Maintenance Manager - Chicago

North Coast Container; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

North Coast Container is seeking a Maintenance Manager to own the machinery that keeps our steel drum operation running. You will lead the maintenance team across shifts, run the preventive maintenance program, and partner with operations to raise equipment reliability and performance.

The role requires 5+ years in industrial maintenance, leadership experience, and working knowledge of electrical, hydraulic, and mechanical systems.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• 5+ years of industrial maintenance experience with 2+ years in a supervisory role.
• Experience with electrical systems, hydraulics, pneumatics, and mechanical drives.
• Ability to read schematics, drawings and equipment manuals.
• Knowledge of OSHA lockout/tagout, machine guarding and electrical safety.
• Experience with a maintenance management system and basic computer tools.
• Strong communication and coaching skills across shifts.

Responsibilities

• Lead and schedule the maintenance team across both shifts with safety at the core.
• Run the preventive maintenance program and ensure meaningful PM completion.
• Troubleshoot machinery, identify root causes, implement fixes.
• Manage maintenance budget, parts inventory, and vendor contracts.
• Plan major repairs, equipment removals, and installations.
• Coach the team using problem-solving tools and rapid improvement events.
• Provide hands-on electrical work when production requires it.

Skills

Team leadership

Industrial maintenance

Electrical systems

Hydraulics & pneumatics

Read schematics

OSHA lockout/tagout

Maintenance software

Coaching & training

Education

Associate degree or technical certification in industrial maintenance, electrical, or mechanical technology

Job description

About North Coast Container and the Role

North Coast Container is the largest independent steel drum manufacturer in North America. Our goal is simple: to be the customer's preferred container supplier. That depends on equipment that runs safely and on time, every shift.

As Maintenance Manager, you will own the machinery that makes that possible. You will lead the maintenance team, run the preventive maintenance program, manage the department budget, and work with operations to keep improving how our equipment and processes perform.

What You Will Do

• Lead and schedule the maintenance team across both shifts, and keep safety, lockout/tagout, and company policy front and center.
• Run the preventive maintenance program and confirm that PMs get done and make a difference.
• Troubleshoot machinery, find root causes, and put effective fixes in place.
• Manage the maintenance budget, parts inventory, and the PCMB, and look for ways to cut cost.
• Negotiate with outside vendors for parts, services, and project work.
• Plan and schedule major repairs and equipment removals and installations.
• Teach problem-solving tools such as 5-Whys, fishbone, PDSA, and Pareto, train the team using TWI standards, and take part in rapid improvement events and projects.
• Pitch in on hands-on electrical work and repairs when production needs it.

What You Bring

Required

• High school diploma or GED.
• 5+ years of industrial maintenance experience, including 2+ years leading a team.
• Working knowledge of industrial electrical systems, controls, hydraulics, pneumatics, and mechanical drives.
• Ability to read schematics, drawings, and equipment manuals.
• Working knowledge of OSHA requirements for lockout/tagout, machine guarding, and electrical safety.
• Skill with a maintenance management system and basic computer tools.
• Clear communication and the ability to coach a team across shifts.

Preferred

• Associate degree or technical certification in industrial maintenance, electrical, or mechanical technology.
• Experience with press lines, metal forming, or heavy manufacturing equipment.
• Familiarity with lean tools, TWI, and rapid improvement events.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

This is a hands-on role in an active manufacturing plant. You will be on your feet for much of the shift, bending, stooping, reaching, and climbing ladders and platforms. You will lift up to 50 lbs and occasionally work in confined spaces. The plant is loud, so hearing protection is required at all times in production areas, and it gets hot in the summer and cold in the winter. You will be exposed to mechanical, electrical, and atmospheric hazards and will wear required PPE. Overtime, weekend, and on-call work may be needed.

North Coast Container is an equal opportunity employer. We make employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

A pre-employment drug screening will be required upon acceptance of job offer.