Maintenance Manager
Location: NW Indiana / SE Chicago
Compensation:
$140,000 to $170,000 + 15% bonus
Overview
An industrial manufacturing operation is seeking a highly skilled Maintenance Manager to lead all maintenance-related functions across heavy industrial equipment, systems, and infrastructure. This role is responsible for developing and managing proactive maintenance strategies, ensuring regulatory compliance, and driving continuous improvement in equipment reliability and plant uptime. The Maintenance Manager will report directly to the General Manager and will collaborate cross-functionally with operations, engineering, procurement, and environmental teams.
Key Responsibilities
- Champion and enforce safety culture within the Maintenance Department; lead engagement in field safety activities, safety planning, and participation in safety committees.
- Support environmental stewardship by ensuring optimal maintenance of critical environmental control equipment.
- Monitor maintenance operations for compliance with OSHA, EPA, local regulations, permits, and internal policies.
- Direct all facets of the maintenance function, including preventive, corrective, and emergency maintenance programs.
- Lead predictive maintenance activities such as lubrication analysis, vibration monitoring, ultrasonic testing, and motor diagnostics.
- Develop and manage the annual maintenance budget, including forecasting, cost control, overtime tracking, and variance analysis.
- Facilitate communication between Maintenance, Operations, Capital Projects, and Contractors to execute daily and long-term plans efficiently.
- Conduct and lead Root Cause Failure Analyses (RCFA) and implement corrective/preventive actions.
- Partner with Operations to support production uptime and plant reliability.
- Leverage best practices from internal and external maintenance/reliability teams.
- Oversee the selection, performance, and cost-efficiency of third-party maintenance contractors.
- Collaborate with procurement to optimize material acquisition and service contracts, focusing on total cost of ownership.
- Manage spare parts inventory with the Supply Chain Manager to ensure optimal availability and cost efficiency.
- Approve and manage requisitions for materials, tools, and services.
- Maintain and enhance training programs for maintenance personnel, including apprenticeships and skill development.
- Lead, mentor, and evaluate maintenance staff; define roles, responsibilities, and individual development plans.
- Ensure alignment with labor agreements and manage union-represented employees within the maintenance function.
- Provide emergency support and troubleshooting for complex equipment issues.
- Identify and implement process improvements to enhance department performance and reduce downtime.
Work Environment
- Dynamic environment requiring flexibility between office-based responsibilities and direct involvement in outdoor and plant-floor operations.
- Exposure to varying weather conditions and industrial settings.
Qualifications
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical Engineering, or closely related discipline. Equivalent experience may be considered.
Experience:
- Minimum 10 years of progressive maintenance experience in a heavy industrial or manufacturing environment.
Certifications:
- Certified Maintenance & Reliability Professional (CMRP) preferred.
