Job Description

We are seeking a highly motivated Maintenance & Reliability Manager to lead all maintenance, reliability, and asset integrity activities for our complex chemical manufacturing facility. This plant leadership staff position will partner closely with Operations, Engineering, EHS, and Supply Chain teams and is responsible for developing and executing strategies that ensure the safe, reliable, and cost-effective operation of plant equipment and systems.

The Maintenance & Reliability Manager will provide leadership to maintenance personnel, planners, and 3rd party contract resources while driving continuous improvement in equipment performance, maintenance processes, and workforce capability. The successful candidate will be a hands-on leader who combines strong technical expertise with a passion for safety, operational excellence, and talent development.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead and develop the maintenance and reliability team, including planners and technicians
Drive a safety-first culture and ensure compliance with all safety and environmental requirements
Oversee execution of preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance programs
Implement and sustain effective planning and scheduling processes
Improve equipment reliability and uptime through data-driven decision making
Lead root cause failure analysis (RCFA) and implement corrective actions
Manage maintenance budgets, cost control, and resource allocation
Partner with Operations and Engineering to align priorities and improve plant performance
Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) including uptime, MTBF, MTTR, and schedule compliance
Support capital projects, equipment upgrades, and long-term asset strategies

Qualifications

8+ years of maintenance and/or reliability experience in manufacturing or industrial operations
Prior leadership experience managing maintenance teams
Strong knowledge of CMMS systems (SAP, Maximo, or similar)
Experience with preventive/predictive maintenance and reliability tools
Proven problem-solving and root cause analysis skills
Strong communication, leadership, and organizational skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related technical field preferred

Why Join Us?

Opportunity to lead and shape maintenance and reliability strategy at a critical manufacturing site

Work with a collaborative leadership team focused on operational excellence

Competitive compensation and benefits package

Career growth and development opportunities

Apply today to join Stepan Company and help shape the future of our Wilmington site.

#LI-RV1 #LI-ONSITE

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Established in 1932, Stepan Company is a major manufacturer of basic and intermediate chemicals including surfactants, polymers, as well as specialty ingredients that go into consumer, household, and institutional products such as laundry detergents, shampoos, and surface cleaners. Stepan Company currently has 19 global manufacturing locations and over 2,400 employees. We have a strong record of growth. Our growth allows us to provide meaningful career opportunities and stability to our team members. We have big goals at Stepan and know every team member will be crucial to achieving our objectives. Regardless of function, we are looking for team members who bring with them a growth mindset, an entrepreneurial spirit, and the ability to thrive in an evolving environment.

We celebrate diversity at Stepan and are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive environment. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetic information, disability, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.

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