About this role
Overview Ensure the reliability, availability, safety, and cost-effectiveness of the company’s assets, including chassis, containers, gensets, and related equipment across the region. This role provides strategic leadership for all maintenance operations, supporting business growth, operational excellence, and customer service objectives. Responsibilities Strategic Leadership • Develop and execute the regional maintenance strategy. • Establish policies, procedures, and maintenance standards. • Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance asset utilization and operational performance. Budget & Financial Management • Manage the Maintenance budget and P&L. • Drive cost reduction initiatives while maintaining equipment reliability and service quality. • Oversee forecasting, capital planning, and resource allocation. Asset Reliability & Maintenance Performance • Ensure effective preventive and corrective maintenance programs. • Improve equipment availability and minimize downtime. • Monitor maintenance KPIs and implement corrective actions when needed. Vendor & Contract Management • Lead supplier selection, contract negotiations, and vendor performance management. • Ensure compliance with safety, quality, and commercial requirements. • Optimize repair, leasing, and maintenance service agreements. Safety, Compliance & Risk Management • Ensure compliance with corporate policies, regulatory requirements, and industry standards. • Promote a strong safety culture throughout the maintenance organization. • Lead investigations and corrective actions related to maintenance incidents. People Leadership • Lead, coach, and develop maintenance managers, supervisors, and technical teams. • Drive talent development, succession planning, and performance management. • Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and operational excellence. Projects & Capital Investments • Oversee capital projects and equipment modernization initiatives. • Support implementation of new maintenance technologies, systems, and processes. • Ensure CAPEX projects are delivered on time and within budget Regional Operational Support • Partner with Operations, Marine, Terminal, and Transportation teams to ensure equipment availability and service continuity. • Support critical business initiatives and operational challenges across Central America and adjacent markets. Mission of the Role To provide strategic and operational leadership that maximizes asset availability, ensures regulatory compliance, controls maintenance costs, and supports reliable, safe, and efficient operations throughout Central America while contributing to the company's profitability and long-term growth Qualifications Key Decisions Owned 1. Asset Maintenance Strategy • Approve regional preventive and corrective maintenance strategies. • Determine maintenance standards, programs, and inspection frequencies. • Prioritize equipment reliability initiatives and asset life-cycle management. 2. Budget and Capital Allocation • Approve maintenance operating expenditures within approved authority levels. • Prioritize and recommend CAPEX investments for equipment replacement, refurbishment, and modernization. • Allocate resources across countries and business units to maximize asset availability and return on investment. 3. Repair vs. Replacement Decisions • Determine whether assets should be repaired, refurbished, retired, or replaced. • Approve major repair projects and equipment recovery initiatives. • Balance maintenance costs against operational and financial impacts. 4. Vendor and Contract Management • Select and approve strategic maintenance vendors and service providers. • Lead contract negotiations and approve service agreements within delegated authority. • Evaluate vendor performance and decide on continuation or replacement of suppliers. 5. Safety and Compliance Risk Decisions • Determine corrective actions required following maintenance audits, incidents, or regulatory findings. • Approve equipment restrictions, grounding, or removal from service when safety or compliance risks exist. • Ensure compliance with FMCSA, IICL, company standards, and applicable regulations. 6. Organization and Talent Decisions • Make hiring, promotion, succession planning, and organizational structure recommendations. • Determine workforce allocation across countries and maintenance facilities. • Drive performance management actions for maintenance leadership teams. 7. Operational Prioritization • Decide which assets and locations receive maintenance resources during equipment shortages or peak demand periods. • Prioritize critical repairs that support customer commitments and network reliability. • Approve contingency maintenance plans during operational disruptions. 8. Process, Systems, and Technology Implementation • Approve the implementation of new maintenance systems, tools, SOPs, and process improvements. • Sponsor automation and digitalization initiatives that improve maintenance productivity and visibility. • Approve regional maintenance performance metrics and reporting frame The Maintenance Director owns strategic and financial decisions affecting asset reliability, maintenance spending, regulatory compliance, vendor management, fleet life-cycle planning, and the overall effectiveness of the maintenance organization. The role is accountable for ensuring that maintenance resources, investments, and priorities support safe, reliable, and cost-effective operations across Central America while delivering business and customer performance objectives.