What does a Maintenance Manager do, and what is their salary?

A maintenance manager is responsible for strategically planning, coordinating, and executing maintenance activities within an organization. The goal is to optimize the performance of machines and installations, minimize downtime, and control costs.

Key tasks and responsibilities

• Maintenance planning: Developing maintenance schedules to prevent defects and breakdowns (preventive maintenance).
• Problem-solving: Coordinating repairs and quick solutions during breakdowns (corrective maintenance).
• Team management: Leading maintenance teams and technicians and ensuring a safe working environment.
• Cost management: Managing the maintenance budget and evaluating investments in new technologies.
• Optimization: Analyzing data and implementing improvements to enhance the performance of machines and systems.
• Regulatory compliance: Ensuring maintenance meets safety and environmental standards.

Essential skills

• Technical expertise: In-depth knowledge of machines, systems, and maintenance processes.
• Leadership: The ability to motivate teams and collaborate with other departments.
• Problem-solving ability: Quickly responding to unexpected situations and devising innovative solutions.
• Analytical skills: Data analysis to improve maintenance strategies.
• Communication skills: Effectively communicating with both technical teams and management.

The salary of a maintenance manager varies depending on factors such as work experience, sector, and the size of the organization. Here are the key insights:

Average salary in Belgium

According to sources such as Jobat and Jobbird, the average gross annual salary of a maintenance manager in Belgium ranges between €60,000 and €80,000. This can exceed €100,000 in multinational companies or specific sectors such as energy and petrochemicals.

Impact of work experience

• Junior level: Entry-level maintenance managers earn an average of €45,000 to €55,000 gross per year.
• Mid-level: Professionals with 5-10 years of experience often earn between €60,000 and €80,000 gross.
• Senior level: Managers with over 10 years of experience and responsibilities across multiple sites can earn above €100,000 gross annually.

Sectoral differences

• Industry and manufacturing: This sector generally offers competitive salaries due to the complexity of installations.
• Energy and utilities: Salaries in this sector are often higher due to strict regulations and high reliability requirements.
• Transport and logistics: Salaries are slightly lower here but often come with additional benefits such as company cars.

A role as a maintenance manager offers excellent career progression opportunities. Many professionals advance to positions such as operations manager, plant manager, or asset manager. Moreover, the rise of digital technologies, such as predictive maintenance and IoT, provides new opportunities to expand expertise and increase value within an organization.

Trends in the sector

• Digitization: Technologies such as sensors and data analysis are playing an increasingly significant role in maintenance.
• Sustainability: Companies are focusing on energy efficiency and environmentally friendly maintenance strategies.
• Focus on skills: There is a growing demand for professionals with knowledge of both traditional techniques and new digital tools.

A maintenance manager is an indispensable link in the success of organizations reliant on complex machines and systems. With a combination of technical knowledge, leadership, and strategic insight, these professionals ensure reliability and efficiency. Additionally, this role offers excellent career opportunities and a competitive salary, especially for those who continue to develop themselves in a constantly evolving sector.