Maintenance Lead

Maintenance Lead – Biogas/Renewable Energy

Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent

The Opportunity

AD Energy Recruitment is partnering with an established organisation within the renewable energy sector to appoint an experienced Maintenance Lead to support operations across two biogas production facilities in Buffalo, New York.

This is an excellent opportunity for a hands-on industrial maintenance professional who enjoys taking ownership of equipment reliability, preventative maintenance programmes and continuous improvement initiatives within a fast-paced operational environment.

The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring both facilities operate safely, efficiently and reliably, working closely with maintenance and operations teams to minimise downtime, improve equipment performance and maintain high operational standards.

Although this position does not carry direct line management responsibilities, the Maintenance Lead will act as a key technical resource, providing guidance, coordinating maintenance activities and supporting the development of effective maintenance practices across both sites.

Key Responsibilities

Maintenance Operations & Equipment Reliability

• Coordinate and prioritise daily maintenance activities across two biogas production facilities, ensuring operational requirements are met.
• Develop, implement and manage preventative and corrective maintenance programmes to maximise equipment reliability and plant availability.
• Provide hands-on mechanical and electrical troubleshooting support, identifying faults and implementing effective solutions.
• Plan and coordinate scheduled maintenance, equipment inspections, shutdowns and repairs to minimise disruption to production.
• Interpret technical drawings, electrical schematics, equipment manuals and engineering documentation.
• Support root cause analysis (RCA) investigations, identifying recurring equipment failures and implementing long-term corrective actions.
• Work closely with operations personnel to identify opportunities to improve equipment efficiency, reliability and overall plant performance.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across maintenance processes, procedures and equipment performance.

Maintenance Planning, CMMS & Compliance

• Take responsibility for the effective use and administration of the Computerised Maintenance Management System (CMMS).
• Ensure work orders, maintenance histories, asset records and equipment documentation are accurately maintained.
• Monitor maintenance performance, equipment reliability and key operational KPIs.
• Develop and improve standard operating procedures (SOPs), maintenance schedules and safe working practices.
• Maintain accurate inspection, calibration and compliance records to support operational and regulatory requirements.
• Support maintenance audits and ensure all documentation meets company and industry standards.
• Manage maintenance inventory, critical spare parts and MRO materials to ensure equipment availability.
• Work with purchasing teams and suppliers to source replacement parts, maintenance materials and specialist equipment.
• Identify critical spare parts requirements and support effective inventory control and cost management.
• Coordinate external contractors, including scheduling, work scopes, site access and safety documentation.
• Support procurement activities relating to maintenance services, equipment replacements and capital improvement projects.
• Monitor outstanding orders and communicate potential supply issues that could impact maintenance activities.
• Promote a strong safety-first culture across maintenance and operational activities.
• Act as a technical point of contact for maintenance personnel, providing guidance and support when required.
• Assist with the development and training of team members, particularly around maintenance procedures, troubleshooting and safe working practices.
• Ensure maintenance activities comply with applicable environmental, health and safety regulations.
• Collaborate with operations, engineering and management teams to improve maintenance effectiveness and overall site performance.
• Identify opportunities to introduce more efficient maintenance practices, improve reliability and reduce unplanned downtime.

Experience & Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years' experience within an industrial maintenance environment, including experience taking a lead or coordinating role.
• Strong mechanical and electrical maintenance background, ideally within industrial processing, manufacturing, energy or similar operational facilities.
• Proven experience troubleshooting, diagnosing and repairing industrial equipment and systems.
• Working knowledge of CMMS systems, including maintenance planning, work order management and asset tracking.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, schematics and equipment documentation.
• Strong understanding of equipment reliability, maintenance best practices and root cause analysis.
• Excellent organisational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities across multiple facilities.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with maintenance teams, operators, contractors and management.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word and Outlook.
• A strong commitment to workplace safety, regulatory compliance and operational excellence.
• Previous experience within biogas, renewable natural gas (RNG), anaerobic digestion, wastewater treatment or similar process industries.
• Experience maintaining pumps, compressors, motors, valves, gearboxes and associated industrial processing equipment.
• Familiarity with Fiix CMMS or similar maintenance management platforms.
• Experience with PLC troubleshooting, industrial controls and electrical automation systems.
• Knowledge of applicable industrial health, safety and environmental regulations.
• Experience supporting maintenance activities across multiple operational sites.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

This position offers the opportunity to join a growing sector of the renewable energy industry, supporting facilities that play an important role in converting organic waste into renewable energy.

You'll have the chance to make a direct impact on plant reliability, maintenance performance and operational efficiency while working with a range of industrial equipment and technologies.

With responsibility across two facilities, this role provides a varied technical environment and the opportunity to contribute to long-term maintenance improvements.