Plant Technical Manager

Purpose of the Role

Under the direct supervision of the Plant Manager (PM), the Plant Technical Manager (PTM) is responsible for leading all plant technical functions, including maintenance, engineering, facilities, utilities, capital projects, reliability initiatives, and continuous improvement activities. The PTM ensures the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of all production equipment, facilities, and infrastructure while supporting plant objectives related to Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and Improvement (SQDCI).

This position supervises and coordinates the work of maintenance and technical personnel responsible for repairing, maintaining, improving, and optimizing production equipment and facilities. The PTM plays a key leadership role in driving operational excellence, equipment reliability, capital investment planning, and the implementation of JELD-WEN Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Prepares work schedules, assigns work, and oversees maintenance and technical team activities while minimizing overtime and supporting JELD-WEN goals, objectives, and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
• Develops, implements, and continuously improves preventive and predictive maintenance programs for all equipment, machinery, facilities, and utility systems.
• Drives equipment reliability initiatives to minimize downtime, improve Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), and support production objectives.
• Leads root cause analysis and corrective action efforts related to equipment failures, chronic losses, and technical issues.
• Identifies, scopes, plans, and executes capital projects to improve safety, quality, productivity, capacity, and cost performance.
• Develops and manages the plant maintenance, engineering, and capital expenditure budgets.
• Coordinates and manages third-party contractor services and vendor relationships to ensure quality, safety, and cost-effectiveness.
• Partners with Operations, Quality, Continuous Improvement, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Safety teams to achieve plant performance objectives.
• Maintains current knowledge of emerging technologies and evaluates opportunities for automation, process improvements, and equipment upgrades.
• Ensures compliance with all federal, state, local, environmental, and safety regulations, including OSHA requirements.
• Leads safety initiatives within the Maintenance and Technical Departments and actively participates in plant safety programs.
• Manages facility infrastructure, including HVAC systems, compressed air systems, electrical distribution, lighting, grounds, and building maintenance.
• Establishes and tracks technical performance metrics, including maintenance downtime, PM compliance, equipment reliability, spare parts inventory, and project performance.
• Supports Lean Manufacturing, TPM (Total Productive Maintenance), Continuous Improvement, and operational excellence initiatives.
• Prepares technical reports, presentations, and recommendations for the Plant Manager and leadership team.
• Provides training, coaching, mentoring, and professional development opportunities for technical and maintenance personnel.
• Conducts performance evaluations and recommends salary adjustments consistent with Company policies and performance expectations.
• Participates in recruiting, selection, onboarding, employee development, coaching, and disciplinary processes.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Plant Manager or other appropriate leadership personnel.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of manufacturing equipment, maintenance systems, facility management, utilities, and reliability engineering principles.
• Advanced understanding of preventive, predictive, and reliability-centered maintenance methodologies.
• Strong knowledge of OSHA requirements, environmental regulations, and plant safety standards.
• Knowledge of capital project management, equipment installation, commissioning, and startup activities.
• Understanding of electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, automation, and control systems.
• Strong leadership, coaching, employee development, and team-building skills.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, TPM, Continuous Improvement, Six Sigma, and root cause problem-solving methodologies.
• Ability to analyze technical data and make sound business and operational decisions.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to effectively engage all levels of the organization.
• Proven project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Strong computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office applications, CMMS systems, ERP systems, and applicable JELD-WEN software applications.
• Ability to function effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Travel is primarily local during the business day, with occasional travel for training, meetings, and company initiatives.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Industrial Technology, Manufacturing, Maintenance Management, or a related technical field preferred.
• Five (5) to ten (10) years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience in maintenance, engineering, reliability, or technical operations.
• Experience within the door, window, building products, or related manufacturing industries preferred.
• Equivalent combinations of education, technical certifications, and practical experience may be considered.
• Three (3) to five (5) years of leadership or supervisory experience managing technical, maintenance, engineering, or reliability teams preferred.
• Demonstrated experience managing capital projects, maintenance systems, equipment reliability programs, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Working knowledge of machine repair, electrical systems, industrial controls, facility infrastructure, safety systems, and manufacturing processes.

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