Machine Installation Manager

Location:

Customer Sites in both Lafayette, IN and Mapleton, IL (Travel Required)

Department:

Service Department

FLSA Status:

Exempt Job Summary:

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Site Coordinator to lead all field‑based activities related to the installation, assembly, rigging, and startup of large‑scale machine tool systems and metal cutting equipment. This role ensures safe, efficient, and high‑quality execution of on‑site work while coordinating field resources, subcontractors, rigging teams, and day‑to‑day installation operations. The Site Coordinator serves as the on‑site contact for installation progress, field issue resolution, customer coordination at the site level, and alignment with the head office regarding schedules, technical questions, logistics, and resource needs.

Key Responsibilities:

Project Execution & Site Management Lead the on‑site installation, assembly, rigging, alignment, and integration of large‑capacity machine tool systems. Manage daily field operations to ensure safety, quality, and adherence to installation plans and procedures. Oversee and verify critical installation steps such as leveling, anchoring, precision alignment, and commissioning support. Coordinate field service technicians, electricians, riggers, millwrights, subcontractors, and customer‑provided resources. Ensure strict compliance with site safety protocols, permits, and customer requirements. Customer Relationship Act as the primary on‑site interface for the customer during installation and field activities. Provide clear and timely updates, address daily concerns, and ensure strong customer experience at the site level. Maintain alignment between customer expectations and internal commitments, escalating discrepancies when needed. Contract Management Monitor activities that may have contractual impact (delays, scope changes, access issues, customer‑driven modifications). Maintain accurate logs of site conditions, delays, incidents, and work performed. Support project teams by providing field documentation necessary for change orders. Head Office Coordination Interface regularly with the head office to: Communicate field issues, installation obstacles, and technical questions to engineering and project management. Align installation milestones and ensure field activities match broader project timelines as defined by the Project Manager. Coordinate with procurement/logistics to track deliveries, verify received materials, and ensure readiness for upcoming tasks. Procurement & Resource Coordination Enforce strict adherence to safety standards for all on‑site personnel, subcontractors, and rigging teams. Conduct daily toolbox talks, safety walks, and risk assessments. Identify installation risks early and propose actionable mitigation plans. Ensure installation work meets engineering and quality standards, documenting all deviations or on‑site modifications. Resource & Scheduling Coordination Develop and manage the on‑site manpower plan, including internal staff, subcontractors, and customer resources. Coordinate rigging activities, including load planning, equipment rental, lift plans, and sequencing heavy moves. Monitor installation progress versus schedule and proactively adjust resources to maintain timeline commitments. Communicate daily progress, risks, and resource needs to internal project and head office teams.

Qualifications:

Minimum 5 years of experience in field installation, industrial equipment assembly, or machine tool commissioning. Strong background in rigging coordination, heavy equipment installation, and precision mechanical alignment. Proven ability to lead and supervise multi‑disciplinary field teams in a technical industrial environment. Exceptional communication and customer‑interaction skills, with a high sense of urgency. Ability to interpret engineering drawings, layout plans, rigging schematics, and installation instructions. Strong ownership mindset and proactive problem‑solving approach. Experience coordinating subcontractors, field logistics, and complex site schedules. Commitment to delivering best‑in‑class customer experience during all on‑site phases.

Preferred Certifications:

Lean, Six Sigma, or related operational improvement credentials. Technical certifications in machine tool operation or industrial maintenance a plus. Work Environment Office and Factory environment. 100% on-site at various locations, minimum 5 days a week, with the occassional

Saturday Travel:

High volumne travel from home to Indiana, USA site locations. 4+ hours travel one way to site location, remaining at location through the week, then return. Travel domestically to other business sites as needed after Indiana sites are established.

Key Competencies:

Working knowledge of SAP Proficiency in Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project) Good communication - both written and verbal Ability to present data effectively Good interpersonal skills Strong technical understanding Employee-centric development philosophy Leadership and management qualities