Operations Maintenance Gatekeeper

The Operations Maintenance Gatekeeper (OMG) utilizes technical knowledge of the process and equipment to identify and facilitate completion of maintenance work needs within the Area Business Team (ABT). The OMG interfaces closely with the Maintenance Business Team to ensure work is properly planned, scheduled in alignment with plant availability, and value added to the business. This role provides a knowledgeable, field focused resource who ensures work requests, task lists, and maintenance activities support plant reliability, operating discipline, and continuous improvement.

The Infrastructure Services workgroup supports the Michigan Operations I-Park, 954 Chemical Distribution, Energy & Utilities.  This encompasses safe operation and maintaining reliable service for Throx assets, energy distribution assets, utility distribution assets, and all other assets aligned to Infrastructure Services.

The following are some key responsibilities:   

The main accountabilities of the Operations Maintenance Gatekeeper are:

• Collaborate with Tech Staff to manage the maintenance budget for the Area Business Team
• Ensure the preventive maintenance plan is carried out in the ABT
• Screen maintenance work requests based on value, quality, resourcing availability and priority
• Communicate maintenance needs and equipment preparations within the ABT 
• Serve as a mentor to the operations team and coach them on simple maintenance tasks, equipment care, troubleshooting and quality work order submissions

The Operations Maintenance Gatekeeper is responsible to:

• Prioritize maintenance activities for ABT in alignment with the production schedule and business needs
• Maintain the Cost of work to align with the maintenance budget allocated to the ABT, including approval for working overtime or on the weekend for maintenance activities
• Apply benefit/cost screening to all maintenance work requests

• Ensure predictive and preventive maintenance plans are properly prioritized, planned, scheduled and completed
• Ensure the maintenance work carried out meets expectations. Once work is complete, ensure the work has been accepted by the operations team
• Ensure proper work order closure once work is completed
• Coach operators to troubleshoot plant issues, resolve problems themselves and utilize continuous improvement methodologies in their daily work activities
• Coach operators to generate high-quality maintenance work orders containing the necessary level of detailed information needed for successful work planning and execution
• Participate in the analysis of the root causes of malfunctions related to ABT equipment
• Support the identification and implementation of improvement solutions
• Participate as needed on project execution teams by performing manufacturing representative tasks as identified and agreed upon with the project manager
• Participate in the preparation and start-up of shutdowns / maintenance turnaround activities
• Serve as Area Business Team focal point for CoreAI and Asset Integrity
• Interface with Maintenance Business Team to plan and schedule work in the Area Business Team
• Work with the Maintenance planners to prioritize work orders
• Work with Maintenance scheduler and Area Business Engineer to optimize the maintenance and production schedules
• Work with Maintenance scheduler to create and maintain maintenance forecasts and daily / weekly schedules aligned with operation needs
• Support the successful application of site policies, management system compliance and applicable EHS standards at the site and within the ABT. Be an influential leader in demonstrating strong commitment to safety and compliance
• Gain a basic knowledge of Continuous Improvement (CI) foundation items related to problem solving which may include Brainstorming, Fishbone, Why-Why, and Prioritization, Lean Principles and 8 Wastes
• Maintain visible leadership in the field, reinforcing safe behaviors and consistent application of operating discipline
• Work with reliability and technical resources to address long term equipment and asset capability gaps
• Maintain awareness of how distribution or production interruptions impact internal partners and customers

Attributes of an Operations Maintenance Gatekeeper include:

• Demonstrates a coaching mindset and ability to teach others
• Good organization and strong communication skills
• Works Closely with Embedded Resources to Prioritize and Complete work based on Plant Availability
• Comfortability challenging work requests if they are not value-added
• Earns respect through technical credibility and consistent follow‑through

Individual Behaviors:

• Develop Resources
• Freedom to Challenge
• Resolve Myself
• Utilize Processes and Procedures
• Model safe behaviors and reinforce Life‑Critical standards

Core Competencies:

• Collaborate
• Think Big
• Own Results
• Adapt

Education/Certification Requirements:

• 10+ years of manufacturing experience
• 5+ years of strong Utility Distribution and/or Facility Operation Experience including underground maintenance and repair experience
• Knowledge of scheduling tools and the SAP work order management system is a must
• Ability to lead by influence, including involving all resources when solving problems
• Able to collect and analyze data needed to make decisions
• Knowledge of the Management of Change process
• Extensive Knowledge of Confined Space Requirements including development of IH Plans and Hole Watch Monitoring.
• Knowledge of EHS&S standards and documents
• Prior experience in startup/shutdown coordination or Technical Advisor‑type roles preferred.