Sr Maintenance and Reliability Manager

ascendperformancematerials; Pensacola (FL); On-site; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Ascend Performance Materials is seeking a Sr. Maintenance and Reliability Manager in Pensacola, FL to lead maintenance and reliability transformations across the site.

The role focuses on predictive analytics, standardizing work processes, and safety-aligned execution to boost OEE and profitability. You will partner with leadership, manage a team of maintenance and reliability professionals, and ensure execution of AOP commitments while driving continuous improvement and best practices across

Qualifications

• Minimum 15 years of experience in operations, reliability, maintenance, and/or engineering leadership roles.
• Minimum 10 years in the chemical or petrochemical industry.
• Proven experience leading large-scale maintenance and reliability transformations.
• Maintenance and Reliability Professional certification preferred.
• Professional Engineering license preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the site's reliability and maintenance team.
• Partner with the Site Director and Leadership Team to resolve operational constraints and drive strategic initiatives.
• Set clear objectives and expectations for direct reports and foster a collaborative, values-driven culture.
• Deliver Annual Operating Plan (AOP) commitments and adjust plans to address emerging site priorities.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic leadership

Operational leadership

SAP maintenance systems

Predictive analytics

Turnaround planning

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Coaching & communication

Change leadership

Education

Professional Engineering license preferred

Maintenance & Reliability certification preferred

Tools

SAP

Job description

Position Title: Sr. Maintenance and Reliability Manager

Location: Pensacola, Florida

Position Overview

Ascend Performance Materials is a global leader in high-performance chemicals, fibers and plastics, committed to enhancing quality of life through innovation. With fully integrated manufacturing facilities across North America, Europe, and Asia, we develop essential solutions that drive safer vehicles, cleaner energy, advanced medical devices, and durable consumer goods. Guided by a strong focus on safety, sustainability, and customer success, we operate responsibly while delivering value through cutting-edge technologies and industry expertise. Join our team and be part of a collaborative environment where your work drives meaningful global impact.

Targeted Outcomes

• Establish and execute a multi-year strategic plan to transform maintenance and reliability, delivering improved productivity, reduced downtime, and cost effectiveness.
• Lead the organization through a successful reliability transformation by instilling discipline in maintenance execution and predictive strategies.
• Cultivate a high-performing team culture focused on innovation, safety, and continuous improvement.
• Achieve significant improvements in business profitability through optimized maintenance planning, turnaround execution, and reliability investments.

Responsibilities

Leadership

• Lead and develop the site's reliability and maintenance team, ensuring effective execution and capability growth.
• Partner with the Site Director and Leadership Team to resolve operational constraints and drive strategic initiatives.
• Set clear objectives and expectations for direct reports and foster a collaborative, values-driven culture.
• Promote Ascend's One Ascend mindset and a customer-focused approach throughout the organization.
• Deliver Annual Operating Plan (AOP) commitments and adjust plans to address emerging site priorities.

Maintenance

• Drive execution of safe, cost-effective, and regulatory-compliant maintenance activities and projects.
• Lead the implementation of standardized maintenance work processes (MWP) and reliability frameworks aligned with industry best practices.
• Ensure optimized use of SAP and maintenance systems for effective planning and execution.
• Oversee development of turnaround strategies and continuous improvement initiatives.

Reliability

• Develop and implement reliability strategies centered on predictive and preventive maintenance across mechanical and instrumentation systems.
• Prioritize maintenance investments and capital expenditures that maximize Operational Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).
• Instill a proactive, data-driven reliability culture in collaboration with operations and engineering.
• Ensure alignment of reliability goals with process safety and work process optimization.

Reports To

Senior Site Director

Team and Interactions

• Direct Reports: 3 Maintenance and Reliability Managers
• Total Organization: Approximately 75 Ascend and contractor team members
• Works closely with operations, engineering, ESSH, and the central reliability team to deliver performance outcomes.

Required Experience

• Minimum 15 years of experience in operations, reliability, maintenance, and/or engineering leadership roles.
• Minimum 10 years in the chemical or petrochemical industry.
• Proven experience leading large-scale maintenance and reliability transformations.
• Maintenance and Reliability Professional certification preferred.
• Professional Engineering license preferred.

Required Skills

• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop large technical teams in dynamic environments.
• Strong strategic and operational leadership capabilities.
• Expertise in maintenance systems (SAP), predictive analytics, and turnaround planning.
• Excellent interpersonal, coaching, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage complex projects and drive alignment across cross-functional teams.
• Deep knowledge of world-class maintenance and reliability standards and practices.
• High tolerance for ambiguity and adeptness in leading change.

At Ascend Performance Materials, we value transparency and fairness in our hiring process. We do not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters, search firms, or staffing agencies. Any resumes received from such entities will be considered the property of Ascend Performance Materials, and we will not be obligated to pay any fees for such submissions. Our Talent Acquisition Team actively engages with preferred recruitment partners who have established agreements with us. We encourage all interested