Sr Maintenance Manager

POSITION OVERVIEW

Ascend Performance Materials is a global leader in high‑performance chemicals, fibers and plastics. The Sr. Maintenance Manager leads all aspects of site maintenance, ensuring safe, reliable, and cost‑effective operation of production assets. The role owns maintenance execution, reliability improvement, and workforce effectiveness while driving adherence to the Maintenance Work Process and partnering closely with operations, engineering, and supply chain to improve equipment performance and reduce downtime.

• Improve asset reliability and availability to consistently meet production and business plan targets
• Deliver maintenance execution with strong safety performance, quality, and schedule adherence
• Drive year‑over‑year cost optimization through improved planning, reliability, and resource utilization
• Build a capable, engaged maintenance organization with strong technical and leadership bench strength

• Lead maintenance organization including front line leaders, technical resources, and contract partners
• Establish and drive maintenance strategies aligned with plant safety, reliability, and cost objectives
• Champion a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement
• Develop and execute departmental goals aligned with site and corporate priorities

• Drive compliance to the Maintenance Work Process from work identification through completion
• Ensure effective planning, scheduling, and execution of daily work, turnarounds (TARs), and capital support activities
• Manage backlog, preventive maintenance (PM) compliance, and equipment criticality to optimize execution
• Ensure SAP Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) data integrity and utilization

• Improve asset reliability through root cause analysis, failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA), and data‑driven decision making
• Lead initiatives to reduce unplanned downtime and improve Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE)
• Implement reliability‑centered maintenance (RCM) principles and continuous improvement tools (Lean, Six Sigma, 5S)
• Ensure effective resolution of equipment and process issues with sustainable corrective actions

• Own maintenance budget, forecasts, and cost performance; deliver against annual operating plan commitments
• Optimize use of internal and contract resources to improve productivity and cost efficiency
• Lead cost reduction initiatives while maintaining safety and reliability standards
• Ensure effective storeroom and spare parts management to support operational needs

• Build, develop, and retain a high‑performing maintenance team
• Provide clear goals, coaching, and performance feedback for direct reports
• Ensure training, certifications, and capability development plans are in place
• Drive succession planning and organizational continuity

• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements
• Lead statutory inspections and interface with regulatory bodies and insurers as required
• Identify and mitigate operational risks related to equipment reliability and maintenance execution

• Reports to:
  
  Senior Site Director
• Direct reports include maintenance leaders, turnaround (TAR) leadership, and site infrastructure leadership
• This role works closely with operations, engineering, supply chain, procurement, and environmental, safety, security and health (ESSH) teams to ensure alignment on production, reliability, and capital priorities. Regular interaction with contractors, vendors, and external service providers is required.

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Mechanical or Chemical Engineering preferred)
• Minimum 10 years of maintenance or operations experience in a chemical manufacturing environment
• Minimum 5 years of leadership experience managing technical and multi‑craft teams
• Experience managing maintenance budgets, planning processes, and contractor resources
• Experience using enterprise resource planning systems; SAP preferred

• Strong leadership…