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I understand that depending on the size, goal, and vision of a particular site, what a maintenance manager is at one site can be completely different from another. At one site, it would be someone who is expected to get really hands on and actually start troubleshooting along with the mechanics on a particular problem and turning a wrench. At that point, it appears that that kind of maintenance manager is more of a super mechanic with admin skills that he is expected to do.

At other sites, the maintenance manager is expected to be someone who oversees things, has technical literacy, but is not expected to actually get down on his hands and knees and start turning a wrench. And the last 4 or 5 maintenance managers that were in this position at my plant, none of them were former mechanics.. All were engineering grads... Also, perhaps coordination and being able to direct and oversee troubleshooting and provide direction, but not turning a wrench. This model is more of what is at my site.  

I am curious as to the level of effort at your site regarding the maintenance manager and how deeply he gets involved in actual day to day activities to include wrench turning, active trouble shooting etc... 

Thanks. 

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Christopher Lee, P.E., CMRP, PMP
Maintenance Manager
Ecolab
Martinsburg WV
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Christopher,

It all depends on the size, scope, and culture of the organization.  The "Maintenance Manager" title is used for a very varied depth of responsibilities, from a person who directs 5 to 10 technicians at a small operation, to someone who is responsible for +120 technicians and management who manages, maintenance, reliability, stores, TSOs, and possibly some capital projects.  For sure, the MM will be immersed in day-to-day in the smaller role, but most likely will have difficulty finding time to get into the plant on the subsequent role.

Culture also plays a significant role in what the organization believes a maintenance managers responsibilities include.  For instance, if it is a more reactive organization and doesn't understand the benefits and workings of proactive activities, then most likely the MM will be involved in all things including trouble shooting and even repairing equipment on the floor.  But if the organization is mature and understands how proactive activities help, then it will give the MM more autonomy and allow them to structure their time as what's best for the site.

If you would like to understand how to go from a reactive to a proactive organization, just reach out to me and I'll give you some insight.

Sincerely,

Matthew Meyer

Executive Consultant - Allied Reliability

mmeyer@alliedreliability.com

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Matthew Meyer
Allied Reliability
Valrico, FL
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