Galilee Culinary Institute – Facilities & Maintenance Manager

Galilee Culinary Institute – Facilities & Maintenance Manager

About us:

Galilee Culinary Institute by the Jewish National Fund is a one-of-a-kind culinary institution that combines culinary education, tourism, marketing, public relations, business and operationsmanagement,

partnership and fundraising as well as restaurant operations expertise, and entrepreneurship. Based in the heart of Israel’s Galilee, in Kibbutz Gonen a mountainous regionand micro-climate where fertile lands,

mountains, and rivers create an unparalleled location for a thriving agricultural region, GCI is a total-immersion culinary institution with a goal of population growth and narrative change for the area.

Position Summary:

The Facilities Manager is responsible for the overall maintenance, safety, and efficient operation of the GCI campus facilities, including kitchens, classrooms, dormitories, offices, and outdoor spaces.

This role ensures compliance with all health, safety, and electrical standards, while providing proactive and responsive facilities support for students, staff, and guests.

As a certified electrician, the Facilities Manager will also directly oversee electrical systems, ensuring their safety, reliability, and compliance with Israeli regulations.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage preventive and corrective maintenance for all campus buildings, kitchens, AC systems, plumbing etc.

• Oversee safety inspections, compliance with municipal and national regulations, and maintain required documentation.

• Coordinate cleaning and campus upkeep services.

• Create SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) and checklists for all area of expertise in the filed of Maintenance and facilities management

• Electrical Systems (Certified Electrician Requirement):

o Perform electrical installations, repairs, and upgrades in compliance with Israeli electrical codes.

o Ensure proper functioning of power supply to kitchens, classrooms, offices, and dorms.

o Supervise contractors and vendors performing electrical or technical work on campus.

o Respond promptly to electrical emergencies and troubleshoot issues effectively.

• Manage contracts and relationships with external service providers (e.g., construction, security, equipment suppliers).

• Supervise renovation and infrastructure projects, ensuring quality and budget control.

• Negotiate service agreements and monitor contractor performance.

• Safety & Compliance:

o Enforce health and safety policies, including fire safety systems, emergency exits, and electrical safety.

o Lead periodic safety drills and staff training.

o Maintain updated licenses, permits, and certifications required by local authorities.

• Prepare annual facilities budget, track expenses and recommend cost-saving measures and energy-efficient solutions.

• Plan long-term infrastructure upgrades and preventive maintenance schedules.

Special requirements:

Electrical Systems (relevant for Certified Electrician candidates):

o Perform electrical installations, repairs, and upgrades in compliance with Israeli electrical codes.

o Ensure proper functioning of power supply to kitchens, classrooms, offices, and dorms.

o Supervise contractors and vendors performing electrical or technical work on campus.

o Respond promptly to electrical emergencies and troubleshoot issues effectively.

Qualifications:

• Proven experience (4+ years) in facilities management, preferably in hospitality, or culinary institutions.

• Certified Electrician License in Israel (preferred).

• Strong knowledge of building systems: electrical, AC, plumbing, and safety systems.

• Demonstrates project management and vendor supervision skills.

• Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and multitasking abilities.

• Ability to work both hands-on and strategically, balancing technical work with managerial oversight.

• Strong communication skills in Hebrew; English proficiency – an advantage.

• This is a full-time position on campus, including high availability and on-call for any emergencies beyond working hours (including weekend and holiday on-call).