POSITION OVERVIEW
Ascend Performance Materials is a global leader in high-performance chemicals, fibers and plastics, committed to enhancing quality of life through innovation. With fully integrated manufacturing facilities across North America, Europe, and Asia, we develop essential solutions that drive safer vehicles, cleaner energy, advanced medical devices, and durable consumer goods. Guided by a strong focus on safety, sustainability, and customer success, we operate responsibly while delivering value through cutting-edge technologies and industry expertise. Join our team and be part of a collaborative environment where your work drives meaningful global impact.
The Sr. Maintenance Manager is responsible for leading all aspects of site maintenance, ensuring safe, reliable, and cost-effective operation of production assets. This role owns maintenance execution, reliability improvement, and workforce effectiveness, while driving adherence to the Maintenance Work Process. The Sr. Maintenance Manager partners closely with operations, engineering, and supply chain to improve equipment performance, reduce downtime, and enable consistent plant productivity.
TARGETED OUTCOMES
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Improve asset reliability and availability to consistently meet production and business plan targets
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Deliver maintenance execution with strong safety performance, quality, and schedule adherence
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Drive year-over-year cost optimization through improved planning, reliability, and resource utilization
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Build a capable, engaged maintenance organization with strong technical and leadership bench strength
RESPONSIBILITIES
Maintenance Leadership & Strategy
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Lead maintenance organization including front line leaders, technical resources, and contract partners
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Establish and drive maintenance strategies aligned with plant safety, reliability, and cost objectives
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Champion a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement
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Develop and execute departmental goals aligned with site and corporate priorities
Maintenance Execution & Work Process
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Drive compliance to the Maintenance Work Process from work identification through completion
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Ensure effective planning, scheduling, and execution of daily work, turnarounds (TARs), and capital support activities
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Manage backlog, preventive maintenance (PM) compliance, and equipment criticality to optimize execution
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Ensure SAP Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) data integrity and utilization
Reliability & Continuous Improvement
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Improve asset reliability through root cause analysis, failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA), and data-driven decision making
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Lead initiatives to reduce unplanned downtime and improve Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE)
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Implement reliability-centered maintenance (RCM) principles and continuous improvement tools (Lean, Six Sigma, 5S)
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Ensure effective resolution of equipment and process issues with sustainable corrective actions
Financial & Resource Management
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Own maintenance budget, forecasts, and cost performance; deliver against annual operating plan commitments
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Optimize use of internal and contract resources to improve productivity and cost efficiency
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Lead cost reduction initiatives while maintaining safety and reliability standards
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Ensure effective storeroom and spare parts management to support operational needs
People Leadership & Development
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Build, develop, and retain a high-performing maintenance team
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Provide clear goals, coaching, and performance feedback for direct reports
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Ensure training, certifications, and capability development plans are in place
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Drive succession planning and organizational continuity
Compliance & Risk Management
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Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements
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Lead statutory inspections and interface with regulatory bodies and insurers as required
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Identify and mitigate operational risks related to equipment reliability and maintenance execution
TEAM AND INTERACTIONS
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Reports to: Senior Site Director
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Direct reports include maintenance leaders, turnaround (TAR) leadership, and site infrastructure leadership
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This role works closely with operations, engineering, supply chain, procurement, and environmental, safety, security and health (ESSH) teams to ensure alignment on production, reliability, and capital priorities. Regular interaction with contractors, vendors, and external service providers is required.
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE
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Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Mechanical or Chemical Engineering preferred)
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Minimum 10 years of maintenance or operations experience in a chemical manufacturing environment
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Minimum 5 years of leadership experience managing technical and multi-craft teams
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Experience managing maintenance budgets, planning processes, and contractor resources
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Experience using enterprise resource planning systems; SAP preferred
REQUIRED SKILLS
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Strong leadership capability with the ability to drive accountability and performance
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Deep understanding of maintenance and reliability principles, including root cause analysis and preventive maintenance strategies
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Demonstrated ability to improve asset performance and reduce downtime in a manufacturing environment
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Strong financial acumen with experience in managing budgets and cost improvement initiatives
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Proficiency in continuous improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, reliability-centered maintenance)
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Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills
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Effective communication and ability to influence across all levels of the organization
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Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, operational environment
At Ascend Performance Materials, we value transparency and fairness in our hiring process. We do not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters, search firms, or staffing agencies. Any resumes received from such entities will be considered the property of Ascend Performance Materials, and we will not be obligated to pay any fees for such submissions. Our Talent Acquisition Team actively engages with preferred recruitment partners who have established agreements with us. We encourage all interested candidates to apply directly through our official channels to be considered for any open positions.
About Us:
Ascend Performance Materials is the premium provider of high quality chemicals, fibers and plastics. With world scale integrated manufacturing facilities we are able to develop new products from our core technologies, and provide flexibility to respond to the expanding needs of customers. Ascend has global sales and distribution facilities across the globe and six manufacturing facilities globally. As a privately-held company, our people do big things and make big decisions, often much earlier in their careers than at larger companies. Ascend Performance Materials offers team members the opportunity to contribute in big, meaningful ways—all within a stable and growing business.
Why work at Ascend?
Our vision is to be the recognized leader in the nylon 6,6 value chain, creating new possibilities with PA66 for everyone, everywhere, every day. We achieve that through living our Ascend values.
We care. We operate safely with high integrity for our employees, our customers and our communities. Our people are our greatest assets, and our Total Rewards Program extends beyond traditional benefits to include access to on-site medical clinics at our U.S. facilities, a global wellness rewards program and Performance Matters, an employee-driven recognition plan. Our Commitment to Zero demonstrates our belief that is it possible to operate with zero personal injuries, zero process safety incidents and zero environmental releases. And the Ascend Cares Foundation, led by Ascend employees, supports Ascend families in times of need, provides inspiring opportunities for community engagement and facilitates community leadership.
Customer-focused. We exist for our customers; they drive our actions. Their success is our success. Our plastics and chemicals are building blocks that help make everyday essentials safer and more sustainable, and we constantly strive to develop new and innovative products to meet the future needs of our customers. And that customer focus doesn’t only apply to the marketplace – it also applies to how we treat our colleagues and our fellow community members.
Better every day. We invest in our people and our processes to improve every day. A2E, our continuous improvement program, guides the way we do business. And this way of problem solving applies not only to our manufacturing practices but also to our commitment to developing our people. You’ll see it during your career at Ascend in our leadership development, skills training and mentoring programs
Agile. We think broadly and lead proactively in a constantly evolving organization and industry. Agility doesn’t mean simply working quickly – it means critical thinking, creative problem solving and novel approaches to everyday challenges.
One Ascend. All together, with a common set of goals and an eye toward the future. We don’t accept silos. We look for ways to share across departments, sites and geography. This means you won’t be boxed into a single role at Ascend – you could get the chance to work with teams across the globe to improve the way we serve our people, our customers and our communities.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, citizenship, genetic information or other protected status under federal, state or local laws.
