The Operations Manager – Mechanical Systems oversees the daily operation and reliability of all mechanical equipment and systems within the facility. This role bridges operations and maintenance, ensuring mechanical assets perform safely, efficiently, and in alignment with production or service goals. The manager leads a team of supervisors, engineers, and technicians, driving continuous improvement and operational excellence.
Mechanical Operations Oversight
Direct day-to-day operation of critical mechanical systems (turbines, compressors, pumps, HVAC, piping networks) to meet production targets.
Coordinate with Control Room and Operations teams to optimize equipment load, start-up/shutdown sequences, and process integration.
Reliability & Maintenance Collaboration
Partner with Maintenance leadership to develop and execute preventive and predictive maintenance strategies (RCM, CBM, vibration, oil analysis).
Ensure timely resolution of mechanical failures and coordinate root-cause investigations.
Team Leadership & Development
Supervise mechanical supervisors, engineers, and technical staff; set performance objectives and conduct regular reviews.
Identify skills gaps and implement training, mentoring, and competency-building programs.
Performance Monitoring & KPI Management
Establish and track key metrics: equipment availability, mean time between failures (MTBF), mean time to repair (MTTR), overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
Analyze performance data, identify trends, and drive corrective actions to improve mechanical uptime and efficiency.
Safety & Compliance
Enforce adherence to HSE standards (LOTO, confined space, PPE) and ensure mechanical operations comply with relevant codes (API, ASME, OSHA).
Lead safety audits, incident investigations, and implement lessons learned.
Budgeting & Resource Planning
Prepare and manage operating budgets for mechanical utilities, spare parts, and contractor services.
Optimize staffing levels, contractor utilization, and material resources to control costs.
Continuous Improvement & Innovation
Champion Lean and Six Sigma initiatives to streamline mechanical workflows, reduce waste, and enhance reliability.
Evaluate and pilot new technologies (digital monitoring, automation, IIoT sensors) to advance mechanical performance.
Cross-Functional Coordination
Work closely with Engineering, Projects, Quality, and Supply Chain to plan turnarounds, modifications, and capital upgrades.
Serve as mechanical operations liaison in daily operations meetings and emergency response drills.
Maximize mechanical asset uptime through proactive operational controls and rapid failure response.
Leverage real-time dashboards and historical data to optimize operating parameters and maintenance intervals.
Build a safety-first, performance-driven culture; empower teams with clear goals, accountability, and development pathways.
Balance operational demands with cost control—optimize energy use, spare inventory, and contractor spend.
Drive implementation of smart maintenance tools and automation to enhance system monitoring and reduce manual interventions.
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field; Master’s or MBA a plus
Experience: 8–12 years in mechanical operations or maintenance within industrial or utility environments, including 3–5 years in a leadership role
Certifications: CMRP, Lean/Six Sigma, PMP or relevant technical certifications desirable
Strong technical understanding of rotating and static mechanical equipment
Proven leadership in cross-functional industrial operations
Excellent analytical skills with proficiency in CMMS/APM tools and data visualization
Effective communicator, conflict resolver, and change leader
Deep commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement
Onsite role in industrial plant or utility environments; regular site visits required
May involve shift-work coordination and availability during critical operations or emergencies
PPE compliance and adherence to all site safety protocols mandatory