Maintenace MRO Specialist

Join to apply for the Maintenace MRO Specialist role at AAK
.

Our story goes back more than 150 years, to the windy coast where Sweden and Denmark meet. From our success in Scandinavia, we've grown into the world's leading specialist producer of plant-based oils, employing more than 4000 people all across the globe. We work with our customers to make the products you love even better. The oils we produce go into making your chocolate extra creamy or putting the crunch into your croissant.

And it's not just food – we work across industries to make products that are higher quality, healthier and better for the planet. Every one of us works towards our shared purpose:
Making Better Happen™. Everything we do is about Making Better Happen together. Join nearly 4,000 like-minded colleagues globally and build a better future with us.

Location:

Newark, NJ

Compensation Range: $80,910 - $98,890

Possible Bonus: 7.5%

The MRO Specialist will provide strategic development of all Maintenance, Repair, and Operating (MRO) inventory management activities across the site. This role is responsible for optimizing material availability, streamlining storeroom operations, and ensuring alignment between MRO inventory practices and overall operational reliability goals. The MRO Specialist will drive process innovation, manage key vendor relationships, and will work with the reliability team to drive positive financial performance for the site regarding spare parts assets.

• Orchestrate the complete evaluation, analysis, and restructuring of MRO storerooms to achieve optimal space utilization, accessibility, and operational efficiency.
• Implement best-in-class storage solutions and layout design.
• Develop and implement comprehensive inventory strategies for critical maintenance components.
• Manage inventory to ensure 100% availability of critical spares while optimizing stocking levels for cost‑effective operations (optimizing re‑order points, quantities, and lead times).
• Oversee the integrity of all MRO data within the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS/ERP, e.g., Emaint).
• Direct system upgrades, ensure accurate unit costing, and govern data entry protocols for all material transactions (receiving, storing, issuing).
• Maintain strategic vendor relationships and service contracts in partnership with procurement.
• Obtain pricing and availability of components to ensure cost efficiency and timely delivery.
• Issue purchase requisitions for critical equipment, specialised parts, and contractor services.
• Establish and drive the use of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to measure storeroom performance, inventory accuracy, and financial impact.
• Collaborate with the Reliability Engineering team to identify critical component requirements per asset.
• Lead the development of comprehensive, accurate Bills of Materials (BOMs) for all critical equipment to ensure maintenance readiness.
• Lead departmental efforts to maintain MRO storage locations in strict accordance with site 5S standards and EHS policies.
• Mentor and train maintenance personnel on effective storeroom practices, fostering a culture of accountability and precision in parts management.
• Manage and perform the site’s comprehensive cycle counting program and physical inventory audits.
• Resolve all discrepancies and variances, ensuring accurate financial accounting of received components and documentation.

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field preferred.
• 1–2 years of experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment; exposure to maintenance or reliability functions a plus.
• Working knowledge of rotating equipment and mechanical systems, including pumps, gearboxes, motors, heat exchangers, and valves.
• Familiarity with CMMS or other asset management systems for tracking maintenance activities and equipment history.
• Experience coordinating with vendors, suppliers, and contractors to support maintenance or project execution.
• Strong organisational and time‑management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Self‑motivated, proactive, and able to work…