Senior Preventative Maintenance Manager / Preventative Maintenance Manager

The Senior Preventative Maintenance Manager at Fluence is responsible for leading the development and execution of the preventative maintenance strategy for the Regional Service group in the Americas. This includes directing maintenance teams, developing project-specific maintenance plans, and implementing enhancements for operational efficiency. The role also demands ensuring compliance with service agreements, preparing performance reports, and collaborating with various departments on project reliability and quality.

To be considered for the Senior Preventative Maintenance Manager position at Fluence, candidates should ideally possess a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering or similar qualifications with a significant understanding of battery storage systems. Additionally, applicants should have 10-12 years of experience in industrial engineering or related fields, and a strong ability to work autonomously and collaboratively. Strong project management skills and a proven record of delivering excellence are also essential.

The Senior Preventative Maintenance Manager plays a critical role in promoting and establishing a culture of safety excellence at Fluence. By leading a team committed to proactive maintenance practices, assessing operations for safety risks, and ensuring that all maintenance activities meet stringent safety standards, the manager ensures that safety remains a top priority in all aspects of preventative maintenance.

An ideal Senior Preventative Maintenance Manager for Fluence displays a strong drive for excellence, a proactive attitude, and the ability to collaborate in an entrepreneurial environment. Besides extensive experience in preventative maintenance strategies, the candidate should be capable of managing tight deadlines, possess a keen eye for identifying inefficiencies, and have a willingness to take ownership of their responsibilities.

The Senior Preventative Maintenance Manager role at Fluence entails approximately 25% travel, primarily to oversee preventative maintenance operations and collaborate with teams across the Americas. However, candidates should be open to more travel initially, especially during the transition and implementation phases of new projects.

When answering this question, focus on a specific example where you identified an inefficiency in a maintenance process, the steps you took to implement improvements, and the positive outcome, such as cost savings or enhanced operational efficiency. Highlight your analytical skills and teamwork during this project.

Discuss your approach to building a safety culture, such as regular safety training sessions, open communication regarding safety concerns, and setting clear expectations. Mention how you would engage your team in discussions about safety protocols to ensure compliance and awareness.

Be prepared to discuss specific metrics such as equipment downtime, maintenance costs, and compliance with service agreements. Explain how you monitor these metrics to evaluate the success of your maintenance programs and make necessary adjustments.

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to articulate a challenging project, detailing the difficulties you encountered, the actions you took to address them, and the successful outcome. This will demonstrate your problem-solving and leadership skills.

Show your commitment to professional development by mentioning conferences, webinars, industry publications, or professional networks you engage with. Describe how you implement new knowledge into your maintenance programs.

Discuss your experience with creating detailed budgets, monitoring expenses, and analyzing historical data to predict future costs. Include examples of how you have achieved cost-saving measures without compromising on safety or quality.

Explain your conflict resolution approach, emphasizing open dialogue and understanding diverse perspectives. Share how you foster a team atmosphere where everyone feels valued and can express opinions constructively.

Communicate the importance of clear and open communication in fostering team collaboration, maintaining safety protocols, and ensuring project success. You might share specific examples of effective communication strategies you've employed in past roles.

Share a situation where collaboration was key to a project's success, highlighting the steps you took to communicate effectively with different stakeholders and the positive impact your collaboration had on project outcomes.

Use this question to express your genuine interest in Fluence and its mission. Discuss how the role aligns with your career aspirations, your passion for safety and operational excellence, and your eagerness to contribute to a forward-thinking organization.