Maintenance Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Friedman Industries is seeking an experienced Maintenance Manager, to lead all maintenance operations at Friedman Industries’ Granite City steel processing facility. This hands-on leadership role is responsible for equipment reliability, preventative maintenance programs, maintenance team leadership, contractor management, safety compliance, budgeting, and continuous improvement initiatives that support plant productivity and operational excellence.

This position oversees maintenance personnel, equipment reliability, preventative and predictive maintenance programs, capital projects, contractor management, spare parts inventory, and maintenance budgeting.

The Maintenance Manager plays a critical leadership role in ensuring safe, reliable, and efficient plant operations through proactive maintenance strategies, continuous improvement initiatives, and effective leadership of maintenance personnel.

This position partners closely with Production, Safety, Quality, and Plant Leadership to maximize equipment uptime, improve operational efficiency, reduce downtime, and support the facility’s long-term business objectives.

What You’ll Do

1. Lead and develop maintenance personnel

2. Manage preventative and predictive maintenance programs

3. Drive equipment reliability and reduce downtime

4. Support production through effective maintenance planning

5. Manage maintenance budgets and spare parts inventory

6. Lead equipment upgrades and capital improvement projects

7. Ensure compliance with OSHA and company safety standards

8. Coordinate maintenance contractors and vendors

9. Monitor maintenance KPIs and continuous improvement initiatives

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Maintenance Leadership

• Lead, coach, and develop maintenance technicians and maintenance support personnel.
• Establish priorities and assign maintenance resources to meet operational requirements.
• Promote accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement within the maintenance department.
• Develop succession plans and training programs for maintenance personnel.
• Participate in hiring, performance management, coaching, and disciplinary processes.

Equipment Reliability & Maintenance Programs

• Develop and manage preventative, predictive, and corrective maintenance programs.
• Drive equipment reliability initiatives to maximize uptime and minimize unplanned downtime.
• Monitor maintenance KPIs and equipment performance metrics.
• Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective actions for recurring equipment failures.
• Establish and maintain standard maintenance procedures and best practices.

Operations Support

• Partner with production leadership to align maintenance priorities with production requirements.
• Provide technical support for equipment troubleshooting and process improvements.
• Coordinate maintenance activities to minimize operational disruptions.
• Support plant shutdowns, outages, and major maintenance events.

Safety & Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure compliance with OSHA regulations and company safety standards.
• Lead safety initiatives within the maintenance department.
• Conduct safety audits, inspections, and corrective action activities.
• Promote a culture of safety and accountability.

Budgeting & Cost Control

• Develop and manage annual maintenance budgets.
• Monitor maintenance expenditures and identify cost saving opportunities.
• Manage inventory levels for spare parts, tools, and maintenance supplies.
• Evaluate repair versus replacement decisions and capital investment opportunities.

Capital Projects & Continuous Improvement

• Lead equipment upgrades, modernization projects, and facility improvements.
• Coordinate contractors, vendors, and service providers.
• Support capital planning and project execution.
• Identify opportunities to improve reliability, efficiency, and maintenance effectiveness.

Reporting & Administration

• Maintain maintenance records and documentation.
• Prepare reports related to maintenance performance, downtime, safety, and project activities.
• Utilize CMMS and maintenance management systems effectively.
• Provide regular updates to plant leadership regarding maintenance performance and improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Associate degree, technical degree, apprenticeship, military maintenance training, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 5 years of maintenance leadership experience in manufacturing, metals processing, steel processing, heavy industrial, or similar environments.
• Experience leading maintenance technicians and contractors.
• Strong understanding of preventative and predictive maintenance programs.
• Knowledge of hydraulic, pneumatic, mechanical, electrical, and industrial systems.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem solving skills.
• Working knowledge of OSHA and industrial safety requirements.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Industrial Technology, Maintenance Management, or related field.
• Experience in steel processing or metals manufacturing.
• Experience with CMMS systems.
• CMRP or other maintenance related certifications.
• Experience managing capital projects and maintenance budgets.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in an industrial manufacturing environment.
• Ability to walk, climb stairs, climb ladders, and inspect equipment throughout the facility.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to respond to operational emergencies outside normal working hours.

Why Friedman Industries?

• Stable and growing steel processing company
• Competitive salary and bonus opportunity
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Career growth and advancement opportunities
• Collaborative leadership environment
• Opportunity to make a direct impact on plant performance

Location: Granite City, Illinois

Position Type: Full-Time | Exempt | Salaried

Join a team committed to safety, operational excellence, continuous improvement, and employee development.

Friedman Industries (NASDAQ: FRD) is a leading steel processing and distribution company with operations across the United States. Since 1965, we've built our reputation on safety, quality, integrity, and entrepreneurial thinking. We invest in our people by providing exceptional benefits, opportunities for growth, and a collaborative culture where every team member contributes to our success.

Company Description

Friedman Industries (NASDAQ: FRD) is a leading steel processing and distribution company with operations across the United States. Since 1965, we've built our reputation on safety, quality, integrity, and entrepreneurial thinking. We invest in our people by providing exceptional benefits, opportunities for growth, and a collaborative culture where every team member contributes to our success.