Maintenance Manager - Chicago

North Coast Container • Chicago, IL

1d • Onsite

About The Position

North Coast Container is the largest independent steel drum manufacturer in North America. The company’s goal is to be the customer’s preferred container supplier, supported by equipment that runs safely and on time every shift. The Maintenance Manager owns the machinery and maintenance activities that support this goal. The role leads the maintenance team, runs the preventive maintenance program, manages the department budget, and works with operations to improve equipment and process performance.

This is a hands-on role in an active manufacturing plant. The manager works on their feet for much of the shift and may bend, stoop, reach, climb ladders and platforms, lift up to 50 pounds, and occasionally work in confined spaces. Production areas are loud and require hearing protection; temperatures are hot in summer and cold in winter. The role involves exposure to mechanical, electrical, and atmospheric hazards and requires use of required PPE. Overtime, weekend, and on-call work may be needed. A pre-employment drug screening is required upon acceptance of a job offer.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• At least 5 years of industrial maintenance experience, including at least 2 years leading a team.
• Working knowledge of industrial electrical systems, controls, hydraulics, pneumatics, and mechanical drives.
• Ability to read schematics, drawings, and equipment manuals.
• Working knowledge of OSHA requirements for lockout/tagout, machine guarding, and electrical safety.
• Skill with a maintenance management system and basic computer tools.
• Clear communication skills and ability to coach a team across shifts.

Nice To Haves

• Associate degree or technical certification in industrial maintenance, electrical, or mechanical technology.
• Experience with press lines, metal forming, or heavy manufacturing equipment.
• Familiarity with lean tools, TWI, and rapid improvement events.

Responsibilities

• Lead and schedule the maintenance team across both shifts, emphasizing safety, lockout/tagout, and company policy.
• Run the preventive maintenance program and ensure PMs are completed effectively.
• Troubleshoot machinery, identify root causes, and implement effective fixes.
• Manage the maintenance budget, parts inventory, and the PCMB, and seek cost reductions.
• Negotiate with outside vendors for parts, services, and project work.
• Plan and schedule major repairs and equipment removals and installations.
• Teach problem-solving tools including 5-Whys, fishbone, PDSA, and Pareto; train the team using TWI standards; and participate in rapid improvement events and projects.
• Perform hands-on electrical work and repairs when production needs it.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: High school or GED