Technical Manager

Job Summary:

The Technical Manager leads and optimizes the plant’s maintenance, engineering, and reliability strategies to ensure maximum equipment uptime, efficiency, and safety. This role is responsible for Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), preventive and predictive maintenance programs, and Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) implementation. Additionally, the Technical Manager will drive process innovation, automation improvements, and capital projects to support plant growth and operational excellence.

Essential duties/responsibilities include the following:

Maintenance and Reliability Leadership:

• Develop and implement a TPM strategy to enhance equipment reliability, reduce downtime, and improve operational efficiency.
• Oversee preventive and predictive maintenance programs, leveraging technologies such as vibration analysis, thermography, and condition monitoring.
• Manage and optimize the CMMS system to track asset performance, work orders, and maintenance costs.
• Monitor and analyze key maintenance KPIs (MTTR, MTBF, OEE) to drive data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement.
• Lead root cause analysis (RCA) and failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) to identify and resolve recurring equipment issues.

Process Optimization and Engineering Support:

• Identify, develop, and implement automation and process improvements to increase operational efficiency and equipment performance.
• Drive Lean Manufacturing initiatives, including 6S, Kaizen, and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Oversee capital projects, from justification through execution, ensuring alignment with plant priorities and budgetary constraints.
• Collaborate with Corporate Engineering, R&D, and Process Engineering on new product development and process innovations.

Team Leadership and Development:

• Supervise, mentor, and develop a team of 6-10 maintenance and technical staff, fostering a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and safety.
• Lead plant safety initiatives, ensuring all maintenance activities comply with OSHA, EPA, and NFPA regulations.
• Provide training and mentorship in predictive maintenance technologies and TPM best practices to enhance team capability.
• Actively participate in talent development, hiring, training, and performance evaluations to build a high-performing maintenance and technical team.

Inventory and Vendor Management:

• Oversee spare parts inventory management (MRO) to maintain optimal stock levels while minimizing costs.
• Manage relationships with vendors and service providers for equipment maintenance, upgrades, and emergency repairs.
• Ensure compliance with external regulatory agencies (Fire Department, EPA, XL Gaps) regarding facility and equipment safety.

Cross-functional Collaboration and Continuous Improvement:

• Partner with production, quality, EH&S, and supply chain teams to ensure seamless plant operations and maximize productivity.
• Work with corporate and regional engineering teams to implement best practices and drive technological advancements.
• Support the development and testing of new materials and equipment in collaboration with supply chain and R&D teams.

Qualifications:

• Education, Experience & Training/Certifications:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Chemical Engineering required.
  • 5+ years of technical, maintenance, or process engineering experience in a manufacturing environment.
  • Strong electrical troubleshooting expertise (AC/DC circuits, PLC systems, schematics interpretation). 
  • Experience implementing and managing CMMS systems for work order tracking and asset reliability. 
  • Lean Six Sigma (Green Belt preferred) and TPM experience.
  • Demonstrated leadership and team development skills with a history of driving maintenance performance.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office and engineering software tools.

• Competencies: 
  • Problem-Solving: Strong analytical skills to troubleshoot equipment and process issues.
  • Leadership: Ability to inspire and develop a high-performing technical team.
  • Project Management: Skilled in capital project planning and execution. 
  • Collaboration: Works effectively across departments to align technical strategies with business goals.
  • Technical Acumen: Rapidly learns and applies new technologies to optimize plant operations. 
  • Travel: Must be willing to travel to other company facilities on an as-needed basis for projects, equipment installations, and technical support.
  • Compliance with all established facility safety rules and policies.

Additional requirements:

• Physical Requirements:
  • Must wear safety shoes and other required PPE at all times. 
  • Work around rotating equipment, hot polymers, and high-noise environments.
  • Manufacturing/industrial setting with exposure to machinery, noise, and varying temperatures.
  • Requires standing, walking, and lifting up to 30 pounds as needed.
  • May require evening, weekend, or on-call availability for urgent technical needs.