Jefe de Mantenimiento Ui San Jeronimo Sud

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Jefe de Mantenimiento Ui San Jeronimo Sud

Company: Bunge

Location: San Jerónimo Sud, Santa Fe, Argentina

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Operations - Industrial Maintenance Management

Date Posted: 2026-06-18

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the comprehensive maintenance and reliability strategy for Bunge's industrial unit in San Jerónimo Sud, focusing on operational efficiency and asset longevity.

• Drive the execution and oversight of the Annual Maintenance Plan, leveraging SAP PM for meticulous tracking and resource allocation.

• Optimize the balance between preventive, predictive, corrective, and proactive maintenance methodologies to ensure maximum plant uptime and minimize production disruptions.

• Orchestrate and manage critical plant shutdowns (turnarounds), coordinating all necessary resources to ensure minimal impact on production schedules and adherence to safety protocols.

• Oversee the operational and shutdown budgets, implementing cost-efficiency measures without compromising maintenance quality or safety standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a critical leadership position within an industrial manufacturing setting, with a strong emphasis on operational excellence, cost management, and adherence to stringent safety and quality standards. The "Jefe de Mantenimiento" title translates to "Maintenance Manager," indicating a senior leadership role responsible for the overall maintenance function. The mention of "Ui" likely refers to "Unidad Industrial" (Industrial Unit).

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a robust maintenance and reliability strategy aligned with Bunge's operational goals and industry best practices.

• Manage the Annual Maintenance Plan, ensuring effective execution, progress tracking, and data integrity within SAP PM.

• Define and implement optimal strategies for preventive, predictive, corrective, and proactive maintenance to maximize equipment lifespan and operational reliability.

• Plan, coordinate, and execute plant shutdowns (turnarounds), ensuring efficient resource allocation, minimal downtime, and adherence to safety and project timelines.

• Administer the maintenance budget for both regular operations and annual shutdowns, focusing on cost optimization and ROI for maintenance investments.

• Lead and mentor multidisciplinary teams responsible for mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation maintenance, fostering professional development and high performance.

• Ensure the accurate execution of all maintenance routines and the timely, precise recording of maintenance activities and data within the SAP PM system.

• Spearhead root cause analysis (RCA) for equipment failures, implementing corrective actions to prevent recurrence and drive continuous improvement in maintenance processes.

• Manage external vendors and service contracts, including the selection and implementation of predictive technologies to enhance maintenance capabilities.

• Prepare technical specifications and tender documents for maintenance-related works and projects, ensuring compliance with Bunge's procurement policies.

• Uphold and enforce stringent standards for safety, quality, food safety (HACCP, GMP), and environmental compliance (SGIA, Bunge Safety) within all maintenance operations.

• Serve as the technical representative for the industrial unit, actively participating in management committees and cross-functional meetings to contribute maintenance insights.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for a leader who can balance strategic planning with hands-on execution, manage complex projects like shutdowns, and effectively lead diverse technical teams. The emphasis on SAP PM, RCA, and specific quality standards (HACCP, GMP) indicates a structured, process-driven environment.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline (Excluyente - Mandatory). Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in industrial maintenance, with a strong preference for experience within the oilseed industry or similar processing environments.

• Proven track record in planning and executing plant shutdowns (turnarounds).

• Experience in managing spare parts for critical equipment and ensuring asset reliability. Required Skills:

• Maintenance Strategy Development: Ability to define and implement long-term maintenance plans and reliability programs.

• SAP PM Proficiency: Demonstrated experience in using SAP Plant Maintenance module for work order management, planning, and reporting.

• Plant Shutdown Management: Expertise in planning, executing, and controlling large-scale plant shutdowns, including resource coordination and risk management.

• Budget Management & Cost Control: Skill in managing operational and capital budgets for maintenance, with a focus on efficiency and cost reduction.

• Root Cause Analysis (RCA): Proficiency in conducting failure analysis and implementing corrective actions to drive continuous improvement.

• Team Leadership & Development: Experience in leading, motivating, and developing technical teams across mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation disciplines.

• Vendor & Contract Management: Ability to manage external suppliers, service providers, and contracts effectively.

• Technical Specification Writing: Experience in developing clear and precise technical specifications for equipment and services.

• Safety, Quality & Food Safety Standards: In-depth understanding and practical application of HACCP, GMP, SGIA, and Bunge Safety protocols.

• Industrial Maintenance Expertise: Strong knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation maintenance principles and practices.

