Director, Maintenance and Asset Reliability | Manufacturing FMCG | Multiple U.S. Locations

Job Title:

Director, Maintenance and Asset Reliability

Location:

Multiple U.S. manufacturing sites
At least one opening must be based in Chicago, IL.
Additional preferred locations: Richmond, VA or Portland, OR
100% On-site | 2 Openings

Industry:

Manufacturing & Production (FMCG – Food & Beverage)

Job Level:

Director | Senior Leadership

Reports To:

Executive Leadership / VP of Operations

Salary Range:

$141,000 – $246,750 (USD)
Total comp includes eligibility for performance-based bonus and long-term incentives.
Relocation Assistance: Yes
Interview Travel Reimbursed: Yes
Visa Sponsorship: Not available
Work Authorization: Must be legally eligible to work in the U.S.

Position Summary:

A global consumer goods leader is seeking a Director of Maintenance and Asset Reliability to drive the strategic transformation of Progressive Maintenance (PM) and asset reliability across a network of U.S.-based manufacturing facilities. This executive will provide hands-on coaching and leadership to plant-level maintenance teams—ensuring alignment with safety, quality, cost, and operational excellence goals in union environments.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead implementation and governance of Planned Maintenance culture across multiple plants

• Institutionalize CMMS usage (e.g., SAP PM, SAP MM) for predictive/preventive maintenance and inventory control

• Drive reduction in equipment downtime and maintenance-related costs through analytics and root cause solutions

• Build capability in site teams to proactively detect, resolve, and prevent equipment abnormalities

• Standardize critical maintenance KPIs: MTBF, PM compliance, unplanned downtime, and cost-per-repair metrics

• Design and deliver maintenance training and upskilling programs in partnership with HR

• Lead TPM/LEAN initiatives and implement FMGC best practices in a regulated, labor-diverse environment

• Drive excellence in safety, environmental, and compliance policies (e.g., OSHA, FDA standards)

• Collaborate cross-functionally with supply chain, engineering, and plant operations leadership

• Coach and inspire maintenance managers and plant teams through strong hands-on leadership

Required Experience & Skills:

• 10+ years in Maintenance/Engineering leadership roles within FMCG or high-speed manufacturing

• Proven leadership within unionized plants and multi-site environments

• Deep understanding of TPM, PM (Progressive Maintenance), 5S, LEAN, and Six Sigma tools

• Demonstrated success leading change, optimizing asset reliability, and mentoring large technical teams

• Strong working knowledge of CMMS platforms (preferably SAP PM/MM)

• Experience with critical equipment failure analysis and plant turnaround strategies

• Excellent leadership, communication, and project management skills

• Knowledge of OSHA, FDA, and other relevant safety/compliance regulations

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related technical field required; MBA or TPM/LEAN certifications a plus

Soft Skills & Leadership Qualities:

• Conflict resolution and performance coaching in diverse cultural/labor environments

• Ability to balance firm standards with flexible, compassionate leadership

• Strong business and financial acumen

• Comfortable navigating fluid, fast-paced operational challenges

• Influential communicator across all levels—from the shop floor to the C-suite

Travel Requirements:

Occasional travel to manufacturing sites across the U.S.

Compensation & Benefits Overview:

• Base Salary: $141,000 – $246,750 (commensurate with experience)

• Bonus: Eligible for highly competitive annual bonus + long-term incentive plan

• Benefits: Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life & disability insurance, 401(k), paid time off, education support, family wellness programs, and more

• Relocation & Interview Travel: Supported

Plant Superintendent | Defiance, OH | Building Materials Manufacturing | $111,000 - $153,000

Job Title: Plant Superintendent
Experience Level: Mid-Senior
Location: Defiance, Ohio (On-site)
Industry: Building Materials / Manufacturing
Compensation: $111,000 - $153,000
Employment Type: Full-Time
Travel: Minimal (0–10 days/year)
Visa Sponsorship: Not available
Relocation Assistance: Possible for ideal candidate
Interview Travel: Reimbursed
Total Openings: 1

Position Overview

The Plant Superintendent provides leadership and operational oversight for the largest department within a major manufacturing plant. This position is responsible for managing safety, quality, production, maintenance, warehouse functions, budgeting, and continuous improvement initiatives. The role will lead a team of over 150 hourly and 6 salaried employees, with a focus on cost reduction, team development, and process efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure a safe working environment and maintain compliance with environmental and safety regulations

• Manage overall operations to maintain workflow, production schedules, inventory levels, and product quality

• Lead production planning and scheduling in coordination with Quality Assurance, Engineering, and Maintenance teams

• Develop and implement budgets, productivity goals, and quality improvement initiatives

• Provide leadership to production supervisors, engineers, and maintenance personnel

• Guide the coaching and development of engineers and operations staff

• Participate in performance evaluations, staffing decisions, and employee development

• Act as a key liaison between plant departments to ensure coordination and alignment

• Serve as Acting Plant Manager when necessary

• Contribute to strategic planning and long-term operational goals

• Work cross-functionally with maintenance and engineering on troubleshooting and preventative maintenance

Preferred Background

• Bachelor's degree (preferably in Mechanical, Industrial, Chemical, or Ceramic Engineering); Business backgrounds with strong technical proficiency will also be considered

• Minimum 7 years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience

• Experience managing large teams (150+ employees) in a unionized environment (UAW and/or USW)

• Proven ability to lead change and drive continuous improvement using Lean or Six Sigma principles

• Strong technical problem-solving skills, especially with complex mechanical systems (motors, crank drives, AC&R systems)

• Familiarity with glass manufacturing processes such as batching, melting, furnace operations, and pipe production

• ERP experience required; SAP preferred

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)

• Strong interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills

Department Overview

• Oversight of Pipe Production Department, the plant’s largest unit

• 10 production lines, 156 employees

• Direct reports include 4 Production Supervisors and 2 full-time Engineers

• Project Engineer and Maintenance Supervisor report via dotted line

• Close collaboration with maintenance and engineering units is essential

Ideal Candidate Attributes

• Grew from Process Engineer into a supervisory or leadership position

• Experienced in breakdown analysis, preventative actions, and hands-on floor operations

• Strong in coaching, guiding, and holding teams accountable

• Skilled in navigating the union environment and grievance process

Physical & Work Environment

• Typical manufacturing environment: exposure to heat, cold, noise, heights, dust, fumes, and moving equipment

• Frequent walking, climbing, and occasional lifting (up to 50 lbs)

• Must be physically capable of performing essential duties (reasonable accommodations available)