Job Description

POSITION OVERVIEW

Ascend Performance Materials makes high-performance materials for everyday essentials and new technologies. Our focus is on improving quality of life and inspiring a better tomorrow through innovation. Based in Houston, Texas, and with regional offices in Shanghai, Brussels and Detroit, we are a fully integrated material solutions provider with global manufacturing facilities in North America, Europe and Asia. Our global workforce makes the materials used to make safer vehicles, cleaner energy, better medical devices, smarter appliances and longer-lasting apparel and consumer goods. We are committed to safety, sustainability and the success of our customers and our communities.

The Maintenance Manager is responsible for all aspects of maintenance. This role includes adherence to the Maintenance Work Process, leading contract, FLL APM leaders and Technical Maintenance resources. The Maintenance Manager will also support all priority work, TARs, Capital work as required. Maintenance cost center and budget ownership is also required. This position must constantly provide feedback to the manufacturing units and assess needs that will drive safer and more productive work productivity. He/she will be responsible for training, development and continuity planning for the department and driving a culture that promotes teamwork and inclusion of thought.

TARGETED OUTCOMES

• Gain a full understanding of the resource needs and ensure that the proper skill sets are utilized.
• Obtain all necessary knowledge of Ascend Maintenance policies/procedures and build relationships throughout the plant through scheduled communication meetings/KPI sharing with stakeholders.
• Remain up to date on company technology while constantly evaluating the needs of the plant to close any gaps in resources

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Maintenance Leadership

• Provide leadership to nested contract leadership, front line leaders and technical Maintenance resources.
• Ensuring all work is done safely, on time, with high quality results, effective cost management and in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practices.
• Promote the continual improvement of Plant Maintenance.
• Continuous improvement for cost saving, efficiency and maintenance.
• Maintain the efficiency and effectiveness of all production related manufacturing equipment and processes required to manufacture a high-quality product in a repeatable and cost-effective manner.
• Ensure new parts and optimization projects are completed by the required deadline, at reasonable cost, and with a robust process.
• Ensure effective operation of the storeroom operation in support of the plant goals.
• Ensure the required technical support for all critical process and product issue resolution is available for all product builds, process operations and facilities management.
• Ensure corrective actions address root causes and are completed in a timely and customer responsive manner.
• Manage statutory inspections, liaisons with insurance companies and other duties in this area.
• Direct reporting responsibility for maintenance associates, as well as contractor firms.
• Ensure that manufacturing employee requirements (including training process compliance, data entry, performance monitoring and recognition) are completed.
• Coach and mentor Maintenance Resources in the use of appropriate reliability tools (Root Cause Analysis, Causal Mapping, FMEA, etc.) to drive improvements, optimize costs and improve asset effectiveness.
• Recommend and provide leadership support for the implementation of new process improvement projects related to safety, Plant Reliability, process effectiveness, and cost utilization improvement systems/tools such as Six Sigma, Lean and 5S.
• Develop departmental goals and strategies consistent with Plant, Corporate and Operational goals and provide the leadership for the planning process to meet these goals.
• Provide general direction and performance requirements for use of outside contractors and service representatives as it relates to engineering efforts.
• Comply with all safety/health/environmental related policies and procedures, participates in company sponsored safety programs and activities, and reports to management those conditions or actions by employees or others that might create a hazard to themselves or others in the plant. Reports any work-related injury or illness, no matter how minor, to their Manager.
• Manage monthly maintenance costs to approved budgets and monthly forecasts to consistently meet spend commitments.
• Drive direct and indirect cost reduction initiatives to produce YOY savings.

Resource Coordination

• Develop a Resource Planning Team with a focus on executing the work to meet customers’ expectations utilizing Maintenance Resources in the most effective manner.
• Drive compliance to the Maintenance Work Process from work identification to completion.
• Insure maintenance plans and schedules effectively utilize resources to execute work (Daily, Overhauls, and Project), manage work backlogs, complete equipment and compliance PM’s, and maintain availability and reliability of equipment to meet production plans.
• Meet or exceed KPI expectations utilizing data to drive continuous improvement and identify opportunities.
• Work to deliver maintenance support with a customer focused approach.
• Insure SAP CMMS system is maintained and managed accurately.

Employee Development

• Provide leadership to ensure employees have the resources and direction to successfully meet expectations.
• Establish clear objectives for direct reports effectively communicating goals and providing performance feedback through ongoing and annual performance reviews.
• Communicate overall direction and plant initiatives using effective communication tools.
• Develop team members through skills development and training opportunities.
• Evaluate performance and competencies of direct reports and carry out disciplinary action as needed.
• Ensure required certifications and training are maintained.
• Champion a Reliability Centered Maintenance culture proactive in nature driving towards Maintenance Excellence.
• Lead development and implementation of training for Reliability practices

TEAM

• Reports to: MRE Manager
• Team Members: FLLs, Maintenance Technical Team

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering-preferred (ChemE or ME)
• 10+ years maintenance or operational experience in chemical process manufacturing industry; technical and functional expertise experience.
• 5+ years of supervisory responsibility.
• Proficiency in SAP, Excel, My TRACK.
• Experience with managing multi-craft resources, using a variety of execution strategies and methodologies as required.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Must have knowledge of technology and key drives of equipment performance as it relates to the manufacturing process.
• Demonstrated cross-functional, leadership, communication and team-building skills.
• Strong analytical, problem identifying/solving, project management and decision-making skill required.
• Understanding of manufacturing practices and ability to develop process improvement and solutions.
• Knowledge of Machine Shop Operations, Metal Fabrication and Mechanical Assembly processes.
• Knowledge and understanding of Continuous Improvement tools and approaches (Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, Six Sigma Problem Solving, Process Mapping, etc.)
• Must understand systems, design of repeatable processes, and utilize SPC when appropriate.
• Possess excellent communication skills (both written and oral).
• Ability to communicate well with all levels of the organization.
• Must be a self-starter and be able to function in a semi-autonomous environment.
• Ability to make decisions quickly and effectively, while utilizing discretion and good judgment.
• Must be a demonstrated team player.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities with pressured deadlines.

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.

Skills Summary:

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.