Preferred Skills:

• Predictive Maintenance Technologies: Familiarity with and experience in leveraging various predictive maintenance tools and techniques.

• Intermediate English Proficiency: Ability to communicate effectively in English, particularly in technical contexts, is desirable.

• Oilseed Industry Experience: Prior experience in the specific operational context of the oilseed processing industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a specific engineering degree and a minimum of 5 years of experience points to a mid-to-senior level role. The "excluyente" (mandatory) nature of the engineering degree emphasizes the technical depth required. SAP PM is a critical tool, and experience in the oilseed industry is highly valued.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Maintenance Strategy Documentation: Examples of strategic maintenance plans developed, including reliability-centered maintenance (RCM) or similar frameworks.

• Shutdown Planning & Execution Case Studies: Detailed case studies of past plant shutdowns led or significantly contributed to, highlighting scope, budget, timeline, key challenges, and outcomes.

• SAP PM Implementation/Optimization: Evidence of involvement in SAP PM configuration, process improvement, or effective utilization for reporting and analysis.

• Cost Efficiency Initiatives: Documentation of projects or initiatives focused on reducing maintenance costs while improving operational efficiency or asset reliability, including quantifiable results.

• RCA Case Studies: Examples of root cause analysis performed, detailing the problem, methodology, findings, implemented solutions, and impact on preventing future failures.

Process Documentation:

• Maintenance Workflow Design: Showcase of designed or optimized maintenance workflows, from work request initiation to completion and closure, emphasizing efficiency and clarity.

• Preventive & Predictive Maintenance Programs: Examples of developed or managed preventive and predictive maintenance schedules and programs, demonstrating a structured approach to asset care.

• Safety & Quality Protocol Integration: Documentation illustrating how safety, quality, and food safety protocols are integrated into daily maintenance operations and procedures.

• Spare Parts Management Strategy: Outline of strategies for managing critical spare parts inventory, ensuring availability while optimizing stock levels.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Maintenance Manager role, a portfolio should demonstrate not just technical execution but also strategic thinking, process improvement capabilities, and the ability to manage complex projects and budgets. Emphasis on quantifiable results and documented processes is key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Estimated Range: ARS $1,500,000 - ARS $2,500,000 per month (gross)

• Rationale: Based on current market data for experienced Maintenance Managers in industrial sectors in Argentina, particularly in Santa Fe province. This range accounts for the mandatory engineering degree, 5+ years of experience, leadership responsibilities, and the critical nature of the role in a large agricultural processing company like Bunge. Factors influencing the specific offer will include the candidate's exact experience, specific skills (e.g., SAP PM expertise, oilseed industry background), and negotiation.

• Research Methodology: Analysis of salary benchmarks from local job boards (e.g., LinkedIn Argentina, ZonaJobs, Bumeran), industry-specific salary reports for engineering and operations management roles, and cost of living data for San Jerónimo Sud and surrounding areas in Santa Fe.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Coverage for the employee and potentially dependents, including medical, dental, and vision.

• Life Insurance: Protection for employees and their families.

• Annual Performance Bonus: Potential for a bonus based on individual and company performance.

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation days, sick leave, and public holidays.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, certifications, and participation in industry conferences.

• Retirement Plan Contributions: Contributions to a local pension fund or retirement savings plan.

• Food Vouchers/Allowance: Meal subsidies or vouchers, common in Argentinian employment.

• Relocation Assistance: May be available for candidates relocating to San Jerónimo Sud.

Working Hours:

• Standard 40-hour work week (e.g., Monday to Friday, 8 hours per day).

• Flexibility may be required to address urgent maintenance needs, equipment failures, or during critical shutdown periods, often involving on-call duties.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on publicly available data for similar roles in Argentina. Benefits are standard for large multinational corporations in the region and reflect typical offerings for management positions. The need for flexibility in working hours is typical for industrial maintenance leadership roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Agribusiness, Food Processing, and Ingredient Manufacturing. Bunge operates at the intersection of agriculture and food production, transforming raw agricultural commodities into essential ingredients and products for global markets.

Company Size: Large (34,000+ employees globally). This indicates a well-established, structured organization with established processes, global reach, and significant resources. For operations professionals, this often means opportunities for structured career growth, access to advanced tools and systems, and a focus on standardized best practices.

Founded: Over 200 years of experience. Bunge is a long-standing player in the global agribusiness sector, implying deep industry knowledge, resilience, and a stable corporate environment.

