership based on productive and clear communication. 
● Ensure productive oversight of logistics to guarantee availability of supplies for animal care and veterinary services.
● Lead the development and implementation of quality assurance programs, capital equipment and supplies evaluation, and resource management strategies.
● Lead operational excellence initiatives by defining metrics and key indicators; collaborate with colleagues to share practices in resource management and operational standards.
● Drive the adoption and implementation of enhanced and new technologies, equipment, and procedures.

Personnel Management (30%)
● Provide strategic leadership and implement innovative approaches to ensure customer satisfaction, improve operational efficiency, and enhance employee competencies and engagement.
● Strategically manage talent through targeted career development and performance management.
● Clearly define and communicate roles, responsibilities, and delegation of authority to staff.
● Work in partnership with HR to improve and navigate employee relations, communication and conflict resolution.
● Develop and implement creative communication strategies to enhance team collaboration and efficiency.
● Ensure consistent adherence to departmental guidelines and SOPs. 
● Ensure appropriate management of cage wash, facilities, and supply chain personnel.
● Foster and maintain strong working relationships and open communication channels with veterinary, operational, and research staff.

Training, Customer Service, and Process Improvement (15%)
● Collaborate with the RAR training program to ensure thorough training of new employees and annual refresher training
● Ensure a customer-centric approach is embedded within the team, regardless of whether the customer is from within or outside of RAR
● Actively contribute to and lead process improvement throughout RAR and within assigned responsibilities

Regulatory Compliance (15%)
● Ensure ongoing compliance of animal caging and facilities with all applicable federal and state laws, as well as University policy, RAR policy, USDA Animal Welfare Act and Regulations, and the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals
● Coordinate and collaborate with key stakeholders, including the Attending Veterinarian, IACUC, IBC,Health Safety and Risk Management, and RAR Compliance Director to ensure animal welfare, staff safety, and research integrity

Other Duties as Assigned (5%)
 

Required Qualifications:
● BA/BS degree plus at least 12 years of experience, including 5+ years in a leadership role, managing large teams and complex projects.
● Experience with regulatory compliance related to building codes, safety standards, and environmental regulations
● Strong verbal and written communication skills to interact with staff, students, vendors, and contractors.
● Experience in equipment management and maintenance in a research or laboratory animal environment

Preferred Qualifications:
● Masterâ™s Degree in Business Administration (MBA), Facilities Management, or a related field
● Ten+ years of progressive supervisory and managerial experience in a laboratory animal setting.
● Experience in managing research building infrastructure including HVAC, electrical systems, plumbing, and safety systems.
● Strategic thinking with the ability to develop long-term plans for facility management.
● Ability to lead and motivate a team, and manage multiple priorities effectively.
● Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously with renovations, upgrades and new construction.
● Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, for effective interaction with senior management, staff, and external vendors.
● Problem-solving and decision-making abilities, especially in high-pressure situations.
● Strong leadership and team management skills, with a focus on building and leading effective teams.
● Proficiency in budgeting and financial management, including capital expenditure planning.
● Supply chain management experience, specifically related to managing inventory, procurement, and logistics for production supplies.
● Experience with safety management systems and risk assessment.
● Project Management Professional (PMP)
● Lean Six Sigma Certification

About University of Minnesota Twin Cities

The University of Minnesota, founded in the belief that all people are enriched by understanding, is dedicated to the advancement of learning and the search for truth; to the sharing of this knowledge through education for a diverse community; and to the application of this knowledge to benefit the people of the state, the nation, and the world.

Connections working at University of Minnesota Twin Cities