Sr Maintenance Manager

Position Overview Ascend Performance Materials is a global leader in high-performance chemicals, fibers and plastics, committed to enhancing quality of life through innovation. The Sr. Maintenance Manager is responsible for leading all aspects of site maintenance, ensuring safe, reliable, and cost-effective operation of production assets. This role owns maintenance execution, reliability improvement, and workforce effectiveness, while driving adherence to the Maintenance Work Process. The Sr. Maintenance Manager partners closely with operations, engineering, and supply chain to improve equipment performance, reduce downtime, and enable consistent plant productivity. Targeted Outcomes 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 Responsibilities Maintenance Leadership & Strategy 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 Maintenance Execution & Work Process 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 Reliability & Continuous Improvement 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 Financial & Resource Management 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 People Leadership & Development 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 Compliance & Risk Management 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 Team & Interactions 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 Required Experience 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 Required Skills Strong leadership capability with the ability to drive accountability and performance Deep understanding of maintenance and reliability principles, including root cause analysis and preventive maintenance strategies Demonstrated ability to improve asset performance and reduce downtime in a manufacturing environment Strong financial acumen with experience in managing budgets and cost improvement initiatives Proficiency in continuous improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, reliability-centered maintenance) Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills Effective communication and ability to influence across all levels of the organization Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, operational environment All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, citizenship, genetic information or other protected status under federal, state or local laws. #J-18808-Ljbffr