Team Structure:

• Operations Department: The Maintenance Manager will likely lead a significant department within the broader Operations division, which typically includes production, quality, logistics, and engineering.

• Maintenance Team: Direct oversight of mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation teams, potentially including supervisors, technicians, and administrative support for maintenance planning.

• Reporting Structure: The role reports to a Plant Manager or Operations Director, with close collaboration with Production Managers, Quality Assurance, and Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) departments.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Essential collaboration with Production, Engineering, Procurement, Finance, and HSE teams to ensure integrated operational efficiency and compliance.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasis on using data from SAP PM and other systems to inform maintenance strategies, identify trends, and measure performance.

• Process Optimization: Continuous focus on improving maintenance workflows, reducing cycle times, and enhancing equipment reliability through systematic analysis and implementation.

• Safety First Culture: A strong commitment to safety as a core operational principle, integrated into all maintenance activities and employee training.

• Lean Manufacturing Principles: Potential adoption of lean methodologies to eliminate waste in maintenance processes and maximize value.

Company Website: https://www.bunge.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Bunge's industry and size suggest a professional environment with a focus on efficiency, safety, and global standards. The "Somos un Único Equipo" (We are One Team) value emphasizes collaboration, which is crucial for this role.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Managerial/Leadership position within the Operations and Maintenance function. It requires a blend of technical expertise, strategic planning, and people management. The role is responsible for a critical operational area, directly impacting plant productivity, safety, and cost.

Reporting Structure: The Head of Maintenance will report to a higher-level operations leader, such as a Plant Manager or Operations Director. They will, in turn, manage a team of maintenance supervisors and technicians. This structure offers visibility to senior leadership and the opportunity to influence broader operational strategies.

Operations Impact: The Head of Maintenance plays a pivotal role in ensuring the continuous and safe operation of the industrial unit. Effective maintenance directly impacts:

• Production Uptime: Minimizing unexpected downtime is crucial for meeting production targets and customer demand.

• Cost Management: Efficient maintenance practices and budget control directly affect the plant's profitability.

• Safety & Compliance: Ensuring equipment integrity is paramount for worker safety and adherence to regulatory standards, including food safety.

• Asset Longevity: Proper maintenance extends the life of critical industrial assets, deferring capital expenditure.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Operations Leadership: Progression to Plant Manager, Operations Director, or Head of Maintenance for a larger region or division within Bunge.

• Specialized Engineering Roles: Opportunity to move into more specialized areas like Reliability Engineering, Asset Management, or Project Engineering.

• Cross-Functional Moves: Potential to transition into related operational fields such as Production Management, Supply Chain, or Quality Assurance, leveraging a strong understanding of plant operations.

• Global Mobility: As a multinational corporation, Bunge may offer opportunities for international assignments or transfers to other global facilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for career advancement within operations management. The emphasis on strategic leadership and cross-functional impact suggests that strong performance can lead to significant career progression opportunities within Bunge.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This role is primarily based within an industrial plant environment. While there will be an office for administrative tasks, planning, and team meetings, a significant portion of the role will involve being on the plant floor to oversee operations, conduct inspections, and engage with maintenance teams.

Office Location(s): San Jerónimo Sud, Santa Fe, Argentina. This is a specific industrial site location.

Workspace Context:

• Plant Floor Presence: Direct interaction with machinery, production lines, and various operational areas is expected.

• Collaborative Environment: Frequent interaction with production staff, engineers, safety officers, and management.

• Tools & Technology: Access to the plant's IT systems, including SAP PM, diagnostic tools, and potentially specialized maintenance software. The environment will be dynamic, requiring adaptability to changing operational needs and potential unforeseen issues.

• Safety Focus: The workspace will be governed by strict safety protocols, requiring adherence to personal protective equipment (PPE) and safe work practices at all times.

Work Schedule:

• Standard business hours (e.g., 40 hours per week) are the baseline.

• However, the nature of industrial maintenance often necessitates flexibility. This includes being on-call, working extended hours during emergencies, or being present during critical shutdown periods (shutdowns are often intensive, requiring long hours over several weeks).

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should be comfortable with an on-site, industrial environment and understand the demands of a leadership role that may require working outside standard hours to ensure operational continuity and safety.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruiter will conduct an initial call to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A technical interview with the direct hiring manager (likely a Plant Manager or Operations Director) focusing on maintenance strategy, leadership experience, problem-solving skills, and specific technical knowledge (e.g., SAP PM, RCA).

