Regional Technical Leader - Maintenance Director

OVERVIEW

Perfetti Van Melle (makers of Mentos, Airheads, Dentyne, Trident and Bubblicious!) is one of the world's largest manufacturers and distributors of confectionery and chewing gum with global brands that are being enjoyed in more than 150 countries worldwide. We’re currently seeking a passionate and enthusiastic Regional Technical Leader - Maintenance Director to join our growing team. 

WHAT YOU WILL DO

The Regional Technical Manager – Maintenance Director is responsible for driving Maintenance and Technical System of the Plants and Warehouses to world class levels developing sustainable technical organization capability and implementing robust PM system to support business needs on volume, efficiencies, cost to maintain and working capital. This person is accountable for losses elimination related to maintenance (mechanic, electrical and controls). This role will assess current maintenance systems, results and organization at the plants and develop the master plan for breakthrough reduction on downtime, breakdowns, time to repair and to achieve maintenance execution excellence. This leader will also partner with the Manufacturing excellence leader and Site directors to develop the technical systems strategy 2025-27 integrated to PPE and continuous improvement program.  This role will lead the Regional PM pillar, develop, own the continuous improvement of the maintenance standards needed for operations to execute to achieve the efficiency, cost and working capital goals. The role is accountable to deliver the yearly goals on downtime, breakdowns, time to repair, cost of maintenance and Storeroom/spares working capital. Finally, the role is accountable to develop and sustain worldclass capability on the technical teams (Mechanical, Electrical, Control and Utilities) regionally and within the Sites, work with the HR on the right organization model and develop skills matrix/training plans.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ensures all plant / processing /packaging equipment is properly maintained and in good running order meeting or exceeding the OEE/Efficiency. This is accomplished by strong presence at the operations (and operations floor), strong partnership with Engineering and planning.
• Establish, own and sustain a robust governance in the Region and clear KPI tracking system/ownership. Daily walk-throughs/connections with operations, downtime tracking, efficiency charts, work order tracking, and weekly/monthly one-on-ones with VP of SC, Site Directors and Maintenance leaders. Deliver weekly, monthly, quarterly 4-boxes on Maintenance performance indicators.
• Provides direction to plant maintenance work force through the maintenance managers and Site Directors leveraging existing governance, systems and regular interactions with resources.
• Ensures timely and quality execution of PM activities and drive compliance to target. Communicates to NA SCLT the interventions timelines, risks & barriers and owns the resolution. 
• Accountable to deliver Maintenance budget ($/Kg) and working capital. Develops regional maintenance budget year on year and it’s accountable to do it on time and within expectations.
• Ensures a spare parts inventory program for all plant equipment and works with Engineering to ensure proper spare’s plan linked to each one of the projects coming to the region.
• Designs and implements improvements that contribute to reduced downtime as per goal, facility maintenance, and operational improvement of processes.  This is done in coordination with maintenance staff and vendors.
• Designs and implements improvements that contribute to plant safety goals and supports the plant safety program.  Weekly walk through of facility to look for violations and improvements with ES&H Coordinator.
• Responsible for purchasing.  Provide daily cost-savings by purchasing high quality parts, at correct stock amounts, while maintaining a correct critical spare parts inventory.
• Provides a leadership role to the production and maintenance staff.  Coach and mentors individuals on processes and critical operational set-ups, and works with the maintenance staff to ensure that their time is used effectively for PM’s, projects, and other work.  Eliminate reactionary work by creating a high PM completion rate.
• Reduces downtime and problem-solving.  When equipment unexpectedly breaks-provide the best solution for bringing the equipment back on line safely, quickly, and permanently.
• Manages time and schedule completion.  Implementing new processes and installing new equipment while still supporting a 24 hour operation.  During the week we work between immediate production issues and PM’s.  During the weekends, we work between PM’s and improvements.  Maximize production time by having very effective PM system (planned during downtimes, “if-down-do” basis, running line standard) and minimize emergency disruptions of production plan; work with Ops leadership and planning to recover production time lost. 
• Works hand on hand with Engineering on insuring safety of the facility and personnel from explosion or other hazards due to types and volumes of materials used in the production process.
• Champion for Manufacturing Continuous Improvement Program. Owns and drives breakdown elimination and breakdown analysis for the Region. Owns and run the Regional PM pillar meetings. Oversees all kick-off meetings and initial lean manufacturing training session for internal kaizen events on Maintenance/PM/Breakdown analysis.

WHAT WE NEED FROM YOU

• Industrial/Mechanical Engineering degree required.
• 5 – 7 years maintenance and Operations / plant engineering experience required.
• Proven experience leading Maintenance, Operations for a large plant or a network. Also proven experience on planning maintenance, PM systems and optimizing maintenance scheduling working hand on hand with production scheduling. 
• 3 - 5 years processing / packaging equipment experience required.
• 3 - 5 Years experience on TPM/Lean production systems.
• 3 – 5 years project management, capital, spare parts experience. Must be able to relate to all levels of organization, from hourly production staff to corporate officers.  
• Negotiates with internal customers on scheduling requirements. Must be able to clearly paint a vision for his organization and have all employees understand the need to continuously improve performance.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, for coaching, developing and performance reviews of employees, including disciplinary actions.
• Effective communicator both verbally and in writing with superiors and colleagues, and individuals outside the organization.
• Effective oral and written communicator with superiors and colleagues, and individuals outside the organization.
• Excellent troubleshooting and problem solving skills
• Computer literate in all Microsoft products along with ACAD Design software.
• Available 24 hours a day for plant or equipment emergencies.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and changing priorities and easily adapt to changing situations.
• This role is located at Erlanger, Rockford or Toluca. 

WHAT WE OFFER

At Perfetti Van Melle, we are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace, where all individuals, regardless of background or identity, are valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives to the sweet success of our candy-loving community. Additionally, we have a core value of Care For Our People and we are proud to offer benefit programs that support our team members' goals and well-being including:  

• PTO package including vacation, sick, personal, and pay it forward time off    
• 13 paid holidays    
• 401k with Company Match up to 8%, ranking in the top 1% of the country 
• Annual Bonus potential and merit-based increases  
• Comprehensive Health Insurance     
• Annual well-being subsidy  
• 20 weeks Maternity & 12 weeks Paternity leave options   
• Sam's Club or Costco annual membership reimbursement    
• Tuition-Free College Program or Free Continued Education (BA, Masters, etc.)  
• Modest monthly candy allotment (Airheads, Airheads Xtremes, and Mentos)  

Join a 2024 NKY Best Workplace by applying today!  

Perfetti Van Melle, USA is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.