Manager - Mechanical - Beneficiation Plant

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Experience: 15+ yrs

Location: Nashwauk, Minnesota, United States

Job Type: Full-time

We are looking for an experienced Mechanical Maintenance Manager – Beneficiation Plant to lead the maintenance, reliability, and optimization of mechanical equipment and systems within a large-scale beneficiation operation.

The role will be responsible for maximizing equipment availability, reliability, and performance through effective maintenance strategies, equipment optimization, and continuous improvement initiatives. The position will lead maintenance teams, oversee equipment upgrades and installations, manage resources and budgets, and ensure compliance with safety, quality, environmental, and regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, schedule, and oversee preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance activities for all mechanical systems and equipment.
• Ensure reliable and efficient operation of critical beneficiation equipment, including crushers, grinders, screens, pumps, conveyors, and associated machinery.
• Monitor equipment performance and maintenance data to identify recurring failures, reliability risks, and opportunities for improvement.
• Conduct root-cause analysis and implement sustainable solutions to reduce equipment downtime and recurring mechanical issues.
• Evaluate the mechanical performance of existing equipment and recommend process improvements, modifications, and equipment upgrades.
• Lead mechanical projects involving the installation, commissioning, testing, and optimization of new equipment and systems.
• Coordinate with production, electrical, instrumentation, engineering, and other teams to ensure reliable and uninterrupted plant operations.
• Lead, develop, train, and mentor mechanical maintenance teams while promoting a culture of safety, accountability, reliability, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure strict adherence to applicable safety procedures, mechanical standards, environmental requirements, and regulatory guidelines.
• Conduct regular safety inspections, maintenance audits, risk assessments, and training programs for maintenance personnel.
• Manage critical mechanical spare parts, consumables, and inventory to ensure availability while maintaining cost efficiency.
• Develop, monitor, and control maintenance and repair budgets.
• Prepare and review reports covering equipment performance, maintenance activities, reliability metrics, and downtime analysis.
• Maintain accurate technical documentation, including equipment schematics, manuals, maintenance histories, and inspection records.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on equipment reliability, maintenance efficiency, cost optimization, and plant performance.

What Makes You a Great Fit

• 15–20+ years of experience in mechanical maintenance, beneficiation, mining, steel, minerals processing, or a similar heavy industrial environment.
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field; a master’s degree is preferred.
• Proven experience leading large-scale mechanical maintenance operations and multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong technical understanding of beneficiation processes, equipment, and plant operations.
• Hands-on expertise with mechanical equipment such as crushers, grinders, screens, pumps, conveyors, and material-handling systems.
• Strong knowledge of preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance, equipment reliability, and downtime reduction.
• Experience evaluating equipment performance and implementing mechanical upgrades, modifications, and optimization initiatives.
• Strong understanding of process optimization, reliability improvement, and maintenance best practices.
• Familiarity with applicable health, safety, environmental, and regulatory standards in heavy industrial operations.
• Experience managing maintenance budgets, spare-parts inventory, contractors, and operational resources.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting abilities, with a structured approach to root-cause analysis and problem-solving.
• Excellent leadership, communication, team-building, and stakeholder-management skills.
• Ability to work effectively with internal teams, vendors, contractors, and other external stakeholders.
• A proactive, data-driven approach with a strong focus on reliability, operational excellence, safety, and continuous improvement.
• Certifications or formal training in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Reliability, or Process Optimization are an advantage.