Qualifications and Experience

Education

• B.Eng./B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering (or related discipline) - required
  
• M.Eng./MBA — added advantage
  
• COREN or equivalent professional registration - preferred
  

Experience

• 12–18+ years post‑qualification experience in heavy process industries (sugar, food & beverage, FMCG, cement, chemicals, petrochemicals, pulp & paper, or power).
  
• At least 5+ years in senior leadership (multi-section/multi-plant responsibility).
  
• Proven leadership of turnarounds, RCM/TPM, and reliability programs.
  

1) Strategy & Governance

• Translate business plans into mechanical asset strategies, policies, standards, and lifecycle plans (design → operate → maintain → upgrade/retire).
  
• Champion Reliability-Centered Maintenance (RCM), Asset Criticality Ranking, and Root Cause Analysis (RCA) across all mechanical disciplines.
  
• Establish and enforce Mechanical Integrity and change management (MOC) processes aligned with statutory and OEM requirements.
  
• Own mechanical sections’ KPIs, dashboards, and governance cadences, drive continuous improvement and cost optimization.
  

2) Operations & Maintenance Leadership

• Lead planning and execution of preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance on critical equipment: melting/processing trains, boilers, steam systems, turbines, power transmission, conveyors, crystallizers, centrifugals, vacuum pans, pumps, gearboxes, compressors, utilities (water, air, cooling water systems), and packaging lines.
  
• Ensure robust maintenance planning & scheduling (weekly, monthly, annual), spares optimization, and work order management through the CMMS.
  

3) Reliability & Performance

• Implement condition monitoring (vibration analysis, thermography, oil analysis) and predictive maintenance programs to reduce unplanned downtime.
  
• Lead RCFA/RCA on chronic failures; institutionalize lessons learned and design-out solutions.
  
• Optimize equipment performance (OEE, MTBF, MTTR) and energy efficiency; eliminate bottlenecks and chronic losses.
  
• Benchmark against internal/external best practice; deploy Kaizen/Lean/Six Sigma initiatives where relevant.
  

4) Projects, Turnarounds & Modifications

• Co-lead mechanical scope in capex projects (brownfield/greenfield), from design reviews (HAZOP/HAZID) to commissioning & start-up.
  
• Manage retrofits, upgrades, debottlenecking, and fabrication through in-house workshops and vendors, ensuring quality and compliance.
  
• Ensure MOC, design standards, and asset data integrity are maintained throughout the project lifecycle.
  

5) HSE & Compliance

• Enforce Zero Harm culture and compliance with OSHA/Factory Acts, pressure vessel/boiler codes, lifting equipment regulations, and OEM standards.
  
• Conduct/oversee risk assessments (JSA, PTW, Lockout/Tagout, confined space) and ensure timely closure of audit actions.
  
• Maintain statutory records, certifications, and inspections for mechanical assets.
  

6) People Leadership & Capability

• Build a high‑performing team: support recruitment, coach, and develop mechanical managers/engineers/technicians; define roles, succession pipelines, and development plans.
  
• Drive cross-functional collaboration with Operations, Electrical & Instrumentation, Projects, HSE, QA/QC, and Supply Chain.
  
• Foster a culture of discipline, accountability, data-driven decisions, and continuous learning.