Director of Maintenance

Our client is looking for a Director of Maintenance
, and is a leading manufacturer of converted paper products, including paper plates, cups, bowls, and bags. The Director of Maintenance will lead world‑class maintenance practices across multiple locations based throughout the United States.

• Drive Maintenance Transformation:
  Responsible for the strategic leadership, design and implementation of a Maintenance Excellence Program integrating TPM, Lean, Reliability‑Centered Maintenance, and Continuous Improvement principles for high volume, paper converting manufacturing. Initiate and manage the corporate maintenance programs based on best practices in the CPG industry, with an emphasis on equipment criticality, time‑based maintenance & condition‑based maintenance, effective planning, and scheduling, completing high quality maintenance repairs, following health, safety, & environmental policies, and procedures.
• Lead Predictive & Preventive Strategies:
  In concert with Corporate Manufacturing develop and execute the maintenance strategy aligned with corporate and plant objectives. Deploy condition‑based monitoring, IoT‑enabled diagnostics, and CMMS optimization to maximize uptime and asset health. Establish clear performance metrics (MTBF, MTTR, maintenance cost, energy usage, etc.) and drive continuous improvement. Institutionalize the culture of planned maintenance across our network of plants as well as put in place the right governance.
  
  Analyze operational data and equipment performance history to deliver improvements in critical maintenance related metrics including unplanned downtime, PM compliance, schedule compliance, MTBF, and maintenance related costs.
• Mentor & Build Talent:
  Develop high‑performing teams and future technical leaders through structured training, coaching, and engagement.
• Optimize Resources:
  Manage multi‑site budgets, spare and critical parts programs, and vendor relationships for cost efficiency and reliability; eliminate obsolete inventory.
• Champion Safety & Compliance:
  Embed HSE, SQF, and regulatory standards into every process, ensuring risk assessments and safe work practices. Collaborate with EHS to manage environmental permits, waste handling, emissions, and sustainability initiatives. Drive a strong safety culture within maintenance and engineering teams, including incident reporting, investigations, and corrective actions.
• Administrative Management:
  Develop and manage annual budgets for maintenance and facilities.
• Monitor and control maintenance and facilities spending, identifying cost‑reduction and efficiency opportunities. Negotiate and manage contracts with external service providers, contractors, and key equipment/parts suppliers. Maintain accurate documentation, records, and reporting for audits, compliance, and internal reviews.
• Advance Sustainability:
  Lead energy‑reduction initiatives and environmental compliance programs.
• Support Capital Projects:
  Oversee installations, upgrades, and modernization efforts in collaboration with corporate engineering.
• Leverage Advanced Technology:
  Troubleshoot and program robotics, PLCs, drives, and automation.

• Bachelor’s degree in manufacturing/mechanical engineering, Industrial Management, Maintenance Management, or equivalent experience required.
• Minimum of 10+ years in high‑volume manufacturing maintenance leadership, including 3 + years overseeing multi‑site maintenance groups managing multi‑disciplinary teams (maintenance technicians, engineers, facilities staff).
• Experience in leading asset reliability manufacturing performance in fast‑moving manufacturing environments with exceptional results (CPG experience) with a career that has seen time at the Front Line and Maintenance Manager level.
• Demonstrable and intuitive knowledge on fundamentals of good manufacturing practice, process improvement and optimization, reconfiguration and imbedding of new or enhanced technology,
• Experience managing costs and variance, motivators and engagement levers for shop floor‑based performance, experience in TPM‑Total productive maintenance, 5S, LEAN, six sigma tools and concepts.
• Deep knowledge of industrial maintenance practices, reliability engineering, and facilities management. Strong knowledge of predictive maintenance technologies, OEE improvement, and asset management.
• Proficiency with EAM systems and data‑driven decision making.
• Expertise in industrial automation, PLCs, robotics, and integrated systems.
• Excellent problem‑solving, root cause analysis, and project management skills.
• Ability to develop and optimize standardized operating procedures that enhance reliability and productivity.
• CMRP (Certified Maintenance & Reliability Professional) certification preferred but not required.