Maintenance Director

Aston Carter

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Maintenance Director leads the strategic planning, coordination, and execution of all maintenance activities across multiple facilities to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient operations. This role oversees preventive and corrective maintenance programs, manages capital and operating budgets, directs a multidisciplinary maintenance team, and ensures compliance with all relevant regulatory and safety standards. The Maintenance Director collaborates closely with senior leadership and other departments to minimize downtime, support production goals, and drive continuous improvement in equipment performance and facility infrastructure.

Requirements

B.S. degree in facilities management, engineering, business administration, or an equivalent field from an accredited college or university, or an equivalent combination of experience and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
At least five years of experience in increasingly responsible maintenance, facilities, or engineering management roles.
Strong knowledge and demonstrated ability in maintenance principles and disciplines, including preventive and corrective maintenance for industrial or manufacturing environments.
Experience with employed manufacturing processes, preferably within manufacturing, agriculture, or liquid processing operations.
Proven ability to prepare technical reports and meet deadlines in a fast-paced operational environment.
Thorough knowledge of building codes and safety regulations relevant to industrial facilities.
Considerable skill in developing accurate cost estimates for complex maintenance and capital projects.
Knowledge of technical and administrative aspects of building inspections, building codes, and local ordinances.
Understanding of contractor licensing requirements, as well as regulations and guidelines from state and federal agencies related to plant inspection and compliance.
General knowledge of construction techniques and their application to facility maintenance and improvement projects.
Strong understanding of business administration principles, including personnel practices, employment laws, and fiscal management practices.
Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to lead, motivate, and develop a maintenance team.
Experience in people management, including hiring, performance evaluation, coaching, and disciplinary processes.
Ability to recruit, train, and motivate staff to balance staffing levels with operational needs, profitability, and growth.
Demonstrated initiative and creative thinking to identify and pursue business and operational improvement opportunities.
Proficiency with PC-based computing, including word processing (Word), spreadsheets (Excel), and email (Outlook).
Proficiency in CAD software, specifically AutoCAD, for reviewing and modifying mechanical drawings and facility layouts.
Experience with PLC programming to support equipment troubleshooting and process changes.
Strong operations management skills with the ability to plan, prioritize, and execute multiple projects and tasks.
Solid finance and budgeting skills, including experience managing departmental budgets and capital expenditures.
Excellent communication skills to interact effectively with senior leadership, peers, staff, and external vendors.

Nice To Haves

Experience in maintenance management within manufacturing, agricultural, or liquid processing environments.
Engineering management experience overseeing complex systems, equipment, and facilities.
Experience administering or working with a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS).
Ability to interpret and provide feedback on mechanical drawings, process documentation, and technical specifications.
Familiarity with environmental regulations related to wastewater, air quality and emissions, and diesel conversion.
Ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams and collaborate with other department leaders to support production goals.
Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot new methods, procedures, and equipment installations.
Proven ability to manage vendor and contractor relationships, including negotiation and performance oversight.
Comfort with periodic travel to attend meetings, conferences, and seminars for professional development.
Ability to maintain composure, make sound decisions, and provide direction in an environment of changing priorities and operational demands.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement a comprehensive preventive maintenance program for all facilities and equipment to ensure operational readiness and minimize unplanned downtime.
Formulate and manage the annual maintenance budget, including forecasting expenses, controlling costs, and preparing and justifying capital expenditure requests.
Prepare, plan, and control capital projects within budget constraints, ensuring accurate cost analyses, realistic timelines, and on-time project completion.
Monitor, troubleshoot, and test new methods, procedures, and newly installed equipment to ensure they meet contract specifications and achieve desired system efficiencies.
Assist with programming changes to equipment and systems as plant requirements evolve, ensuring that modifications support operational and production needs.
Negotiate, manage, and oversee contracts with external vendors and service providers for specialized maintenance, repairs, and construction projects, ensuring quality and cost-effectiveness.
Review mechanical drawings and process documentation and provide recommendations for improvements or changes to enhance system performance and maintainability.
Conduct a continuous search for new materials, processes, and procedures that improve product quality, reliability, and efficiency, working closely with internal teams and external vendors to evaluate and cost-estimate potential solutions.
Administer and oversee the preventive maintenance program to keep production machinery and equipment in proper working condition.
Manage and utilize a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) to track work orders, asset history, preventive maintenance schedules, and resource allocation.
Ensure departmental compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including occupational safety and environmental standards.
Inspect work in process and at completion to verify that quality, workmanship, and safety standards are consistently met.
Manage the inventory of spare parts, tools, and essential supplies to minimize equipment downtime while controlling operational and inventory costs.
Maintain a solid working knowledge of regulatory requirements related to wastewater, air quality and emissions, diesel conversion, and other applicable environmental and safety regulations.
Monitor regulatory compliance, prepare and submit required documentation, and schedule maintenance and repairs across all facilities to meet regulatory deadlines and standards.
Coordinate maintenance activities with other department leaders to minimize disruption to production and overall operations.
Participate in weekly senior staff management meetings and contribute to cross-functional planning and decision-making.
Ensure effective communication between departments and key personnel, providing timely updates on maintenance activities and major issues.
Provide ongoing input to executive leadership, especially regarding unusual, critical, or serious maintenance and operational situations.
Delegate responsibilities effectively and achieve results through subordinate supervisors and staff while maintaining order in an environment of changing priorities.
Provide direct supervision of departmental staff, including hiring decisions, performance management, disciplinary actions, and resolution of complaints and grievances.
Conduct regular staff meetings, communicate expectations, and initiate wage increases based on meritorious performance and established guidelines.
Create and support training opportunities and skill development for maintenance staff to enhance technical capabilities and career growth.
Maintain positive employee relations and morale within the maintenance department through clear communication, fair practices, and supportive leadership.
Attend meetings, conferences, and seminars that may require periodic travel to stay current with industry trends, technologies, and best practices.
Perform other related duties as assigned to support the overall success and reliability of plant operations.
Maintain regular attendance during established business hours as an essential requirement of the position.