Head of Maintenance (Plant Machinery)

Our client is within the furniture business, which is a state-of-the-art, fully automated, one of the biggest in the region furniture plant, including upholstery and cabinetry lines with a design studio in Italy, catering to global needs. The factory is located across an 84,000 sq m land plot with a built-up area of 50,000 sq m. The company's plant will manufacture a range of products, including sofas, seats, armchairs, chairs, beds, car and airplane seats, and assembled and flat-pack cabinets for the local market and export customers. Additionally, the plan is to establish the presence through showrooms in strategic global markets to enhance marketing efforts. 

The management is looking for a seasoned Maintenance Head to handle all plant machines while reporting directly to the CEO. The Head of Maintenance will oversee the maintenance of all plant machinery and equipment, ensuring seamless operations in a highly automated environment. The role requires a technically skilled leader with experience in maintaining advanced machinery, particularly those used in panel lines and upholstery production. 

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the maintenance department to ensure the continuous and efficient operation of all production machines and equipment.
• Manage and oversee the maintenance of machinery, including but not limited to Homag, SCM, and Biesse (Panel Lines) and Canon Viking, Argos, and Lectra (Upholstery).
• Develop and implement a preventive maintenance schedule to avoid breakdowns and minimize downtime.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues in production machinery, ensuring minimal disruption to production.
• Oversee a team of technicians, providing guidance, training, and support to maintain high performance.
• Collaborate with the operations and production teams to ensure seamless and efficient manufacturing processes.
• Work closely with senior management to plan and budget for maintenance activities, spare parts inventory, and equipment upgrades.
• Ensure all maintenance activities are compliant with safety regulations and standards.
• Conduct performance reviews and foster continuous improvement in the maintenance processes.
• Manage the maintenance departments budget and ensure cost-efficient operations.
• Report regularly to the CEO on the status of the maintenance department, key performance indicators, and any critical issues. 

Key Qualifications

• Proven experience in a senior maintenance role in an automated manufacturing environment.
• Hands-on experience with machinery brands: Homag, SCM, Biesse (Panel Lines), Canon Viking, Argos, Lectra (Upholstery).
• Experience working in or with German manufacturing companies is a significant advantage.
• Strong leadership skills with a focus on team management and performance improvement.
• Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Fluent in English; proficiency in German is preferred.
• Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field.
• Knowledge of health, safety, and environmental regulations.