POSITION PURPOSE
The Reliability Manager will be responsible for developing and leading asset reliability strategies to maximize efficiency in Maintenance, define system standards, and improving asset availability. This role will partner closely with many departments to ensure reliable plant performance, in addition to supporting quality and cost objectives.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND BASIC DUTIES
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Build and maintain the plant’s maintenance and reliability systems, including work management, planning and scheduling, backlog control, and prioritization.
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Lead the site’s reliability approach, applying industry best practices to ensure maintenance work is well planned, consistent, and risk-based.
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Develop and refine asset strategies such as preventive, predictive, and run-to-failure maintenance based on asset criticality and business impact.
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Review and approve the weekly maintenance schedule, ensuring jobs are fully scoped, prioritized, and ready for execution.
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Set and uphold equipment reliability standards while driving improvements in PM and PdM effectiveness.
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Drive failure elimination efforts using tools like RCFA and FMEA, and ensure corrective actions are implemented and sustained.
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Use CMMS and maintenance data to identify trends, cost drivers, and reliability risks, while maintaining strong data integrity.
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Oversee materials management and spare parts strategies to support planned work and minimize operational risk.
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Lead initiatives that reduce downtime, lower maintenance costs, and extend equipment life.
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Track and improve key maintenance and reliability metrics such as schedule compliance, PM/PdM completion, asset utilization, and cost performance.
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Provide reliability and mechanical integrity input on capital projects, including equipment selection, design reviews, and commissioning.
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Work closely with the Maintenance Manager to align daily execution with overall reliability strategy.
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Coach and develop the maintenance and reliability team, ensuring clear roles, accountability, and adherence to processes.
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Partner with Operations, Project Management, Engineering, and EHS to support production goals, safety standards, and overall plant performance.
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Take on additional responsibilities as needed to support reliability and continuous improvement efforts
QUALIFICATIONS
Education/
Certification:
- Associate or bachelor’s degree in an Engineering, Mechanical, Reliability, or related field desired.
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Minimum 7-10 years of experience in the reliability and/or operation of a process manufacturing facility.
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Equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
Required Knowledge
& Experience:
- Proven experience (5+ years) in a leadership role
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In-depth knowledge of ethanol plants, chemical plants or refinery maintenance preferred.
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Experience with repairs and maintenance of processing equipment required
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Strong knowledge of CMMS system
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Strong knowledge of reliability-focused maintenance programs
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Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite required
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Valid Driver’s License required
Skills/Abilities:
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Proficient in CMMS systems with the ability to instruct others on effective use.
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Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
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Strong creative and organizational skills.
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Able to interact professionally and build effective working relationships with internal and external customers.
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Demonstrates tact, diplomacy, and a strong customer service focus in all communications.
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Strong analytical abilities, problem solving skills, negotiation skills, dispute resolution and ability to overcome obstacles.
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Capable of managing multiple priorities with efficiency and accuracy.
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Proactive and able to anticipate needs and accomplish necessary tasks.
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Shows strong motivational ability and personal accountability.
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Acts with honesty and integrity.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES AND REQUIREMENTS OF THIS POSITION
Some time will be spent in a temperature-controlled office-based environment at the plant office. Ability to sit for long periods of time. Able to view computer screen for lengths at a time. Significant time will be spent in the plant. All types of chemical industry equipment are used in the plant to include, but not limited to fermentation vessels, jet cookers, agitators, mixing and milling equipment, distillation columns, centrifuges and distributive control systems. May be exposed to loud noises, wet and humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic chemicals, extreme hot and cold depending on weather conditions. Must be able to climb ladders and work at elevations of 175 feet. Must be able to speak and listen clearly. Fine visual acuity to read for accuracy. Travel required or as needed. For more details, please review the ADA questionnaire on file in Human Resources.
PHYSICAL STRENGTH:
This job may require lifting of up to 50 pounds regularly.
INTENT AND FUNCTION OF JOB DESCRIPTIONS
All descriptions have been reviewed to ensure that only essential functions and basic duties have been included. Peripheral tasks, only incidentally related to each position, have been excluded. Requirements, skills, and abilities included have been determined to be the minimal standards required to successfully perform the positions. In no instance, however, should the duties, responsibilities, and requirements delineated be interpreted as all-inclusive. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate.
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, it is possible that requirements may be modified to reasonably accommodate disabled individuals. However, no accommodations will be made which may pose serious health or safety risks to the employee or others or which impose undue hardships on the organization.
Job descriptions are not intended as and do not create employment contracts. The organization maintains its status as an at-will employer. Employees can be terminated for any reason not prohibited by law.
