Apartment Maintenance Manager

Maintenance leadership at an affordable housing company carries a different weight than at a typical market-rate property. The residents depend on the physical environment in ways that go beyond preference. When something breaks, it matters. That's the context for this Service Manager role with Fairstead in Jonesboro, Georgia.

What This Role Actually Involves

Fairstead operates an integrated platform that brings development, construction, and property management together under one roof. With more than 30,000 units across 28 states, they run at real scale, and they expect their site-level maintenance leadership to match that. As Service Manager, you'll oversee the day-to-day repair and maintenance of buildings on your property, supervise other maintenance team members, and take point on special projects as they arise. Keeping mechanical systems and electrical equipment running, managing inspections, and holding the property to Fairstead's cleanliness and safety standards are core to the position.

This role isn't purely hands-off supervision. You'll work independently on routine tasks and step in on more complex projects with support when needed. Overtime comes with the territory during emergencies or larger initiatives, and that's worth knowing upfront. The ability to implement and improve procedures matters here, not just follow them.

Who Fits This Role Well

• At least three years of property maintenance experience, with genuine depth in at least one skilled trade
• Solid working knowledge of building systems, mechanical trades, and the tools and terminology that go with them
• Strong safety awareness and the habit of leading others toward it, not just practicing it yourself
• Organizational skills that hold up when multiple tasks and people need direction at the same time
• Comfort with Microsoft Office Suite; experience with Yardi or RealPage is a plus

The strongest candidates tend to be people who've already supervised others in a maintenance context and understand that leading a team means setting the standard, not just assigning tasks. If you've worked in affordable housing before, you'll likely appreciate how that experience shapes the way you approach resident interactions and communicate urgency up the chain.

The Broader Picture

Fairstead describes itself as tech-forward and data-driven for an affordable housing operator, which means you'll likely encounter software tools and digital workflows more than you might at a smaller management company. That's worth factoring in if you're used to a more paper-based environment. It also creates a clearer path for maintenance leaders who want to grow: operators like Fairstead tend to promote from within when regional or facilities-level roles open up, and a Service Manager who's demonstrated operational discipline and team development is well-positioned for that next step.

The benefits package includes medical coverage through Meritain Health with a generous employer contribution, employer-paid vision and life insurance, a 401(k) with company match, 15 days of PTO, 7 sick days, and 12 or more paid holidays, among other perks.