• Technical/Team Interview: This stage may involve meeting with key members of the maintenance team or other operations leaders. It could include a case study or a detailed discussion of past projects and challenges.

• Portfolio Review: Candidates will likely be asked to present specific examples from their portfolio, demonstrating their approach to maintenance strategy, shutdown planning, cost management, and team leadership.

• Final Interview: A final discussion with senior leadership to assess strategic alignment, leadership potential, and overall fit with Bunge's values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Achievements: For each portfolio item (e.g., a successful shutdown, a cost-saving initiative, an RCA case study), clearly articulate the problem, your role, the actions taken, and the measurable results (e.g., % reduction in downtime, $ saved, improvement in MTBF).

• Showcase Process Thinking: Detail the methodologies you used. For RCA, explain the framework (e.g., 5 Whys, Fishbone diagram). For shutdowns, outline your planning and execution process.

• Demonstrate Leadership: Include examples of how you motivated your team, managed conflicts, developed talent, and ensured safety compliance.

• Tailor to Bunge: Research Bunge's operations and values. Highlight experiences that align with their focus on agribusiness, food safety, sustainability, and their stated values (One Team, Lead the Way, Do the Right Thing).

• Clarity and Conciseness: Present your portfolio items logically and be prepared to walk through them efficiently.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Be ready to discuss hypothetical scenarios, such as responding to a major equipment failure during a critical production period or managing a budget overrun.

• Strategic Planning Exercise: You might be asked to outline your approach to developing a preventive maintenance program for a new piece of equipment or improving the reliability of a critical asset.

• Team Management Scenarios: Prepare to discuss how you would handle performance issues within your team, motivate technicians, or foster a culture of continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess technical expertise, leadership capabilities, and strategic thinking. A well-prepared portfolio is crucial for demonstrating practical experience and impact.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• SAP PM (Plant Maintenance): This is explicitly mentioned as a key system. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in using SAP PM for work order management, planning, scheduling, asset management, and reporting.

• CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System): While SAP PM is a CMMS, familiarity with other CMMS platforms can be beneficial if SAP PM is not the sole system used.

• Predictive Maintenance Technologies: Experience with tools for vibration analysis, thermal imaging (thermography), ultrasonic testing, oil analysis, etc., is highly desirable for proactive maintenance efforts.

• Diagnostic Tools: Familiarity with tools used for diagnosing mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation issues.

Analytics & Reporting:

• SAP PM Reporting Modules: Ability to extract and analyze data from SAP PM for performance metrics.

• Business Intelligence (BI) Tools: Experience with tools like Power BI, Tableau, or similar for creating dashboards and advanced analytics on maintenance data.

• Spreadsheet Software: Advanced Excel skills for data manipulation, analysis, and reporting.

CRM & Automation:

• ERP Systems: Beyond SAP PM, familiarity with broader Enterprise Resource Planning systems is advantageous for understanding integrated business processes.

• Project Management Software: Tools like MS Project or similar for planning and tracking complex maintenance projects and shutdowns.

• Communication & Collaboration Platforms: Microsoft Teams, Slack, or internal Bunge platforms for team communication and project collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: SAP PM is a critical requirement. Proficiency in predictive maintenance technologies and BI tools will significantly enhance a candidate's profile for this role, aligning with Bunge's focus on efficiency and data-driven operations.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• "Somos un Único Equipo" (We are One Team): Emphasizes collaboration, respect, and inclusivity. Operations professionals are expected to work seamlessly with colleagues across different departments, sharing knowledge and supporting collective goals.

• "Lideramos el Camino" (We Lead the Way): Highlights agility, empowerment, and innovation. Maintenance leaders are encouraged to take initiative, find efficient solutions, and drive improvements in processes and technologies.

• "Hacemos lo Correcto" (We Do the Right Thing): Focuses on safety, sustainability, and integrity. This means prioritizing safe work practices, environmental responsibility, and ethical conduct in all maintenance activities and decision-making.

• Efficiency and Reliability: Implicitly, a strong emphasis on operational efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and ensuring the highest levels of plant reliability and uptime.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Maintenance teams must work closely with production, quality, engineering, and HSE to address issues, implement changes, and achieve operational targets. Open communication and proactive problem-solving are key.

• Process Review and Feedback: A culture that encourages regular review of maintenance processes, with mechanisms for feedback from technicians and other stakeholders to drive continuous improvement.

• Knowledge Sharing: A commitment to sharing best practices, lessons learned from failures, and technical expertise across the maintenance team and with other operational groups.

