TITLE
TPM/Maintenance Manager
POSITION SUMMARY
This position will serve to be the key technical, maintenance and infrastructure leader. The successful candidate will be a member of the operations leadership team to drive continuous improvement and the proper maintenance of plant equipment. The role will serve as the plant’s Progressive Maintenance (PM) Pillar Owner and will be responsible for driving the key result metrics of the pillar. Additionally, the role will serve to deliver the business in the areas of Safety, Quality, Reliability, Efficiency, Cost, Delivery, and Sustainability. The Technical Manager is responsible for the leadership, development, and support of our Maintenance resources and systems.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Perform maintenance management by leading maintenance resources and establishing priorities in maintenance schedules
- Support the operating departments’ Technical Leaders, Maintenance Leaders, Planners and Technicians to:
- Develop their technical acumen
- Understand and apply Progressive Maintenance tools
- Prioritize work effectively through use of a CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System)
- Respond to process failures and breakdowns with a sense of urgency
- Train all levels of the organization to complete mechanical work
- Drive high-performance work culture by engaging with team members on the floor and coaching to problem solve, make decisions, and become self-reliant
- Coach operating teams and leadership to root cause identification, elimination of losses, and the use of problem-solving tools to identify gaps and prioritize work.
- Lead the plant facilities team to ensure reliable operations and maintenance of plant infrastructure, utilities, buildings & grounds
- Lead the maintenance storeroom staff to:
- Operate and maintain all aspects of the maintenance storeroom
- Develop and teach Storeroom DMS (Daily Management Systems), including all In-process measures
- Responsible for the maintenance shop to ensure staffing, skills and equipment to support plant maintenance repair activities
- Lead the Site Progressive Maintenance (PM) Pillar and collaborate with the corporate PM Pillar Team
- Responsible for electronic reliability data and improving methods for collecting accurate data
- Establish and track KPIs as required to successfully manage the safety, quality, and efficiency of the maintenance operations
- Working closely with the Plant Engineer, lead and execute on the 5-year Capital Expenditure strategy to upgrade and maintain plant facilities and equipment
- Participate in and/or lead improvement teams to provide targeted improvements to meet plant and company objectives
- Address gaps in line/area performance through the implementation and effective coaching of Continuous Improvement methodologies; foster a zero-loss culture
- Owns a safety key element and/or a quality key element
- Support and foster our Company Culture through role modeling our Basic Beliefs and Our Commitment to Each Other
- Embrace the Plant Vision and CBN (Compelling Business Need)
- Participate in the annual Site Master Planning process
- Support HPO (High Performance Organization) vision and work system
- Support continuous improvement programs and Role model behaviors
- Achieve an excellent understanding of operational capabilities and product flow including all inputs and outputs
- In conjunction with the HR Manager and Plant Manager, effectively manage employee relations issues
- Professionally represent the site to all constituents and stakeholders, including but not limited to: Internal Corporate Business Partners; Customers; Vendors; Contractors; Regulatory Representatives, etc.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Education
Bachelor’s degree is preferred, Engineering degree is preferredExperience
- 5 years of relevant experience is required
- Demonstrated ability leading a team to deliver business needs where employee safety receives top priority, followed closely by product quality and productivity
- Demonstrated ability building and developing leaders
- Experience coaching & growing capability in maintenance technicians. Identification of capability gaps, plans to close gaps in self and others to assure team skills meet immediate and future business / team needs
- Experience with maintenance work development, planning, and scheduling
- Experience with a CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System)
Other
- Demonstrated priority setting and problem solving
- Demonstrated ability to be decisive, proactive and strategic in decision making
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively across organization boundaries and with diverse teams
- Experience developing and maintaining a budget
- Demonstrated experience in building a high-performance work culture and systems is preferred
- Effective presentation, verbal, and written communication skills
- Ability to gather and validate data independently, analyze data to determine optimal solutions. Share analysis and solutions with others.
- Strong demonstrated technical and mechanical ability in order to coach others on equipment maintenance and troubleshooting.
- Project management experience would be valued for this role, as the individual will manage costs, schedules and resources for the work.
- Operates with discipline – set objectives, target timing and task priorities; follows through to meet commitments.
- Available to provide technical support and coordinate resources during major outages
- Willingness and ability for occasional travel as required
Freqently Asked Questions
A TPM/Maintenance Manager in Topeka typically collaborates closely with engineering to analyze equipment performance and implement proactive maintenance strategies. This partnership helps reduce downtime, enhance reliability, and align maintenance schedules with operational goals, which is vital in manufacturing environments like those at Ives & Associates Inc.
Proficiency in computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS), strong mechanical troubleshooting abilities, and knowledge of progressive maintenance methodologies are crucial. These skills enable TPM/Maintenance Managers to lead teams effectively, prioritize workflows, and drive continuous improvement in equipment uptime.
Advancement often involves gaining expertise in asset reliability, leading cross-functional projects, and enhancing leadership capabilities. Pursuing certifications like Certified Maintenance & Reliability Professional (CMRP) can also open doors to higher managerial roles or operational leadership positions within the region's manufacturing landscape.
Ives & Associates emphasizes a progressive maintenance culture with strong involvement in safety and continuous improvement. Their TPM/Maintenance Manager is uniquely tasked with leading both technical teams and facility infrastructure, blending operational leadership with strategic capital planning, which can differ from more narrowly focused roles nearby.
The company looks for decisive leaders who prioritize safety and quality, demonstrate strong coaching abilities, and possess a strategic mindset for maintenance operations. Candidates who can foster a high-performance work culture and effectively manage cross-departmental collaboration fit best within their operational framework.
Topeka's manufacturing sector shows steady demand for experienced TPM/Maintenance Managers due to ongoing infrastructure upgrades and operational optimization efforts. Compared to larger metro areas, competition is moderate, providing opportunities for skilled managers to make impactful contributions in local plants.
While a bachelor’s degree in engineering is preferred, certifications like CMRP or Lean Six Sigma are highly valued in Topeka's industrial environment. These credentials demonstrate commitment to maintenance excellence and continuous improvement, aligning well with regional employers’ expectations.
Salaries for TPM/Maintenance Managers in Topeka generally range between $85,000 and $110,000 annually, depending on experience and certifications. This range reflects the technical leadership and operational responsibilities required in manufacturing settings like those at Ives & Associates Inc.
At Ives & Associates Inc, the TPM/Maintenance Manager balances daily operational tasks with fostering a safety-first mindset and driving continuous improvement initiatives. This involves coaching teams, monitoring KPIs, and leading root cause analyses to ensure reliable equipment performance and a zero-loss culture.
Juggling responsibilities between storeroom operations and facility maintenance requires strong organizational skills and prioritization. Challenges include maintaining inventory accuracy, coordinating resources during outages, and aligning storeroom DMS with overall plant reliability goals, all critical for seamless maintenance workflows.
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