We are seeking an experienced and strategic Director of Valve Maintenance and Operations to lead the planning, execution, and continuous improvement of valve maintenance programs across our facilities. This role is responsible for ensuring the optimal performance, reliability, and safety of all valve systems—critical to our operational efficiency. The Director will oversee valve maintenance teams, manage compliance with industry and regulatory standards, and drive best-in-class operational practices.
Key Responsibilities:
Valve Maintenance Strategy & Execution:
Develop and implement comprehensive maintenance strategies for all valve types, including control valves, safety relief valves, isolation valves, and automated valves.
Ensure timely execution of preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance activities.
Oversee valve refurbishment, calibration, and testing processes in compliance with OEM standards and industry best practices.
Operations Oversight:
Lead daily operations related to valve system performance, maintenance scheduling, and asset availability.
Coordinate with operations and production teams to minimize downtime and schedule maintenance activities with minimal disruption.
Manage valve performance metrics and recommend improvements based on reliability data.
Team Leadership & Development:
Manage and mentor a team of valve technicians, engineers, and planners.
Promote a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous learning within the team.
Conduct skills assessments and provide training to ensure technical competency.
Reliability & Continuous Improvement:
Use tools such as Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and Reliability-Centered Maintenance (RCM) to investigate failures and improve reliability.
Analyze maintenance trends and valve failure data to reduce recurrence and extend valve life.
Drive initiatives for standardization, parts rationalization, and digital transformation of valve operations.
Compliance & Safety:
Ensure all valve maintenance work adheres to regulatory requirements (e.g., API, ASME, OSHA) and company safety policies.
Lead internal and external audits related to valve integrity and documentation.
Maintain accurate records for valve inspections, repairs, and certifications.
Budget & Vendor Management:
Manage budgets for valve maintenance programs, including labor, spare parts, and external service providers.
Evaluate and manage vendors, ensuring quality, timeliness, and cost-effectiveness in services and materials.
Negotiate service contracts and develop long-term supplier relationships.
Qualifications and Skills:
Educational Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Maintenance, or a related field.
Advanced degree or MBA is a plus.
Experience:
10+ years of progressive experience in valve maintenance, operations, or mechanical asset management.
5+ years in a leadership role overseeing valve maintenance programs in industrial environments such as oil & gas, power generation, refining, or heavy manufacturing.
Proven experience with CMMS systems and valve diagnostics technologies.
Skills:
Deep knowledge of valve types, configurations, failure modes, and maintenance practices.
Strong project management and organizational skills.
Excellent leadership, communication, and decision-making abilities.
Familiarity with regulatory codes and safety standards (API 6D, API 570, ASME, OSHA, etc.).
Preferred Certifications:
API 510/570/598 or equivalent valve inspection certifications.
Certified Maintenance & Reliability Professional (CMRP).
OSHA safety certification or equivalent.