Role Summary:
The Asset Maintenance and Projects Manager is responsible for ensuring the reliability, efficiency, and continuous improvement of plant assets and operational processes. This role leads asset maintenance strategy and capital or operational improvement projects to minimise downtime, optimise production capability, and maintain compliance with quality and safety standards. The position oversees the development and implementation of planned maintenance programs, manages vendor relationships related to plant equipment, and drives project execution from concept through to implementation. Working closely with cross-functional teams, the role supports continuous improvement initiatives, strengthens process capability, and contributes to the organisation’s overall business excellence framework.

Responsibilities:
Asset Maintenance (approximately 60%)

• Conduct annual budget analysis and planning to develop and implement effective maintenance solutions that minimise unplanned downtime.

• Develop and implement cost-effective planned maintenance strategies to ensure reliable operation of plant assets while maintaining production continuity.

• Maintain and manage an accurate asset register with clearly defined maintenance strategies and status of operational equipment.

• Coordinate with procurement to manage vendors and suppliers related to plant and equipment maintenance to ensure uninterrupted operational support.

• Promote a culture of quality, efficiency, safety, and continuous improvement across all maintenance activities.

• Contribute to the development, planning, deployment, and execution of the organisation’s Business Excellence System.

• Ensure maintenance procedures are aligned with OEM manuals and integrated into machine and process Safe Operating Procedures.

• Ensure maintenance activities comply with internal policies, quality standards, and regulatory requirements.

• Perform other duties as required to support operational objectives.

Project Management (approximately 40%)

• Lead and manage projects from concept through to implementation, ensuring consistent application of quality principles, structured processes, and appropriate project management methodologies.

• Support engineering and quality initiatives for product or process improvement by participating in technical reviews and capturing lessons learned.

• Identify and drive continuous improvement initiatives to optimise operational performance, improve process capability, and enhance efficiency.

• Lead cross-functional teams to plan, execute, and implement improvement projects while ensuring stakeholder alignment.

• Ensure all relevant standards and internal or external customer requirements are met or exceeded throughout project execution.

• Collect and analyse process data to identify trends, evaluate process capability, and implement improvements across manufacturing, service, and operational functions.

• Implement and sustain appropriate process and quality controls, including standard work, control plans, inspection procedures, and documentation.

• Lead initiatives to resolve internal and external customer complaints through root cause analysis and process improvements.

• Ensure appropriate project records, technical documentation, and quality records are maintained in accordance with Quality Management System requirements.

• Conduct process capability studies and recommend improvements based on data analysis and cross-functional collaboration.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related discipline.

• Strong understanding of mechanical systems, manufacturing processes, and plant equipment maintenance.

• Demonstrated experience managing maintenance programs and technical improvement projects in an industrial or manufacturing environment.

• Strong project management, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to engage effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and experience managing operational data within enterprise planning systems.

Preferred Experience / Skills:

• Experience with quality management systems, compliance audits, and technical documentation.

• Strong change management capability with the ability to balance technical and organisational factors during improvement initiatives.

• High level of safety awareness and commitment to maintaining safe work practices.

• Proactive mindset with the ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.

• Strong collaboration skills with the ability to work effectively across departments and stakeholder groups.

• Experience coaching teams in continuous improvement and process optimisation initiatives.