Maintenance and Engineering Director

The Maintenance and Engineering Director provides strategic leadership for maintenance, engineering, facility management, and continuous equipment improvement at Aurubis Richmond. This position is responsible for building and advancing maintenance strategies and processes that improve reliability, safety, and operational performance. The Director leads the site’s technical services, drives continuous improvement and make-or-buy strategies, and ensures maintenance and engineering activities support a safe, compliant, and high-performing manufacturing environment.

• Direct the day-to-day activities of the Maintenance and Engineering organization to support safe, reliable, and efficient plant operations.
• Develop and implement maintenance strategies, processes, standards, and policies that improve equipment availability, reliability, and overall operational performance.
• Establish appropriate preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance strategies for plant equipment and infrastructure.
• Evaluate maintenance approaches, including internal capabilities, external service providers, and make-or-buy strategies.
• Identify and manage technical, process, safety, environmental, and financial risks associated with equipment and maintenance activities and ensure appropriate corrective actions are implemented.
• Partner closely with Production, Supply Chain, HSE, and other site functions to coordinate maintenance priorities and support overall operational objectives.
• Build effective relationships with external contractors, suppliers, service providers, and technical partners.
• Lead, develop, coach, and mentor maintenance and engineering leaders and team members, creating a high-performing organization aligned with Aurubis values.
• Partner with Human Resources to recruit, onboard, develop, and retain qualified employees and ensure appropriate staffing levels, technical capabilities, and succession of critical knowledge.
• Establish clear roles, responsibilities, performance expectations, and KPIs across the Maintenance and Engineering organization.
• Identify training and development needs and ensure employees receive the technical, safety, leadership, and process training necessary to perform successfully.
• Foster an accessible, collaborative leadership approach and maintain strong working relationships across all levels of the organization.

Health, Safety & Environmental

• Champion a strong safety culture within Maintenance and Engineering and serve as a visible role model for safe work practices.
• Ensure compliance with applicable occupational health, safety, and environmental requirements, as well as company policies and procedures.
• Partner with HSE leadership to identify, document, evaluate, and address unsafe conditions, practices, and equipment.
• Ensure identified safety and environmental risks are addressed promptly and appropriate corrective actions are implemented and monitored for effectiveness.
• Promote continuous improvement in safety awareness, risk reduction, and environmental performance throughout the department.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify and lead equipment and maintenance-process improvements that enhance safety, reliability, availability, quality, capacity, cost performance, and environmental performance.
• Develop improvement concepts, evaluate technical solutions, and work with suppliers and contractors to establish project scope, requirements, and preliminary budgets.
• Partner with Production and other site functions to develop and execute continuous improvement initiatives and operational projects.
• Actively support the Aurubis Operating System (AOS) and promote continuous improvement principles throughout the organization.

Budget & Capital Management

• Develop and manage Maintenance and Engineering operating budgets, ensuring alignment with site objectives and broader business strategies.
• Develop the departmental CAPEX plan and support the prioritization and execution of capital investment projects.
• Monitor departmental expenditures and implement appropriate actions to achieve established financial targets.
• Establish mid- and long-term resource plans covering staffing, maintenance requirements, technical services, outside resources, supplies, and other departmental needs.
• Coordinate investment and improvement projects with Operations, Supply Chain, Finance, and other stakeholders.

Strategy

• Develop and execute the Maintenance and Engineering strategy in alignment with Aurubis Richmond's business and operational objectives.
• Establish departmental goals, KPIs, priorities, and tactical plans that support site safety, reliability, production, cost, and performance objectives.
• Translate strategic objectives into actionable plans for Maintenance and Engineering leaders and employees.
• Define, lead, and support strategic technical projects and initiatives that strengthen the long-term performance and reliability of the facility.
• Collaborate across Aurubis' international organization and maintain effective relationships with operational and non-operational stakeholders.

B.S./Masters in Metallurgy, Mechanical Engineering, or comparable experience required.

5–7+ years of progressive leadership experience in maintenance, engineering, technical services, or a related industrial environment.

Previous experience leading a maintenance and/or engineering organization, preferably in a manufacturing, chemical, metallurgical, or heavy industrial setting.

Experience with plant commissioning, start-up, or ramp-up strongly preferred.

Strong knowledge of industrial equipment, maintenance strategies, reliability, and engineering practices.

Working knowledge of OSHA, EPA/EPD, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001 requirements and standards.

Demonstrated ability to lead, develop, and motivate technical teams while driving safety, reliability, quality, and operational performance.

Strong problem-solving, decision-making, organizational, and change-management skills.

Ability to analyze operational data, develop KPIs, and communicate results and recommendations to senior leadership.

Proven ability to collaborate across functions and effectively manage contractors, suppliers, and other external partners.

Strong communication and presentation skills with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels of the organization.

Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Project.

Ability to effectively manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, changing manufacturing environment.

Willingness to travel throughout the facility and domestically or internationally as required.

Second-language proficiency and Lean/Six Sigma certification are preferred.

Must be willing and physically able to observe and walk in a smelter environment.  

Must be willing and physically able to work in varying cold and heat situations.  

Could have times that are prolonged periods of walking, standing, and bending.  

Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.  

Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds at times.  

Ability to travel throughout the facility as required to conduct audits and make observations  

Must wear all required PPE when in protected areas.  

Required to reach and grasp with hands and reach with arms.  

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.  

Willing and physically able to travel domestically and/or internationally if requested.