Maintenance & Facilities Manager at Aero Industries Inc – Indianapolis, Indiana

About Aero Industries:

Aero Industries, Inc. is a global leader in the manufacturing of tarp systems and trailer accessories. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, we serve customers nationwide through a strong dealer network and additional locations in Nebraska and Ohio.

With over 80 years of success as a family-owned business, Aero has built its reputation on quality, innovation, and long-standing customer relationships. Our continued growth is powered by a dedicated workforce and a deep commitment to supporting our employees.

Purpose and Scope

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Facilities & Maintenance Manager to oversee the efficient, safe, and cost-effective operation of our manufacturing facilities and equipment. This consolidated role is responsible for managing all aspects of the facilities—including infrastructure, safety, and compliance—while simultaneously directing the maintenance operations for all machinery and equipment. The primary objective is to ensure optimal functioning of the physical plant and production equipment, implement robust preventive maintenance programs, minimize unexpected downtime, and provide a safe, productive working environment for all employees.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Facility Operations & Infrastructure Management

•Develop and implement comprehensive facility management strategies, policies, and procedures to optimize space, resources, and utility consumption.

•Oversee the scheduling and execution of building maintenance, repairs, renovations, and groundskeeping to ensure the facility is maintained to the highest standards.

•Manage day-to-day operations of building systems, including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, compressed air, and wastewater systems.

•Collaborate with various departments to ensure facility activities do not disrupt manufacturing operations.

Maintenance Planning & Equipment Reliability

•Develop, implement, and optimize a comprehensive preventive and predictive maintenance program for all manufacturing equipment (e.g., CNC machines, high-frequency welders, saws) and facility infrastructure.

•Direct and coordinate the repair, servicing, and troubleshooting of machinery to minimize downtime and maximize production efficiency.

•Utilize Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) to track work orders, schedule routine maintenance, monitor KPIs, and generate performance reports.

•Develop and maintain a critical inventory of spare parts, tools, and supplies, balancing availability with cost control.

Leadership & Team Development

•Lead, mentor, and supervise a team of maintenance technicians and facility staff, fostering a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

•Recruit, train, and evaluate department personnel, setting performance goals and providing regular feedback.

•Provide technical guidance and support for complex troubleshooting, including PLC programming and electrical diagnostics.

Safety, Health & Environmental Compliance

•Ensure absolute compliance with all applicable safety regulations, building codes, and environmental standards (e.g., OSHA, EPA).

•Enforce safety policies, including Lock-Out/Tag-Out, confined space entry, and proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

•Conduct regular safety inspections and facility audits; investigate incidents and implement corrective actions.

•Coordinate with the Safety Manager to ensure readiness for fire, safety, and environmental inspections, and maintain all necessary permits and licenses.

Budgeting & Vendor Management

•Develop and manage the annual budget for both facility operations and the maintenance department, tracking expenses and reporting on variances.

•Identify cost-saving opportunities and implement strategies for energy conservation, waste reduction, and resource optimization.

•Source, negotiate contracts with, and oversee the work of external vendors, contractors, and service providers.

•Evaluate vendor performance to ensure cost-effective, high-quality, and reliable services.

Experience and Education Requirements

•Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Facilities Management, or a related field. (Master’s degree or equivalent combination of education and 10+ years of professional experience may be substituted).

•Experience: 5+ years of proven experience in maintenance and facilities management, specifically within a manufacturing or industrial environment.

•Certifications: Certified Facility Manager (CFM), Certified Professional Maintenance Manager (CPMM), or similar credentials preferred.

Required Skills and Qualifications

•Technical Expertise: Strong technical knowledge of fabrication equipment (CNC machines, welders, saws, air compressors) and building systems (HVAC, electrical, plumbing).

•Troubleshooting: Hands-on experience performing PLC troubleshooting, repair, and programming, as well as electrical circuitry diagnostics.

•Software Proficiency: Proficient in using Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) and standard office software (MS Word, Excel, Outlook).

•Leadership: Excellent managerial skills with the ability to motivate a team, resolve conflicts, and drive performance.

•Financial Acumen: Proficiency in budget management, cost control, capital expenditure planning, and resource allocation.

•Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, capable of interacting effectively with employees at all levels, external vendors, and regulatory agencies.

•Problem Solving: Strong analytical and decision-making abilities, with a capacity to work effectively under pressure and respond to urgent facility needs.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

•The work environment consists of both office settings and a manufacturing plant floor, which may involve exposure to noise, varying temperatures, dust, and moving machinery.

•Must be able to ascend and descend stairways, ladders, and ramps. Specific tasks may require standing for long periods, climbing, walking, lifting (up to 50 lbs), grasping, kneeling, bending, and twisting.

•Requires the mental and visual ability to read mechanical/electrical drawings, instructions, gauges, and meters.

This posting in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by their supervisor.