Facilities & Maintenance Manager

About us

LAEPPLE Automotive is a leading supplier in the automotive industry, specializing in high-quality components and systems for body components manufacturing. Our innovative technologies and efficient production processes set benchmarks in the industry. To grow our team in Detroit, we are seeking a results-oriented Facilities and Maintenance Manager to lead the planning, execution, and optimization of building and equipment maintenance programs for our manufacturing plant. This role ensures maximum equipment reliability, safety, and efficiency while supporting production targets and cost control. The ideal candidate combines strong technical expertise with leadership, process discipline, and a collaborative mindset.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop, implement, and manage a comprehensive maintenance strategy (preventive, predictive, reliability-centered maintenance) for all plant equipment, utilities, and facilities.
• Lead maintenance planning and scheduling to maximize equipment uptime and minimize unplanned downtime.
• Oversee maintenance budgets, cost controls, and spare parts optimization while driving long-term cost savings.
• Manage a team of technicians and facilities staff; recruit, train, coach and evaluate performance.
• Establish and enforce maintenance standards, procedures, and safety protocols in compliance with regulatory and company requirements.
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for equipment failures; drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate with project management on equipment upgrades, new equipment integrations, and Capex projects.
• Monitor and report on key performance indicators such as OEE, Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF), Mean Time to Repair (MTTR), maintenance backlog, energy usage, and safety metrics.
• Manage spare parts and inventory control in partnership with MRO Buyer to optimize vendor relationships and service contracts.
• Ensure a robust CMMS (computerized maintenance management system) is utilized for work orders, history, asset registers, and reporting.
• Ensure facility infrastructure (HVAC, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, robotics, conveyor systems, etc.) are well-maintained and compliant.
• Coordinate with HSE to ensure a safe and compliant working environment.
• Develop and implement preventive maintenance programs for critical assets and utility systems (compressed air, cooling water, steam, power distribution).
• Plan and lead downtime events (maintenance shutdowns, line changes) with minimal production disruption.
• Drive energy efficiency and sustainability initiatives where applicable.
• Adhere to ISO/IATF, OSHA/MIOSHA, safety, and environmental procedures, regulatory requirements, and department/company policies and procedures.
• Other duties and tasks as assigned.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial Engineering, Facilities Management or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 5-7 years of maintenance management experience in a manufacturing environment, including supervisory or leadership roles.
• Certification in maintenance/reliability (i.e. CMRP) and project management (PMP) would be extremely beneficial.
• Strong knowledge of mechanical, electrical, automation, and facility systems found in manufacturing plants.
• Proficiency with CMMS and data-driven maintenance planning.
• Experience with root cause analysis methodologies.
• Solid understanding of safety regulations and practices and experience leading safety programs.
• Budgeting, cost control, and vendor management experience.
• Experience managing capital equipment projects and equipment upgrades with strong project management skills.
• Strong working experience with Microsoft Outlook, Excel, Word and PowerPoint.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and leadership skills.
• Ability to develop strong positive relationships with suppliers, customers, and work teams to ensure quick response to requests.
• Proficiency in SAP.
• Detail oriented with strong organizational skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Collaborative mindset with cross-functional teams.
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Self-motivated with a results-driven approach.
• High level of integrity and ethical standards.
• Knowledge of industry standards and regulations.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings and specifications.
• Ability and willingness to travel and work any shift as may be required to meet business objectives.