Purpose
The Production Reliability Manager leads daily production operations while overseeing production-related maintenance and reliability functions within a high-volume packaging operation. This role ensures the safe, efficient, and compliant execution of production schedules and customer requirements while maximizing equipment reliability, asset utilization, and workforce effectiveness. The position monitors production performance metrics including throughput, labor utilization, waste reduction, schedule attainment, quality performance, equipment uptime, and maintenance effectiveness through the implementation of appropriate staffing, preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance programs. This position provides critical support and contributes to site-wide oversight of Operation Clean Sweep (OCS) and environmental stewardship initiatives.
Areas of Responsibility / Tasks
Performance must reflect an appropriate level of expertise and achievement of the desired results for the items listed below.
Manage staffing, scheduling, and resource allocation to support business needs.
Lead, develop, and manage the Production and Reliability Department, including hiring, coaching, performance management, and employee development.
Ensure compliance with all safety regulations, lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures, company policies, and applicable regulatory requirements.
Develop and implement preventive, predictive, and reliability-centered maintenance programs.
Establish equipment reliability strategies to improve uptime, availability, and asset life cycles.
Monitor, improve and report key reliability metrics including:
OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness)
MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures)
MTTR (Mean Time to Repair)
Planned vs. Unplanned Maintenance
PM Compliance
Maintenance Cost per Unit
Lead root cause analysis efforts, evaluate equipment performance trends, and implement corrective and preventive actions to eliminate chronic reliability issues.
Oversee all production related preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance activities.
Ensure production lines, conveying systems, packaging equipment, electrical systems, instrumentation, and automation systems are maintained according to OEM recommendations and industry best practices.
Review reliability and production-related maintenance schedules and prioritize work to minimize downtime and production interruptions.
Support troubleshooting of complex mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, instrumentation, and automation failures.
Coordinate emergency repairs and outage planning with site leadership.
Partner with Production, Quality, Logistics, and Facilities Maintenance teams to maximize uptime and minimize operational disruptions.
Lead the installation, testing, commissioning, and startup of new production equipment and process improvements.
Collaborate with production and quality teams to minimize downtime.
Recommend equipment upgrades and process improvements to improve reliability and reduce maintenance costs.
Participate in emergency maintenance and on-call support as required.
Provide training to operating team in equipment functionality and upkeep.
Manage and optimize the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS).
Ensure maintenance records, work orders, asset histories, and PM schedules remain accurate and current.
Develop maintenance planning and scheduling processes to improve workforce efficiency.
Ensure critical spare parts inventories are maintained at appropriate levels.
Analyze maintenance data and use findings to drive and present continuous improvement initiatives.
Competencies; Knowledge, Skills, Abilities
To perform this role successfully, an individual must have experience achieving desired result(s) in their areas of responsibility. The requirements listed below are representative of observable behaviors and essential knowledge, skill, and abilities required of a successful incumbent within our culture.
Strong leadership, communication, coaching, project management, and organizational skills.
Strong understanding of mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, pneumatic, hydraulic, and automation systems.
Advanced troubleshooting and root cause analysis skills.
Experience implementing predictive maintenance and reliability best practices.
Knowledge of conveyors, gearmotors, rollers, chains, drives, motor control systems, sensors, and packaging equipment.
Strong understanding of maintenance planning and scheduling.
Proficiency with CMMS platforms and maintenance performance reporting.
Strong financial acumen, including budgeting and cost control.
High proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.
Minimum Qualifications/ Education / Experience / Certifications
Minimum 7-10 years of progressive maintenance and reliability experience in manufacturing, packaging, distribution, or industrial operations.
Minimum 3-5 years of leadership experience managing maintenance or reliability teams.
Demonstrated experience implementing preventive and predictive maintenance programs.
Experience with CMMS administration and maintenance planning.
Proven success improving equipment reliability, uptime, and operational performance.
Valid Driver’s license
Work Environment / Conditions
The work environment/conditions described herein are representative of those that an incumbent may experience and therefore must be adaptable to work in a shared space, with/or without the use of a private office.
Typically spends approximately 60% of time in production and warehouse environments and 40% in office and administrative activities, including occasional outdoor work.
May be exposed to operations hazards including dust, fumes, caustic chemicals, rotating machinery, high pressure, hot or cold work temperatures, slippery surfaces, water, and electrical hazards.
Schedules may vary from week to week based on business demands with or without notice.
Physical Requirements / Demands
The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an incumbent to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. *Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions & physical demands of this role.
While performing the duties of this job, the incumbent is regularly required to communicate verbally, listen, read and comprehend information, and type on a consistent and daily basis.
Frequently lift up to 55 lbs. and adjust body position to bend, stoop, stand, walk, turn, pivot and stand for long periods of time. (Will be required to use ladders or stairs).
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus. Requires close visual observation to detect process non-conformance and machine malfunction.
Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, stoop, climb and work in industrial environments for extended periods.
A variety of standing, sitting and walking throughout the day
Occasional climbing of ladders
Use of basic warehouse equipment and hand tools