If we are going to improve and/or lean our manufacturing processes, Maintenance must also be included. Any new initiatives will definitely include change, and being change starts at the top, this post is about the Maintenance Manager. Today's Manager must understand the changes that need to be made and must know how to successfully implement them.

  The following are the main duties and qualifications you might find in a job description for a Maintenance Manager:

Main Duties

• Direct the maintenance and repair of an establishment's machinery, equipment and electrical and mechanical systems
• Develop and implement schedules and procedures for safety inspections and preventive/predictive maintenance programs
• Co-ordinate cleaning, snow removal and landscaping operations
• Plan, organize and direct administrative services such as signage, cleaning, maintenance, parking, safety inspections
• Administer contracts for the provision of supplies and services
• Plan and manage a facility's maintenance budget
• Hire, train and supervise staff
• Ensure the compliance with codes and regulations for the facility and all equipment and systems
• Management of multi-trade unionized staff including selecting staff, setting performance standards, administering the collective agreement and employee discipline 
• Evaluate tools, processes and equipment
• Develop, maintain and communicate manuals, policies and procedures to staff
• Develop and maintain accurate and accessible systems of maintenance records, reports and drawings
• Manage performance and provide direction/coaching on an on-going basis to ensure work is being performed in an efficient manner, resolving technical issues as required 
• Collaborate with other Operations and Maintenance Managers/Supervisors to ensure effective and timely communication and optimal facility operations 
• Provide training to promote a safe work environment
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Maintenance managers require completion of a college or university program in electrical or mechanical engineering or in another discipline related to maintenance
  or
  An equivalent combination of technical training and experience in maintenance
• Several years of supervisory experience in facility operations or maintenance are usually required  
• Proven leadership abilities. Experience in supervision in a unionized environment and posses a good understanding of collective agreements and the grievance procedure
• Posses excellent oral and written communication skills, computer skills, interpersonal skills and have a demonstrated ability to prioritize conflicting requirements in a timely manner
• Demonstrated ability to set high goals and achieve them through the cooperation of staff
• Good organizational skills

  The ability to carry out all of the above duties in a business oriented manner is an absolute necessity to compete in today's world economy. Traditionally the Maintenance Manager ascends to this position by rising from within, is a licensed tradesman, and continues leading the department in much the same manner as the previous manager(s). The Manager may not have the skills needed to carry out the above duties, let alone innovate, sell the necessary improvements (both up and down the organizational ladder), and manage the improvements needed.

  The following are some additional skills/qualities a Manager will need to perform all duties, as well as plan, implement and successfully drive change:

• Proactive Human Resource Training, with an understanding of adult learning and change management/motivational techniques
• Must be a "salesman" and sell improvement ideas to upper management and workers alike, complete buy in from all is a must to be successful
• Financial (Accounting) Training, to be able to operate and communicate in the "language of business"  for decision making, forecasting/budgeting, cost analysis etc
• Production Management knowledge, QC methods, Lean concepts and planning/scheduling to link maintenance and production strategies
• Understand the benefits and use of CMMS and other computerized systems in managing the maintenance function
• Understanding of all tactics available to help machinery operate safely, reliably and cost effectively. These include TPM, RCM, FMEA, RCA, PM, PdM, and Pareto Analysis among others
• Must be a continuous learner. Technology and therefore manufacturing techniques are continuously changing and for organizations to compete they must keep up in all departments, including Maintenance

  Managing a forward thinking, proactive Maintenance department requires a combination of the above skills that are not normally obtained from an engineering background or by a tradesman ascending through the ranks. To learn these skills (for those who already manage Maintenance departments or soon will) there are good training courses available that cover all of these aspects, such as the Maintenance Management Professional (MMP) program taught by instructors from the Plant Engineering and Maintenance Association of Canada (PEMAC).

  With the proper training and experience, the Maintenance Manager can be a driving force for continuous improvement throughout the organization, as well as managing the Maintenance Department as a vital part of the business.