About Clayton's:
This full-time position is based in Truganina, VIC, Australia. We welcome applications from international candidates, with relocation assistance and employer-sponsored visa support available for successful applicants.
At Clayton's, we design, manufacture, supply and install kitchens, stone benchtops, outdoor kitchens and wardrobes of the highest quality. With a state-of-the-art facility spanning 15,000 square meters and a dedicated team of professionals, we have been serving the Australian building and renovation industry since 1982. Manufacturing excellence remains our goal, and it is at the heart of what we do. Our solutions in joinery and stone benchtops are backed by prompt and reliable customer service nationally.
In 2022 Claytons celebrated 40 years of success in business. It is a proud milestone for the company and we acknowledge all those who have worked hard over the years and contributed to our success.
Position Summary
The Maintenance Manager is responsible for ensuring all manufacturing equipment, particularly HOMAG machinery, operates at optimal performance, reliability, and consistency.
This is a technical leadership role, not a reactive maintenance function.
The role will:
- Own machine performance, uptime, and reliability
- Develop and implement a preventive and predictive maintenance strategy
- Eliminate recurring breakdowns and instability
- Drive structured maintenance systems (CMMS, RCA, CAR)
- Work closely with Manufacturing, Engineering, and IT to ensure machines support production targets
The Maintenance Manager is accountable for moving the business from:
- Reactive breakdown response to Preventive & predictive maintenance
- Unstable machines to Reliable, repeatable performance
- Individual knowledge to System-based maintenance control
Key Responsibilities
1. Machinery Reliability & Performance (Core Responsibility)
- Own performance of all manufacturing equipment, with focus on HOMAG machine
- Ensure machines operate within defined capability and tolerance
- Drive machine uptime, stability, and repeatability
- Eliminate chronic failures and recurring issues
2. Preventive & Predictive Maintenance Strategy
- Develop and implement a structured preventive maintenance program
- Introduce predictive maintenance where applicable (data-driven)
- Define maintenance intervals, checklists, and standards
- Ensure zero reliance on reactive maintenance
3. Breakdown Elimination & Root Cause Ownership
- Lead all major breakdown investigations
- Implement RCA (Root Cause Analysis) and CAR (Corrective Actions)
- Ensure issues are resolved permanently, not temporarily
- Track and eliminate repeat failures
4. HOMAG Expertise & Technical Leadership
- Act as internal HOMAG subject matter expert
- Understand machine design, limitations, and optimisation opportunities
- Work closely with HOMAG technicians and support teams
- Challenge OEM recommendations where required
5. Maintenance Systems & CMMS Implementation
- Implement and manage CMMS system
- Track:
o Maintenance schedules
o Breakdown history
o Spare parts
o Downtime
- Ensure full visibility and reporting of maintenance performance
6. Spare Parts & Resource Management
- Define critical spare parts strategy
- Ensure availability of key components to minimise downtime
- Manage maintenance inventory efficiently
- Control maintenance costs without compromising reliability
7. Team Leadership & Capability Development
- Lead and develop maintenance team
- Upskill technicians in:
o Electrical
o Mechanical
o CNC systems
- Create structured training plans
- Build internal capability (reduce reliance on external support)
8. Integration with Manufacturing & Engineering
o Plant Manager
o Manufacturing Engineer
o Group Trainer
- Ensure maintenance supports production flow and targets
- Align machine capability with production requirements
9. Continuous Improvement & Optimisation
- Identify opportunities to improve machine performance
- Reduce cycle times, downtime, and inefficiencies
- Support automation and system improvements
- Drive lean maintenance practices
10. Safety & Compliance
- Ensure all maintenance activities comply with OHS standards
- Maintain safe work practices for machinery and equipment
- Ensure all machines meet regulatory and safety requirements
11. Reporting & Performance Visibility
- Provide regular reporting on:
o Machine uptime
o Downtime causes
o Maintenance performance
o Risk areas
- Support LT and COO with data-driven insights
Key Focus Areas (First 3–6 Months)
- Stabilise HOMAG machine performance
- Reduce unplanned downtime significantly
- Implement preventive maintenance structure
- Introduce RCA/CAR discipline
- Build visibility on machine performance
- Establish maintenance control systems
KPIs & Performance Measures
- Machine uptime ≥95%
- Reduction in unplanned downtime
- Zero repeat breakdowns for major issues
- Preventive maintenance compliance ≥95%
- Reduction in maintenance-related production delays
- Spare parts availability for critical components
- Reduction in external maintenance dependency
Skills & Experience Required
- 8–12+ years in maintenance leadership roles
- HOMAG EXPERIENCE IS A MUST
- Deep understanding of CNC, automation, and manufacturing equipment
- Experience implementing CMMS systems
- Proven track record in preventive and predictive maintenance
- Cabinet Manufacturing Experience is highly regarded
Key Competencies
Technical Authority:
Deep understanding of machinery, able to lead from expertise
Reliability Focus:
Drives stable, predictable machine performance
Problem Solving:
Strong RCA capability with permanent solutions
Systems Thinking:
Builds structured maintenance processes
Leadership:
Develops team capability and accountability
Collaboration:
Works closely with operations and engineering
Success in This Role Will Be Evident By
- Stable and reliable machine performance
- Significant reduction in downtime and disruptions
- Structured and system-driven maintenance function
- Reduced reliance on reactive fixes and external support
- Strong internal technical capability
- Maintenance becoming a performance driver, not a support function
The Maintenance Manager at Clayton’s will ensure the reliability and efficiency of our operations, contributing significantly to our commitment to excellence in manufacturing.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £74,410.00-£85,040.00 per year
Application Question(s):
- Do you hold a current electrical licence?
- How many years' experience do you have as a maintenance manager?
- Have you worked in a role which requires fault finding experience?
- Have you worked in a role which requires a sound understanding of OH&S/WHS?
- How much notice are you required to give your current employer?
- What's your expected annual base salary?
- How many years' experience do you have as a maintenance engineer?
Work Location: In person