📝 Enhancement Note: Bunge's stated values provide a clear framework for the expected behavior and approach of employees. For a Maintenance Manager, demonstrating how they embody these values through their leadership and operational decisions will be critical.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Cost vs. Reliability: The constant challenge of optimizing maintenance budgets while ensuring high levels of equipment reliability and safety. This requires strategic planning, data-driven decision-making, and strong negotiation skills with vendors.

• Managing Diverse Technical Teams: Leading and motivating a team with varied skill sets (mechanical, electrical, instrumentation) and experience levels, ensuring consistent application of standards and fostering professional growth.

• Adapting to Aging Infrastructure: In any industrial setting, managing the maintenance of older equipment alongside newer technologies, ensuring continued operational efficiency and safety.

• Implementing New Technologies: Staying abreast of and effectively integrating new predictive maintenance technologies or digital tools into existing workflows to enhance efficiency and predictive capabilities.

• Ensuring Food Safety Compliance: In a food processing environment, any maintenance activity must be executed with strict adherence to food safety protocols to prevent contamination.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Maintenance Methodologies: Training and certifications in Reliability-Centered Maintenance (RCM), Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), or advanced asset management techniques.

• Leadership and Management Skills: Development programs focused on strategic leadership, financial management, team motivation, and change management.

• Industry Conferences & Seminars: Opportunities to attend industry events to learn about the latest trends, technologies, and best practices in industrial maintenance and agribusiness.

• Mentorship Programs: Access to senior leaders within Bunge for guidance and career development.

• Cross-Departmental Exposure: Opportunities to gain experience or insights from other operational areas within Bunge.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges that are typical of industrial maintenance leadership, offering substantial opportunities for professional development and skill enhancement for ambitious operations professionals.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to developing a comprehensive maintenance strategy for an industrial plant. How do you balance preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance?" (Focus on strategic planning, data utilization, and alignment with business goals).

• "How would you manage a plant shutdown with a fixed budget and timeline, considering potential unforeseen issues and ensuring safety?" (Highlight your planning process, risk management, resource allocation, and communication strategies).

• "How do you ensure that safety and food safety standards are rigorously maintained by your maintenance team, even under production pressure?" (Discuss your safety culture, training programs, audit processes, and enforcement mechanisms). Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your understanding of Bunge, what do you see as the biggest operational challenges for a maintenance leader in the agribusiness sector?" (Show research on Bunge's industry, products, and potential operational complexities).

• "How do you foster a collaborative and inclusive environment within your maintenance team, aligning with Bunge's 'Somos un Único Equipo' value?" (Provide examples of your leadership style, team-building initiatives, and conflict resolution approaches).

• "Describe a time you had to make a difficult decision that involved balancing cost savings with operational reliability or safety. What was your thought process and outcome?" (Demonstrate your decision-making framework and commitment to Bunge's values). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each portfolio example, use a STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) or similar framework. Clearly articulate the context, your specific role/task, the actions you took, and the quantifiable results.

• Highlight Process Ownership: When discussing projects, emphasize the processes you designed, implemented, or improved. Show how you leveraged tools like SAP PM to manage and track these processes.

• Focus on Impact: Clearly articulate the business impact of your work – cost savings, increased uptime, improved safety metrics, enhanced reliability, etc.

• Prepare for Technical Deep Dives: Be ready to answer detailed questions about specific maintenance techniques, equipment troubleshooting, or system configurations you've used.

• Engage and Ask Questions: Show your engagement by asking thoughtful questions about Bunge's operations, their current maintenance challenges, and their vision for the future of maintenance at the San Jerónimo Sud facility.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, leadership, technical acumen, and a strong alignment with Bunge's operational context and corporate values. A robust portfolio is your primary tool for substantiating your experience.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the Bunge careers portal via the provided URL.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight experience directly relevant to industrial maintenance leadership, SAP PM proficiency, plant shutdowns, budget management, and team leadership. Quantify achievements with metrics where possible.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Compile a concise portfolio showcasing your most impactful projects, strategic initiatives, and problem-solving examples. Focus on case studies related to maintenance strategy, cost efficiency, RCA, and shutdown management.

• Conduct Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Bunge's business in Argentina, its products, its commitment to sustainability, and its core values. Understand the agribusiness and food processing industry context.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare to answer behavioral and situational questions, using examples from your experience that align with the responsibilities and required skills. Rehearse your portfolio presentation to be clear, concise, and impactful.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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