Maintenance Manager

Job Description: Maintenance Manager (Polymer Extrusion)

Compensation: $110,000 – $140,000 Base Salary Benefits

Location: AL

Reports To: Plant Manager / Director of Operations

Direct Reports: 20 (Technicians, Electricians, and Lead Personnel)

Position Overview

We are seeking a high-caliber Maintenance Manager to lead our technical operations team. This is a critical leadership role responsible for the reliability and performance of a high-volume polymer profile extrusion facility. The ideal candidate brings a deep technical understanding of extrusion downstream equipment and a proven track record of managing large, diverse technical teams.

You will be responsible for overseeing the maintenance of complex extrusion lines producing a variety of products. Must have experience with products including tube , hose, fence, cable, deck, lineals, pipe, rail, and custom profiles. Compounding experience may be accepted.

Key Responsibilities

• Team Leadership: Directly manage, mentor, and develop a team of 20 maintenance professionals. Foster a culture of accountability, safety, and continuous technical improvement.
• Asset Reliability: Develop and execute a robust Preventative Maintenance (PM) and Predictive Maintenance (PdM) program for all extrusion lines, pullers, cutters, and downstream equipment.
• Technical Oversight: Serve as the subject matter expert for polymer profile extrusion machinery. Troubleshoot complex mechanical, electrical, and PLC-related issues.
• Operational Excellence: Minimize unplanned downtime and maximize OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness) through strategic planning and rapid emergency response.
• Safety & Compliance: Ensure all maintenance activities comply with OSHA standards, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) and machine guarding protocols.
• Budgeting & Inventory: Manage the maintenance department budget, including MRO parts inventory and capital expenditure (CAPEX) projects for equipment upgrades.
• Compounding (Secondary): Oversee the maintenance of material handling and compounding systems (if applicable), ensuring consistent resin flow to the production floor.

Required Qualifications

• Industry Experience: Minimum of 7–10 years in a plastics manufacturing environment, specifically within polymer profile extrusion (fence, hose, cable lineals, tube, pipe, or custom profiles).
• Management Experience: Proven experience managing a large team (15 reports). Must be a "people person" capable of coaching, resolving conflict, and building team morale.
• Technical Mastery:
• Deep knowledge of single and twin-screw extruders.
• Experience with downstream equipment (vacuum tanks, pullers, saws, coilers).
• Proficiency in electrical systems, hydraulics, pneumatics, and PLC troubleshooting.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical/Electrical Engineering or equivalent technical trade experience and professional certifications.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to analyze downtime data to implement long-term reliability solutions rather than "quick fixes."

Preferred Skills

• Experience with compounding and material blending systems.
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma methodologies.
• Proficiency in CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System) software.

Why Join Us?

This role offers the opportunity to steer the technical direction of a premier manufacturing site. We provide a competitive base salary, a comprehensive benefits package, and a work environment that values technical expertise and leadership integrity.