Maintenance Manager - Change Agent

Food manufacturing client in the Brunswick, GA area is seeking a dynamic and results-oriented Maintenance Manager to lead their maintenance department. They are seeking a change agent with a strong Continuous Improvement (CI) background and mindset to drive significant enhancements in our maintenance operations. The ideal candidate will be passionate about optimizing equipment reliability, reducing downtime, improving efficiency, and fostering a culture of proactive problem-solving and continuous improvement within the maintenance team and across the organization. This is not a rebuilding of a maintenance department, but rather building off their successfully run department.

Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership & Change Management:
• Develop and execute a comprehensive maintenance strategy aligned with the company's overall objectives, with a strong emphasis on reliability, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.
• Act as a change agent, proactively identifying and leading initiatives to transform maintenance practices, processes, and technologies.
• Champion a continuous improvement mindset within the maintenance team and promote the use of CI methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma) to drive tangible results.
• Develop and communicate a clear vision for the maintenance department, fostering a culture of ownership, accountability, and continuous learning.
• Lead and manage the maintenance team, including hiring, training, performance management, and development.
• Collaborate effectively with other departments (e.g., Operations, Engineering, Quality) to ensure seamless integration of maintenance activities and support overall plant performance.
• Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence:
• Identify and analyze key maintenance performance indicators (KPIs) to pinpoint areas for improvement (e.g., downtime, Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF), maintenance costs).
• Lead and facilitate CI initiatives and projects, utilizing tools and methodologies such as root cause analysis, Pareto charts, Kaizen events, and value stream mapping.
• Develop and implement preventive and predictive maintenance (PdM) programs to minimize reactive maintenance and maximize equipment uptime.
• Establish and optimize maintenance procedures, work instructions, and best practices to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
• Implement and manage a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) to track work orders, maintenance history, spare parts inventory, and generate insightful reports for continuous improvement efforts.
• Monitor and analyze CMMS data to identify trends, predict potential issues, and drive proactive maintenance actions.
• Benchmark maintenance performance against industry best practices and identify opportunities for adopting innovative solutions and technologies.
• Maintenance Operations & Resource Management:
• Oversee and manage all maintenance activities, including routine maintenance, repairs, installations, and equipment upgrades.
• Develop and manage the maintenance budget, ensuring cost-effective utilization of resources.
• Manage spare parts inventory to ensure timely availability while optimizing inventory levels and reducing costs.
• Coordinate with external contractors and vendors for specialized maintenance services.
• Ensure compliance with all safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
• Develop and implement robust safety procedures and promote a safety-conscious culture within the maintenance team.
• Maintain accurate maintenance records and documentation.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, or related field) preferred.
• Demonstrated experience and a strong mindset as a change agent, with a proven track record of leading and implementing successful improvement initiatives.
• Solid understanding and application of Continuous Improvement (CI) principles and methodologies (e.g., Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma). Certification in Lean or Six Sigma is a plus.
• Experience in developing and implementing preventive and predictive maintenance programs.
• Proficiency in utilizing and managing CMMS systems.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret data and drive data-based decisions for improvement.
• Excellent leadership, communication, interpersonal, and influencing skills.
• Ability to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Strong understanding of safety regulations and best practices in a maintenance environment.
• Proven ability to manage budgets and resources effectively.