What are the responsibilities and job description for the Maintenance Manager position at API Heat Transfer Career Center?
Maintenance Manager
Location: Franklin, WI
Department: Operations / Maintenance
Reports To: Plant Manager
About the Role
API Heat Transfer is seeking a hands‑on Maintenance Manager to lead maintenance operations at our Franklin, Wisconsin manufacturing facility. This role is ideal for a strong technical leader who is comfortable working directly alongside maintenance technicians to troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair aging production equipment while building long‑term reliability and capability across the maintenance organization.
The Maintenance Manager will play a critical role in stabilizing equipment performance, driving preventive and predictive maintenance practices, and supporting operational excellence. You will partner closely with Production, Engineering, and Safety, while also contributing hands‑on expertise to capital upgrades, equipment rebuilds, and asset life‑extension efforts.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Team Development
- Lead, coach, and develop Maintenance Supervisors, Technicians, and Contractors
- Set clear performance expectations and conduct performance reviews
- Support training, skill development, and succession planning
- Promote a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with all safety policies
Maintenance Operations
- Oversee preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance programs
- Provide timely troubleshooting and repair of production equipment, including furnaces, welding equipment, fin machines, stackers, material handling systems, and facility infrastructure
- Establish maintenance priorities that align with production schedules and customer commitments
Planning & Reliability
- Develop and manage preventive maintenance schedules using a CMMS
- Analyze downtime, failure trends, and equipment performance to drive continuous improvement
- Implement reliability‑focused initiatives and best practices
Budget & Cost Control
- Develop and manage the maintenance department budget
- Control maintenance costs through planning, inventory optimization, and vendor management
- Manage spare parts and materials inventory to ensure availability while minimizing carrying costs
Projects & Continuous Improvement
- Support capital equipment installations, facility upgrades, and major repairs
- Partner with Engineering and Operations on process improvements and capacity expansions
- Drive Lean, TPM, and continuous improvement initiatives related to maintenance and reliability
Compliance & Documentation
- Ensure compliance with OSHA, environmental, and company standards
- Maintain accurate maintenance records, documentation, and reports
- Support audits, inspections, and regulatory requirements
Qualifications
Required:
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Industrial Maintenance, or a related field or equivalent progressive maintenance leadership experience
- 7 years of maintenance experience in a manufacturing environment
- 3 years of maintenance leadership or management experience
- Strong working knowledge of mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems
- Experience using CMMS systems and managing preventive maintenance programs
- Proven ability to lead teams, manage budgets, and drive results
Preferred:
- Experience in metal fabrication, welding, heat exchange, or heavy manufacturing
- Experience supporting furnaces or thermal processing equipment
- Exposure to Lean Manufacturing, TPM, or reliability engineering concepts
- Project management experience
Why Join API Heat Transfer?
- Opportunity to lead and rebuild maintenance capability in a hands‑on role
- Work on complex, industrial equipment with meaningful impact on operations
- Collaborative manufacturing environment with strong cross‑functional partnerships
- Competitive compensation and benefits package
Equal Employment Opportunity
API Heat Transfer is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status.