Executive search firm Monroe Consulting Group Philippines is recruiting on behalf of a manufacturer of Abaca pulp and other non-wood pulps, and is one of the pioneer Abaca Pulp manufacturers in the Philippines. Our client is seeking a Plant Manager who will be responsible in leading the plant reliability, maintenance, engineering, and transition readiness. The role strengthens preventive maintenance and rehabilitation execution while progressively preparing to assume broader plant leadership for production, technical, and Materials Planning and Control functions. The position is located in Albuera, Leyte, Philippines and offers an onsite work setup.
Key Responsibilities:
Maintenance & Engineering (Immediate Scope)
- Lead all preventive and corrective maintenance activities across the mill - digesters, drum washers, vacuum pumps, pressure screens, sheeting machines, baling presses, boilers, electrical systems, and ancillary utilities.
- Build and manage a structured preventive maintenance program to reduce unplanned downtime and extend equipment life.
- Manage planned plant shutdowns for major maintenance, coordinating with the Operations Manager to minimize production impact.
- Lead and oversee active capital rehabilitation projects under the Plant Rehabilitation & Improvement Program (2026), including new pressure screens, boiler commissioning, bleaching system upgrades, and VFD controls.
- Maintain maintenance records, spare parts inventory, and equipment history; support ERP (ERPNext) data integrity for the maintenance module.
- Track maintenance costs against budget; identify cost-reduction opportunities in spare parts sourcing and labor.
Reporting & Communication
- Report to the General Manager on maintenance performance, equipment status, rehabilitation program progress, and transition readiness.
- Coordinate with the HR/Admin Manager on ESH matters as they relate to plant equipment and maintenance activities.
- Interface with suppliers and contractors for maintenance works and capital projects.
Full Plant Leadership (Upon Operations Manager Retirement Upon completion of the transition, the Plant Manager assumes full accountability for:
- Production - Daily mill operations across the full process sequence; achieving daily production target
- Technical - Process optimization; maintaining grade specifications across 30+ pulp grades; ISO quality system
- MPCD - Materials planning and production control
Key Qualifications:
- Education: Bachelor degree in Mechanical Engineering or related technical discipline.
- Experience: At least 8 years in pulp, paper, process manufacturing, or industrial plant operations, including 3 years managing maintenance, engineering, or technical teams.
- Experience in a unionized manufacturing or industrial plant environment is preferred.
Technical Skills
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, P&IDs, and equipment manuals.
- Familiarity with maintenance management systems and ERP (ERPNext or equivalent).
- Competence with Microsoft Office and operational reporting.
- Understanding of Philippine DOLE safety requirements; coordination with ESH function expected.
Leadership & Behavioral Competencies:
- Technically credible and strengthen working relationships with the Engineers
- Systematic and disciplined - builds and follows through on maintenance programs rather than reacting to breakdowns.
- Collaborative and patient -able to work constructively alongside the Operations Manager during transition
- Clear communicator with the GM on plant status and project progress.
- Leadership maturity and ambition to grow into full plant management responsibility.
- Integrity and accountability in reporting.
Working Conditions:
- Full-time, on-site at the PSPI mill in Albuera, Leyte, Philippines.
- Regular presence on the mill floor in an industrial manufacturing environment.
- Availability required during planned shutdowns and in response to major equipment breakdowns.
