Reliability Manager

Company Name: Confidential Manufacturing Organization

Location: Indiana

Position Title: Reliability Manager

The Opportunity:
This is a highly visible, high-impact leadership role designed for a reliability professional who thrives in building systems from the ground up. You will step into a manufacturing environment that is actively seeking to elevate its reliability function, offering you the opportunity to take full ownership of strategy, execution, and long-term transformation.

Unlike roles where processes are already mature, this position requires someone who can establish structure, define standards, and implement preventive and predictive maintenance programs in a setting where foundational systems are still developing. Your work will directly influence equipment uptime, operational efficiency, and cost performance across the facility.

You will operate as the site’s subject matter expert, leading efforts to eliminate recurring failures, improve asset performance, and instill best practices across maintenance and operations. With autonomy to design and implement reliability initiatives, you will play a critical role in shaping the plant’s future state.

This is an ideal opportunity for someone who wants to make a tangible impact, build a program from scratch, and be recognized as a key driver of operational excellence within a plant environment that is ready for change.

The Company:
This organization is a well-established player within the manufacturing sector, operating multiple facilities and supporting both internal operations and external customers across regional and broader markets. The business combines the capabilities and scale of an integrated manufacturer with the agility and responsiveness of a more entrepreneurial organization.

With a strong focus on operational performance and continuous improvement, the company emphasizes efficiency, reliability, and sustainability in its processes. Its facilities handle high volumes of raw materials and convert them into essential products that support downstream operations and customer demand.

The culture is performance-driven, with a clear focus on innovation, cost control, and improving plant operations. This environment rewards individuals who can think independently, drive change, and deliver measurable results.

The Boss:
The Reliability Manager reports directly to the Maintenance Manager, positioning this role at the center of the plant’s operational leadership team. The Maintenance Manager leads the overall maintenance function and relies heavily on this role to bring expertise in reliability strategy and execution.

You will serve as the primary authority on reliability within the facility, working closely with both maintenance and operations teams to improve performance and reduce downtime. While the role offers autonomy and independence, you will also have access to broader organizational support and best practices from other sites, providing a balance of flexibility and guidance.

This reporting relationship offers the opportunity to influence key decisions, collaborate with leadership, and drive meaningful improvements across the operation.

The Position:
The Reliability Manager is responsible for developing, implementing, and sustaining the site’s reliability program. This includes establishing preventive and predictive maintenance strategies, leading root cause failure analysis efforts, and driving continuous improvement initiatives that enhance plant performance.

The role is both strategic and hands-on, requiring a leader who can balance long-term planning with day-to-day execution. You will collaborate cross-functionally to ensure reliability initiatives align with operational goals and deliver measurable results.

Essential Functions (Other duties may be assigned):

• Lead and supervise the reliability function, including two lubrication technicians
• Design and implement a comprehensive reliability program
• Develop and optimize preventive and predictive maintenance strategies
• Conduct and lead root cause failure analysis to eliminate recurring issues
• Establish maintenance standards, processes, and best practices
• Oversee vibration analysis, oil analysis, and lubrication programs
• Utilize KPIs and maintenance metrics to drive performance improvements
• Collaborate with operations and maintenance to reduce downtime and improve efficiency
• Leverage CMMS and data systems to track and analyze maintenance activities
• Coordinate with vendors and contractors for specialized services
• Lead initiatives to improve safety, reduce costs, and increase equipment uptime
• Participate in on-call responsibilities

Qualifications:

• Strong expertise in preventive and predictive maintenance methodologies
• Proven ability to lead and execute root cause failure analysis
• Deep understanding of reliability tools, including condition monitoring techniques
• Demonstrated ability to build systems and processes in low-maturity environments
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities
• Ability to work independently while influencing cross-functional teams
• Experience utilizing maintenance management systems and data tools

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field
• Experience in reliability, maintenance engineering, or a closely related role
• Background in heavy manufacturing environments preferred
• Experience building or enhancing reliability programs strongly preferred
• Prior leadership or supervisory experience is beneficial

Competencies:

• Independent leadership and self-direction
• Strategic thinking combined with strong execution
• Effective communication and cross-functional influence
• Practical, hands-on problem solving
• Continuous improvement mindset
• Data-driven decision making

Work Environment:
This role operates within a manufacturing plant environment and requires a hands-on presence on the floor. The position involves direct interaction with equipment, maintenance personnel, and operational processes, as well as participation in on-call rotations.