What do the construction, healthcare, and manufacturing industries have in common? They depend on critical equipment and facilities and the expertise of maintenance managers. These professionals play a vital role in ensuring all equipment is in top condition.
As a maintenance manager, it’s your job to oversee repairs and do preventive maintenance. You have to make sure the maintenance department runs like a well-oiled machine.
There’s more to the job than cleaning and repairing. This post delves into what these specialists do.
Defining the Profession
A maintenance manager oversees all aspects of facility and equipment maintenance. You’ll have a maintenance team to do preventive maintenance and emergency repairs. You’re in charge of team management and budgeting. You also make sure the company complies with safety regulations.
A good maintenance manager is proactive. It’s your job to put in place preventive maintenance strategies. This approach means you won’t have to wait for things to break before you fix them. You also look for ways to reduce repair costs and ensure daily operations aren’t disrupted.
What Does a Maintenance Manager Do?
The job of a maintenance manager is challenging, dynamic, and fulfilling. There are around 331,000 maintenance managers in the US.
There’s a growing demand for this job, especially in manufacturing. Are you interested in becoming a maintenance manager? Then you need to understand the responsibilities that come with it.
- You’ll Oversee Maintenance Operations
Your main duty as a maintenance manager is to supervise maintenance activities. This includes monitoring ongoing projects and delegating tasks. You also have to make sure your team performs their jobs well. This entails keeping track of their work schedules. Your team has to finish the job within a specified timeframe.
As a maintenance manager, you must be available to handle unexpected breakdowns. You should know how to divide resources to prevent operational disruptions.
- You’ll Enforce Preventive Maintenance Strategies
Top-tier maintenance managers don’t wait for machinery or systems to break down. They focus on preventive maintenance instead. This entails doing regular inspections and scheduling maintenance activities. You also have to identify potential issues before they worsen.
This strategy prevents expensive equipment failures. It also improves efficiency and extends asset lifespan. It also reduces repair costs, thus protecting your bottom line.
- You Will Manage and Train Maintenance Teams
Maintenance managers head a team of skilled laborers. It’s your job to handle staffing and provide the necessary training. You’ll also make sure all team members follow best practices in maintenance and safety.
You need to have good leadership skills in this job. It is critical for maintaining a well-functioning team.
- You’ll Manage the Maintenance Budget
All businesses try to control their maintenance costs, and you will play a critical role. Your financial responsibilities as a maintenance manager include:
- Setting budgets for maintenance and repairs
- Keeping track of expenses related to tools, spare parts, and labor
- Looking for cost-effective but high-quality solutions
A well-planned maintenance budget prevents overspending. It also ensures your department has the resources it needs for equipment upkeep. It’s a delicate balancing act that requires strong financial planning abilities.
- You Ensure Compliance with Safety and Regulations
A maintenance manager ensures the company follows industry-specific regulations. You ensure they adhere to OSHA safety standards and environmental regulations.
It’s your job to conduct safety inspections. You should also ensure employees follow safety guidelines. You also keep documentation for regulatory audits.
This is a critical aspect of the job as neglecting it has severe consequences. Your company might face fines and other legal issues.
- You Handle Emergency Repairs
Emergencies and breakdowns will happen even if you do preventive maintenance. A maintenance manager handles organizing emergency repairs to cut downtime. It’s why you need to be a good problem-solver. You have to troubleshoot issues under pressure.
The job of a maintenance manager goes beyond fixing broken equipment. You need leadership skills and problem solving prowess. These will help you manage and operate facilities and machinery with ease. Your responsibilities range from preventive maintenance to budget management. These tasks are essential for keeping businesses running well.
Helping You Find Top Management Talent
Are you looking for exceptional management candidates? Seattle Financial can help you find the best person for the job. We’re one of Washington’s top recruiting firms. Our company specializes in connecting manufacturing businesses with experienced managers, supervisors, or leaders. We have the network and expertise to help you hire the best. Connect with us here or at 206-343-8732. Let’s find the right candidates for your company!
