Maintenance Manager (Hands-On)

at; Perth; On-site; AUD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A manufacturing company in Perth seeks a proactive Maintenance Manager to oversee the factory maintenance program. This hands-on role involves leading a preventive maintenance approach, managing reliability, and collaborating with teams. Candidates should have a strong trade background and problem-solving skills, with opportunities for creative challenges and competitive salary.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Autonomy in the role

Supportive leadership team

Qualifications

• Experience managing both preventive and reactive maintenance in manufacturing.
• Background in trade (electrical or mechanical) preferred.
• Ability to conduct root cause analysis and implement fixes.

Responsibilities

• Lead preventive maintenance program aligned with audit expectations.
• Manage plant and machine reliability while minimizing downtime.
• Work with cross-functional teams and oversee contractors.

Skills

Proactive maintenance management

Strong communication skills

Problem-solving

Project management

Root cause analysis

Education

Engineering degree or relevant trade qualification

Job description

The Role

We’re seeking a proactive, hands-on Maintenance Manager to take ownership of our factory maintenance program. This is not a sit-back role — you’ll be out on the floor, sleeves rolled up, leading by example and ensuring our machines and plant are running smoothly, safely, and reliably.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead a proactive, preventive maintenance program aligned with SQF audit expectations — not just reacting to breakdowns.
• Prioritise, plan and track all tasks via the UpKeep app to ensure transparency and accountability.
• Manage preventative and reactive maintenance, ensuring reliability and minimising downtime.
• Play a key role in upholding safety and compliance standards on site.
• Work collaboratively with cross-functional teams, OEMs, contractors, and suppliers.
• Confidently implement new machines into the factory and ensure smooth integration into production.
• Order plant and machine parts — and when needed, be creative and resourceful in making or adapting parts yourself.
• Identify potential machine and part failures before breakdowns occur through inspections, data, and root cause analysis.
• Manage off-site contractors and oversee their work to standard.
• Keep the maintenance shed organised, clean and safe.
• Be flexible and available to work an occasional Saturday when a major projects require it.
• Provide continuous improvement solutions to enhance efficiency, safety, and reliability.

About You

A team player with a can-do attitude, strong communication skills, and a willingness to get stuck in.

Confident in balancing hands-on trade work with planning, scheduling, and reporting.

A natural problem-solver who can think ahead, spot risks early, and deliver practical fixes.

Ideally with an electrical trade background, plus solid experience in factory machine and plant maintenance.

Skills & Experience

• Engineering degree or relevant trade qualification (electrical or mechanical).
• Proven experience managing preventive and reactive maintenance in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong project management and organisational skills.
• Ability to conduct root cause analysis and implement long-term fixes.
• Proven track record in continuous improvement initiatives.

Why Join Us?

• Play a critical role in the ongoing success and reliability of our factory.
• Be supported by a leadership team that values initiative, teamwork, and accountability.
• Opportunity to work on new equipment installations and creative problem-solving challenges.
• Competitive salary and genuine autonomy to make the role your own.

Application questions

• Which of the following statements best describes your right to work in Australia?
• How many years\' experience do you have as a maintenance manager?
• What\'s your expected annual base salary?
• How much notice are you required to give your current employer?
• Do you have a current Australian driver\'s licence?
• Do you hold a current electrical licence?