Maintenance and Plant engineering Manager

Overview

Norbec is seeking a Plant Maintenance & Manufacturing Engineering Department Manager to support and coordinate the site during the expansion of our new 150,000 ft² manufacturing facility in Strathroy, Ontario. This role will play a key part in leading capital projects, equipment selection, installation and commissioning, and continuous improvement initiatives as production ramps up and the facility continues to grow.

This is an in‑person role for a hands‑on engineering leader who enjoys being on the shop floor, taking ownership of capital projects from concept through start‑up, and working closely with cross‑functional teams in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment.

Vision and Company

Norbec is a Canadian‑owned company and a North American market leader specializing in the manufacturing of prefabricated walk‑in coolers and freezers, doors, and architectural insulated metal panels. We provide cost‑effective, time‑saving alternatives to traditional construction methods while improving energy efficiency and structural performance. Our vision emphasizes collaboration, engagement, and customer experience as foundations of success and reputation. These values are applied every day by competent and motivated people and have enabled Norbec to become a leading manufacturer of Insulated Metal Panels (IMPs) for Architectural and Building Envelope solutions in Canada. Our unwavering commitment to sustainability, quality, and innovation is at the core of everything we do.

Job Summary

The Plant Maintenance & Engineering Department Manager is responsible for leading and overseeing all Maintenance and Manufacturing Engineering activities at the plant. This role provides strategic and hands‑on leadership to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient manufacturing operations while supporting the expansion and growth of the facility. This role owns capital projects from concept through commissioning, drives continuous improvement initiatives, and ensures equipment reliability and operational readiness as production ramps up.

Responsibilities

• Lead, manage, and provide technical direction to the Maintenance and Manufacturing Engineering teams, ensuring alignment with plant objectives and business priorities.
• Oversee the preparation and review of project documentation, including technical specifications, requests for quotation (RFQs), and capital justification packages.
• Provide leadership oversight for design, construction, and installation activities, including site visits, contractor coordination, and validation of project execution.
• Own capital project planning and execution, including development of project scopes, schedules, budgets, and CAPEX requests, and ensure projects are delivered safely, on time, and within budget.
• Coordinate cross‑functional collaboration with Purchasing, Accounting, R&D, Production, Maintenance, and external suppliers to ensure successful project outcomes.
• Ensure effective installation, commissioning, troubleshooting, and early production support for new and modified equipment, while mentoring engineering and maintenance team members during start‑up phases.
• Maintain a hands‑on presence on the shop floor, providing technical guidance, resolving issues, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives as needed.
• Set priorities and allocate resources across maintenance and engineering activities, balancing short‑term operational needs with long‑term improvement and reliability goals.
• Promote initiative, critical thinking, teamwork, and accountability within the department, while fostering strong attention to detail and structured execution in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment.
• This role combines strategic leadership with operational involvement; for smaller projects or urgent plant needs, the Manager may directly plan, execute, and implement solutions while ensuring appropriate governance and reporting.

Education And Experience Required

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or other relevant field of expertise;
• Minimum 10 years' relevant experience in manufacturing and manufacturing processes;
• Knowledge of continuous lines and PLCs;
• Experience in continuous improvement (Lean manufacturing, Kaizen, 5 S, Kanban, etc.);
• Experience with Epicor and Interal an asset;
• Knowledge of an MRP/ERP system;
• Microsoft Office Suite and Power BI;

Key Skills Required

• Structured, autonomous, results-oriented;
• Effective management of priorities, projects and deadlines;
• Excellent analytical skills, synthesis and practical problem-solving;
• Flexibility, adaptability and creativity;
• Mobilization, team spirit and communication skills;
• Leadership in change management and managerial courage;
• Customer satisfaction and quality orientation.