Section Manager Maintenance

Location: East Chicago, IN Cleveland-Cliffs is seeking a Section Manager Maintenance to lead maintenance operations within our Indiana Harbor steel facility. This is a high-impact leadership role responsible for driving equipment reliability, workforce performance, and continuous improvement in a complex, heavy industrial environment.The ideal candidate is a people-first, technically strong leader who thrives in fast-paced manufacturing operations and is passionate about safety, operational excellence, and innovation.Summary of ResponsibilitiesDirect and develop salaried and hourly maintenance teams to ensure safe, reliable, and cost-effective plant operations.Implement and optimize preventive and predictive maintenance programs to reduce downtime and improve equipment performance.Champion a strong safety culture; ensure compliance with OSHA, environmental, and company standards through audits and daily leadership.Diagnose complex mechanical and electrical issues and lead root-cause problem solving to improve reliability, quality, and productivity.Partner with operations, engineering, contractors, and vendors to prioritize work, coordinate outages, and meet production goals.Manage maintenance budgets, control repair costs, and optimize use of labor, materials, and spare parts.Build a high-performing, engaged workforce; provide coaching, performance management, and development opportunities.Track key performance indicators (downtime, PM compliance, cost) and use data to drive decisions and continuous improvement initiatives.Foster positive labor relations and effective communication across all levels of the organization.Other duties as assigned.Minimum QualificationsBachelor’s degree in Engineering OR equivalent relevant experience5+ years of experience in maintenance, reliability, or engineering within a heavy industrial or manufacturing environment3+ years of leadership/supervisory experience managing large maintenance or technical teamsStrong knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and industrial systemsDemonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex equipment issues and implement solutionsExperience with preventive/predictive maintenance systems and CMMS toolsProven ability to lead in a safety-critical environmentPreferred QualificationsBachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, or Metallurgical EngineeringExperience in steelmaking or heavy manufacturing environmentsCertifications such as CMRP, PMP, or Lean/Six SigmaExperience managing budgets, capital projects (CAPEX), and reliability programsFamiliarity with union workforce environmentsRelocation assistance may be considered for highly qualified candidates from outside the local area.Cleveland-Cliffs is a leading North America-based steel producer with focus on value-added sheet products, particularly for the automotive industry. The Company is vertically integrated from the mining of iron ore, production of pellets and direct reduced iron, and processing of ferrous scrap through primary steelmaking and downstream finishing, stamping, tooling, and tubing. We offer an excellent total compensation package, including competitive pay with variable compensation opportunity, health insurance, retirement plan, education assistance, paid time off, and more. Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to View email address on click.appcast.io or call View phone number on click.appcast.io and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Do not email your application materials to this email address. Application materials sent to this email address will not be considered.Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. is an equal opportunity employer – M/F/Veteran/Disability.We are a drug-free workplace and conduct pre-employment screening as a condition of employment.Job ID: R12957Employment Type: Full timeJob Area: Production & Operations ManagementFunction: ProductionIndustry: Energy/Mining/Utilities