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Akima · 3 months ago

Program Manager - Environmental Services Director

Bethesda, MD

Full-time

Onsite

Director/Executive

$150K/yr - $150K/yr

10+ years exp

Akima Global Logistics (AGL) is seeking an Executive Housekeeper - Environmental Services Director to provide visionary leadership and strategic direction for the comprehensive Housekeeping and Environmental Services program. This role is critical to ensuring a safe, sanitary, and infection-free environment across the research hospital campus, overseeing daily operations, compliance, and team leadership.

ConstructionConsultingCyber SecurityInformation TechnologyLogisticsManagement ConsultingSupply Chain ManagementTechnical Support

Responsibilities

Lead long-term planning for resource allocation, staffing models, technology adoption (e.g., UV disinfection, tracking systems), and process improvements

Represent EVS on critical hospital committees (Infection Prevention & Control, Environment of Care, Safety, Research Safety/Biosafety, Patient Experience, Construction Planning)

Oversee the daily operations of all EVS functions across inpatient units, outpatient clinics, operating rooms, procedural areas, emergency department, research laboratories (requiring specialized protocols), administrative offices, public spaces, and grounds (if applicable)

Ensure consistent, efficient, and high-quality cleaning, disinfection, waste management, and linen services meeting or exceeding Joint Commission, CDC, OSHA, EPA, FDA (for device reprocessing areas if applicable), and specific research safety (e.g., NIH, BSL protocols) standards

Develop and manage complex staffing schedules, workflows, and productivity metrics for a large, diverse, and often unionized workforce across multiple shifts, 24/7/365

Implement and enforce specialized cleaning protocols for high-risk areas (Isolation Rooms, ORs, ICUs, BSL Labs, Oncology, Transplant Units)

Serve as the primary EVS expert and partner to the Infection Prevention & Control department. Proactively identify and mitigate infection risks related to the environment

Ensure strict adherence to disinfection techniques, chemical dilution, contact times, and proper use of EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectants

Oversee outbreak response and terminal cleaning procedures

Develop, manage, and control a multi-million-dollar annual operating budget for labor, supplies, equipment, and contracts

Lead the RFP process, negotiate, and manage contracts with external vendors (e.g., waste disposal, linen, pest control, specialized cleaning services)

Optimize inventory control and supply chain management for cleaning chemicals, equipment, and consumables

Authorize capital expenditures for equipment and technology

Recruit, hire, mentor, develop, and retain a high-performing team of managers, supervisors, and frontline EVS staff

Foster a culture of safety, quality, accountability, respect, and continuous improvement within the department

Ensure comprehensive, role-specific training programs (including onboarding, safety, infection control, research lab protocols, customer service, technical skills)

Manage performance, conduct evaluations, address performance issues, and recognize excellence

Design, implement, and oversee robust quality assurance/performance improvement (QA/PI) programs using data analytics (ATP testing, visual audits, infection rate correlation)

Ensure continuous readiness for all regulatory and accreditation surveys (Joint Commission, CMS, CDC, State Health Dept, College of American Pathologists - CAP for labs)

Maintain meticulous documentation of procedures, training, audits, and corrective actions

Analyze performance data and patient/staff satisfaction scores to drive improvement

Build and maintain strong collaborative relationships with clinical leaders (Nursing, Physicians), Research Leadership/PIs, Facilities Management, Safety/EHS, Materials Management, and Administration

Act as the primary point of contact for EVS-related concerns, proactively addressing issues and communicating effectively

Champion the role of EVS in patient safety, research integrity, and the overall hospital mission

Qualification

Environmental Services ManagementInfection Control ExpertiseBudget ManagementRegulatory ComplianceData AnalyticsEVS Management SoftwareLeadership SkillsFinancial AcumenCommunication SkillsCustomer Focus

Required

Bachelor's degree in Healthcare Administration, Business Administration, Environmental Science, Facilities Management, or a related field required

Minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience in environmental services/housekeeping management, with at least 7 years in a large, complex acute care hospital setting (200+ beds highly desirable)

Proven experience managing EVS operations within a research hospital, academic medical center, or facility with significant laboratory operations is ESSENTIAL

Demonstrated experience managing large budgets ($5M+) and complex staffing models (100+ FTEs)

Extensive experience with Joint Commission standards, CMS Conditions of Participation, CDC guidelines, and OSHA regulations

Certified Healthcare Environmental Services Professional (CHESP) required (or must obtain within 6-12 months of hire)

Deep Expertise: In-depth knowledge of hospital infection control principles, disinfection protocols (including sporicidal agents), hazardous materials management, and specialized cleaning requirements for ORs, ICUs, and BSL labs

Exceptional strategic thinking, decision-making, problem-solving, and change management skills. Proven ability to inspire, motivate, and develop large teams

Strong budgeting, financial analysis, and cost-control skills

Outstanding verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills; ability to interact effectively with all levels of staff and leadership

Proficiency in EVS management software, CMMS, MS Office Suite, and data analytics tools

Expert understanding of the complex regulatory landscape for healthcare and research environments

Commitment to patient, visitor, and staff satisfaction