Cleveland-Cliffs Inc.

Section Manager Maintenance

Cleveland-Cliffs Inc.$90K — $120K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering or equivalent experience
  • 5+ years in maintenance, reliability, or engineering in heavy industry
  • 3+ years of leadership/supervisory experience managing maintenance teams
  • Strong knowledge of mechanical and electrical systems
  • Ability to troubleshoot complex equipment issues
  • Experience with preventive/predictive maintenance and CMMS tools
  • Leadership experience in a safety-critical environment

Responsibilities

  • Direct and develop maintenance teams for safe, reliable plant operations
  • Implement preventive and predictive maintenance to reduce downtime
  • Champion safety culture and ensure compliance with standards
  • Diagnose mechanical and electrical issues and lead problem-solving efforts
  • Coordinate work with operations, engineering, and contractors to meet production goals
  • Manage maintenance budgets and control repair costs
  • Track performance metrics and drive continuous improvement initiatives

Benefits

  • Relocation assistance for highly qualified candidates
  • Competitive pay with variable compensation opportunity
  • Health insurance
  • Retirement plan
  • Education assistance
  • Paid time off
Full Job Description
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 Responsibilities
  • Direct 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 Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering OR equivalent relevant experience
  • 5+ years of experience in maintenance, reliability, or engineering within a heavy industrial or manufacturing environment
  • 3+ years of leadership/supervisory experience managing large maintenance or technical teams
  • Strong knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and industrial systems
  • Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex equipment issues and implement solutions
  • Experience with preventive/predictive maintenance systems and CMMS tools
  • Proven ability to lead in a safety-critical environment


Preferred Qualifications
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, or Metallurgical Engineering
  • Experience in steelmaking or heavy manufacturing environments
  • Certifications such as CMRP, PMP, or Lean/Six Sigma
  • Experience managing budgets, capital projects (CAPEX), and reliability programs
  • Familiarity with union workforce environments


Relocation assistance may be considered for highly qualified candidates from outside the local area.

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.

About Cleveland-Cliffs Inc.

Cliffs Natural Resources, formerly Cleveland-Cliffs, is a Cleveland, Ohio business firm that specializes in the mining and beneficiation of iron ore and the mining of coal. The firm is an independent company whose shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange. Cliffs’ primary operations are organized and managed according to product category and geographic location: U.S. Iron Ore, Eastern Canadian Iron Ore, Asia Pacific Iron Ore, and North American Coal. Cleveland-Cliffs operates several mines and pellet plants in the Great Lakes region, serving customers in the steel industry. In addition to iron ore, the company also produces and sells steel products.

Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. Careers

Join the dynamic team at Cleveland-Cliffs Inc., a leading name in the steel and mining industry, and embrace a world of opportunities to innovate and lead. As the largest flat-rolled steel company and the largest supplier of iron ore pellets in North America, we offer unparalleled job opportunities and a robust career trajectory in an environment fueled by diversity, innovation, and leadership.

Work You’ll Do

At Cleveland-Cliffs Inc., you will be part of a culture that values diversity and leadership, driving growth through innovation and expertise. Our team is committed to excellence and actively seeks professionals who are passionate about shaping the future of the industry. Whether in engineering, operations, or corporate functions, you will find a path that aligns with your career aspirations.

Explore Professional Growth and Development

Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. is dedicated to the professional growth of its employees. With a variety of leadership and diversity training programs, we ensure that every team member has the resources and opportunities to thrive professionally. Our commitment to your career growth is reflected in our comprehensive benefits package and our focus on work-life balance.

Internship Programs

Kickstart your career with Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. through our internship programs. These opportunities allow you to apply your academic knowledge to real-world scenarios, enhancing your skills and preparing you for a full-time position. Our interns gain valuable industry experience, working alongside seasoned professionals and participating in projects that directly impact the company’s success.

Join Our Team

We are continuously hiring and looking for individuals who bring creativity, innovation, and a strong work ethic to our diverse team. Explore open positions that match your skills and interests in areas such as research and development, supply chain management, and environmental safety. At Cleveland-Cliffs Inc., your career advancement is supported by networking opportunities and a culture that encourages open communication and continuous learning.

Benefits of Working at Cleveland-Cliffs Inc.

Employees at Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. enjoy a range of benefits designed to support their professional and personal lives. From competitive health and wellness benefits to retirement plans and educational assistance, we invest in our team members’ well-being and future.

Stay Connected

Stay informed about new job opportunities, company news, and industry insights by joining our career network. Personalize your experience to receive updates that align with your career interests and professional goals.

Apply Now

Ready to take the next step in your career? Submit your resume, prepare for your interview, and join a company that is at the forefront of the steel and mining industry. At Cleveland-Cliffs Inc., we are not just filling positions; we are fostering leaders who are ready to drive innovation and lead the industry forward.

SEARCH CLEVELAND-CLIFFS JOBS

Keep up to date with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the people who work here.

READ CAREERS BLOG

Job Alert Emails Customize your subscription to receive job alerts and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Discover the exciting and rewarding opportunities that await at Cleveland-Cliffs Inc.
Learn more about Cleveland-Cliffs Inc.
Size
26,000 employees
Market Cap
$8.9 billion
Industry
Net Income
-$122 million
5 Year Trend
+67.4%
Revenue
$5.3 billion
NASDAQ

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at Cleveland-Cliffs Inc.

  • Cleveland-Cliffs Inc.
    Process Engineer
    $70K — $95K *
    New Carlisle, OH 45344 (Clark County)
    Manufacturing & Automotive
    In-Person
  • Cleveland-Cliffs Inc.
    Section Manager Maintenance
    $90K — $120K *
    East Chicago, IN 46312 (Lake County)
    Manufacturing & Automotive
    In-Person
  • Cleveland-Cliffs Inc.
    Geologist
    $80K — $100K *
    Eveleth, MN 55734 (Saint Louis County)
    Energy & Utilities
    In-Person
  • Cleveland-Cliffs Inc.
    Process Engineer
    $70K — $95K *
    Mansfield, OH 44903 (Richland County)
    Manufacturing & Automotive
    In-Person
  • Cleveland-Cliffs Inc.
    Health & Safety Specialist
    $75K — $95K *
    Cleveland, OH 44130 (Cuyahoga County)
    Manufacturing & Automotive
    In-Person

More Manufacturing & Automotive Jobs

  • General Manager
    $100K — $140K + 30% bonus *
    Lunova Group
    Memphis, TN 38101 (Shelby County)
  • Controller
    $120K — $130K *
    Belleville Boot Company
    Belleville, IL 62220 (Saint Clair County)
  • Director of Engineering
    $150K — $250K *
    Buyers Products
    Mentor, OH 44060 (Lake County)
  • Plant Manager
    Top Industrial Manufacturing Company
    Chicago, IL 60601 (Cook County)
  • Sourcing Manager, New Product Development
    $90K — $120K *
    Nortek Data Center Cooling (Nortek Data Center Cooling)
    Remote

Find similar Section Manager Maintenance jobs: