Manager, Maintenance

Kemira is a global leader in sustainable chemistry for water intensive industries. For more than 100 years, our chemistry has advanced human progress and quality of life. We call it chemistry with a purpose, better every day. At Kemira, we foster a collaborative and inclusive work culture that empowers our employees to thrive and make a difference. Learn more about Kemira at www.kemira.com/careers.              

     

 

We are looking for someone to provide leadership and direction to the Maintenance Department, defining all maintenance processes and workflows related to the maintenance, repair, and replacement of plant equipment. This role ensures equipment reliability and minimizes unplanned downtime through preventive and predictive maintenance programs. The role also maintains facility assets and infrastructure, including utilities, buildings and structures, and grounds.

This position manages planning, scheduling, and preventive maintenance programs and executes most capital expenditure projects for the site. This position is located at our Mojave, CA facility.

In This Role, You’ll Be Responsible For:

• Leading and developing strong maintenance teams through effective leadership
• Providing equipment-specific expertise in areas such as boilers, steam systems, DC power supplies, and electrochemical processes
• Applying plant maintenance, HSE, and process safety management principles in daily operations
• Fostering effective communication and collaboration across all levels of the organization
• Using analytical problem-solving skills, including root cause analysis, and managing projects in a chemical manufacturing environment

What You’ll Bring to the Table:

• Minimum 5 years of experience in chemical industry maintenance programs
• Minimum 3 years of supervisory or managerial experience
• Strong background in preventive and predictive maintenance, mechanical reliability, and plant utilities
• Experience with maintenance planning and scheduling processes
• Working knowledge of OSHA Process Safety Management principles and requirements

What You Can Expect From Us:

• Opportunities for personal and professional growth
• A role that builds skills across multiple areas
• Employment with a stable company and established market position
• Competitive benefits package
• A positive, multicultural working environment

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop, lead, and continuously improve a work order–based maintenance system
• Implement world-class maintenance practices (PM, PdM, RCFA, RCM)
• Supervise, coach, and develop maintenance technicians and planners
• Partner with operations, engineering, and safety teams to improve equipment uptime
• Manage maintenance budgets, spare parts inventory, and vendor relationships
• Ensure compliance with all environmental, health, and safety regulations
• Use CMMS tools to track work orders, equipment history, and KPIs
• Lead and support capital projects, turnarounds, and equipment upgrades
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives (5S, Lean, Six Sigma, TPM)
• Champion safety and risk management across all maintenance activities

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical Engineering, or related field preferred (or equivalent experience)
• Minimum 7 years of industrial maintenance experience, including 3+ years in a supervisor or manager role
• Proven experience with CMMS systems (SAP PM, Maximo, eMaint, etc.)
• Strong knowledge of RCM, TPM, PdM, and Lean Maintenance
• Strong leadership and communication skills
• Knowledge of OSHA, PSM, EPA, and related regulatory standards

Preferred:

• Maintenance or reliability certifications (CMRP, CRL, PMP)
• Experience in PSM environments
• Familiarity with RCA, FMEA, and reliability engineering

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