Maintenance & Reliability Manager at SomafinaPosition OverviewWe are seeking a Maintenance & Reliability Manager to build and lead the maintenance function as Somafina scales into a new facility. This is not a break-fix role - we need someone who thinks in systems, not tickets. The right person will design preventive maintenance programs, standard operating procedures, and reliability processes that are repeatable, well-documented, and executable by the team without requiring the manager's direct involvement in every issue. You'll partner directly with the CEO and senior leadership to translate industrial engineering principles into the operating backbone of a growing manufacturing site.
Key Responsibilities- Process & Systems Design: Build repeatable, well-documented maintenance and reliability processes from the ground up - including PM programs, SOPs, troubleshooting protocols, and training frameworks - designed to scale as the company opens its new facility.
- Strategic Planning: Partner with the CEO and senior management to align maintenance and reliability strategy with company growth goals, applying industrial engineering principles and 5S methodologies to build a bulletproof operating model.
- Team Development & Delegation: Build and develop a high-performing maintenance team with the depth of skill to operate independently - the goal is a team that executes against documented processes, not one that depends on the manager for every decision.
- Reliability Engineering: Own the diagnostic and technical strategy for critical production equipment, including Viking mask machines, translating hands-on technical knowledge into standardized procedures the broader team can follow.
- Preventive Maintenance Program Ownership: Design, implement, and continuously refine a comprehensive PM program that minimizes downtime and is structured to scale across multiple lines and, eventually, multiple facilities.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with production and operations teams to ensure maintenance systems integrate seamlessly into day-to-day operations in a co-manufacturing environment.
- Continuous Improvement: Drive ongoing process improvement initiatives, using data and root-cause analysis to strengthen equipment reliability and operational efficiency over time.
QualificationsEducation: Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering or a related field.
Experience:
- 3-5+ years managing a maintenance or reliability function in an industrial manufacturing setting, with direct experience building or overhauling maintenance systems and processes (not just executing existing ones).
- Experience supporting a facility launch, expansion, or significant scale-up strongly preferred.
- Hands-on experience with industrial production equipment (Viking mask machines a plus); ability to diagnose technical issues personally and then translate that knowledge into documentation others can use.
Skills:
- Demonstrated ability to design and implement repeatable, scalable processes - not just maintain existing ones.
- Strong grounding in 5S methodologies and industrial engineering principles.
- Proven leadership skills with a track record of building teams that operate with autonomy.
- Strong analytical and root-cause problem-solving skills.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to represent maintenance strategy to executive leadership.
What We Offer- Competitive salary and benefits package.
- Unlimited PTO for salaried employees.
- The opportunity to build a maintenance and reliability function from the ground up as part of a new facility launch.
- Opportunities for professional development and career growth.
- A dynamic and supportive work environment in a thriving, growing company.
