Jobs Companies Cleveland-Cliffs Section Manager Maintenance

About this Section Manager Maintenance role at Cleveland-Cliffs

Cleveland-Cliffs · Onsite · Indiana Harbor
Location: East Chicago, IN 
Cleveland-Cliffs is seeking a Section Manager Maintenance to lead maintenance operations within our Indiana Harbor steel facility. This is a high-impact leadership role responsible for driving equipment reliability, workforce performance, and continuous improvement in a complex, heavy industrial environment.

The ideal candidate is a people-first, technically strong leader who thrives in fast-paced manufacturing operations and is passionate about safety, operational excellence, and innovation.

Summary of Responsibilities

  • Direct and develop salaried and hourly maintenance teams to ensure safe, reliable, and cost-effective plant operations.

  • Implement and optimize preventive and predictive maintenance programs to reduce downtime and improve equipment performance.

  • Champion a strong safety culture; ensure compliance with OSHA, environmental, and company standards through audits and daily leadership.

  • Diagnose complex mechanical and electrical issues and lead root-cause problem solving to improve reliability, quality, and productivity.

  • Partner with operations, engineering, contractors, and vendors to prioritize work, coordinate outages, and meet production goals.

  • Manage maintenance budgets, control repair costs, and optimize use of labor, materials, and spare parts.

  • Build a high-performing, engaged workforce; provide coaching, performance management, and development opportunities.

  • Track key performance indicators (downtime, PM compliance, cost) and use data to drive decisions and continuous improvement initiatives.

  • Foster positive labor relations and effective communication across all levels of the organization.

  • Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering OR equivalent relevant experience

  • 5+ years of experience in maintenance, reliability, or engineering within a heavy industrial or manufacturing environment

  • 3+ years of leadership/supervisory experience managing large maintenance or technical teams

  • Strong knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and industrial systems

  • Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex equipment issues and implement solutions

  • Experience with preventive/predictive maintenance systems and CMMS tools

  • Proven ability to lead in a safety-critical environment

Preferred Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, or Metallurgical Engineering

  • Experience in steelmaking or heavy manufacturing environments

  • Certifications such as CMRP, PMP, or Lean/Six Sigma

  • Experience managing budgets, capital projects (CAPEX), and reliability programs

  • Familiarity with union workforce environments

Relocation assistance may be considered for highly qualified candidates from outside the local area.

Cleveland-Cliffs is a leading North America-based steel producer with focus on value-added sheet products, particularly for the automotive industry. The Company is vertically integrated from the mining of iron ore, production of pellets and direct reduced iron, and processing of ferrous scrap through primary steelmaking and downstream finishing, stamping, tooling, and tubing. We offer an excellent total compensation package, including competitive pay with variable compensation opportunity, health insurance, retirement plan, education assistance, paid time off, and more. 

Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to [email protected] or call 1-(312) 899-3097 and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Do not email your application materials to this email address. Application materials sent to this email address will not be considered.

Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. is an equal opportunity employer – M/F/Veteran/Disability. We are a drug-free workplace and conduct pre-employment screening as a condition of employment.

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About Cleveland-Cliffs

Cleveland-Cliffs is the largest flat-rolled steel producer in North America. Founded in 1847 as a mine operator, Cliffs is also the largest manufacturer of iron ore pellets in North America. The Company is vertically integrated from mined raw materials, direct reduced iron, and ferrous scrap to primary steelmaking and downstream finishing, stamping, tooling, and tubing. As a team of more than 30,000 people, we proudly serve a diverse range of markets and are the largest steel supplier to the automotive industry in North America. Built on a strong safety and environmental stewardship legacy, we operate responsibly and are committed to a sustainable future. With ongoing initiatives to reduce w

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