Maintenance Manager - Lease Up

Skills That Drive This Role

This position runs on technical depth and team-building in equal measure. Bozzuto is hiring a Maintenance Manager for a lease-up property in Newark, and the skill set they need reflects that stage of a building's life: you're not just keeping systems running, you're establishing the maintenance operation from the ground up while the community fills up. That means your HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and appliance repair credentials matter, but so does your ability to hire, train, and retain technicians who can deliver consistent results under the scrutiny that comes with new construction and new residents forming their first impressions.

Exposure to complex mechanical systems is a genuine requirement here. Central plant, chillers, boilers, split systems: the candidate who knows these systems cold will move faster on preventative maintenance programs and catch problems before they become capital expenses. An EPA certification is expected. Comfort with technology platforms and work order systems is part of the daily workflow, not a bonus skill.

What the Work Actually Looks Like

A significant portion of this role during lease-up involves the make-ready and turn process. As units come off construction punch lists and residents begin moving in, the maintenance team owns the condition of each apartment at handoff. That requires attention to detail and a relentless focus on timing, because a delayed turn directly affects the leasing team's ability to close. You'll carry the schedule, manage vendor relationships, and ensure the building's systems are inspected and compliant with Newark and Essex County codes.

Responsibilities also include:

• Managing staffing schedules to maintain 24/7 emergency coverage and on-call rotation
• Leading cost-effective capital improvement and special projects within budget
• Executing preventative maintenance programs across all building systems
• Overseeing grounds upkeep, snow removal, and general community safety
• Ensuring annual building systems inspections meet local jurisdictional requirements
• Resolving resident service tickets with follow-through and documentation

The supervisory track record matters. Bozzuto wants someone who has hired and developed high-performing maintenance teams before, not someone who is learning that side of the job here. Seven or more years of facilities or residential maintenance experience, with at least three in a supervisory capacity, is the baseline.

What Separates Strong Candidates Here

Newark's multifamily market has seen significant Class A development in recent years, particularly in the downtown and Ironbound corridors. A lease-up in this environment means the maintenance operation reflects directly on the brand. Residents in new construction communities have high expectations, and the first service experience often sets the tone for renewal decisions down the road. Candidates who understand that connection between maintenance quality and NOI will approach this role differently than those who treat it as purely a facilities function.

The strongest applicants will bring what Bozzuto calls a "builder's mentality," meaning they understand the building's systems at a level that lets them troubleshoot faster, train more effectively, and communicate credibly with vendors and contractors. That fluency, combined with a safety-first mindset and a professional presence, is what distinguishes a manager who earns the team's respect from one who simply oversees it.

The salary range for this position is $85,000 to $90,000, with additional bonus opportunities. Bozzuto also provides medical, dental, and vision coverage, 20 days of paid time off plus holidays, a 401(k) with company match, and tuition reimbursement.