Apartment Maintenance Manager

Fairstead runs a portfolio of more than 30,000 apartments across 28 states, and they operate as a fully integrated owner, operator, and developer. That means maintenance leadership at their sites isn't just about fixing things. It's about holding a standard across a professionally managed affordable housing portfolio where operational consistency matters at scale.

This Service Manager role is based in Cleveland and puts you in charge of the day-to-day maintenance operation at the property. You'll supervise maintenance staff, manage special projects, and perform skilled hands-on work yourself when needed. The expectation is that you bring real trade depth, whether that's electrical, plumbing, HVAC, or another core discipline, plus the general maintenance range to handle what comes up between those specialties.

You'll own the condition of the building systems and the cleanliness and safety of the property's common areas and facilities. That means regular inspection of mechanical and electrical equipment, timely repairs, and keeping everything running in line with Fairstead's safety standards. When a complex project comes up, you won't be left alone to figure it out, but routine work is yours to manage independently. Overtime comes with the territory when emergencies or special projects demand it.

On the administrative side, Fairstead uses Yardi, and familiarity with that platform is a plus. You'll also work within Microsoft Office for documentation and reporting. The ability to implement and refine procedures matters here. Fairstead takes a tech-forward approach to operations, so a manager who can adapt to systems and data-driven workflows will fit better than someone who prefers to keep everything informal.

Qualifications

• At least three years of property maintenance experience
• Proficiency in a specific trade plus broad general maintenance skills
• Solid knowledge of building and mechanical trade tools, techniques, and terminology
• Strong grasp of safety protocols and accident prevention
• Ability to supervise staff and lead projects
• Comfort with Microsoft Office; Yardi experience is a bonus

Strong candidates for this role tend to have more than just technical skill. The ones who stand out can also communicate clearly with residents, hold their team accountable without micromanaging, and keep a punch list moving even when priorities shift mid-week. Affordable housing properties often have longer-tenured residents with higher service expectations than people assume. The manager who earns trust on the ground floor of the building earns it across the whole community.