Area Maintenance Manager - Portland Distribution Center

Job Description
The Area Maintenance Manager leads a team of MHE, Controls, and support technicians to keep material handling, industrial automation, and base building systems running at peak performance in a 24/7 fulfillment environment. This role balances proactive planning with real-time problem resolution — managing preventative maintenance programs while responding decisively to emergencies that demand quick, hands-on action. Using KPIs and metrics, this role sets the operations team up for success by delivering safe, quick, and reliable repairs.
This role reports to the Maintenance Manager.
A day in the life…
Champion a safety-first culture by enforcing safe work practices, delivering timely training, and holding the team accountable to lockout/tagout (LOTO) and electrical safety standards
Implement the maintenance business plan for your area by setting goals, managing staffing and scheduling, assigning work, and coordinating workloads to hit performance targets
Lead and coach a shift of technicians, providing mentorship and feedback that supports their growth and performance
Manage the performance of vendors and suppliers, holding contractors accountable to service-level expectations
Design and implement preventative maintenance programs that maximize equipment availability and extend asset life
Monitor and respond to equipment downtime events, driving root cause analysis and corrective action to minimize impact to operations
Lead and report on root cause analysis findings, implementing and validating corrective actions to prevent recurrence
Develop solutions to complex technical problems, escalate to outside contractors when needed, and remain on call for emergencies
Handle multiple projects and daily priorities simultaneously, meeting deadlines while developing plans to accomplish departmental and distribution goals
Monitor and manage productivity by preparing, reviewing, and analyzing maintenance and reliability reports
Utilize a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) to track work orders, parts usage, and asset history
Partner with Operations leadership to align maintenance priorities with production schedules and build strong cross-functional working relationships
Assist in developing and managing department budgets, including cost control and capital planning
Ensure technicians are trained and compliant with company policies, safety standards, and operating procedures
Support continuous improvement initiatives that drive operational excellence across the site
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed in this role. They are not designed to be a comprehensive inventory of all responsibilities, duties, and qualifications required. Additional functions may be assigned as business needs require.
You'll own this if you have…
Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical discipline; OR equivalent combination of education and experience
3+ years of industrial maintenance experience in a mechanized distribution, fulfillment, or manufacturing environment
2+ years of direct leadership or supervisory experience
Experience with Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS)
Experience with Material Handling Equipment (MHE) and integrated automation systems
Working knowledge of electrical and industrial controls, blueprint and schematic reading
Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
Ability to work a flexible schedule, including nights, weekends, and holidays as business needs require
Six Sigma, Lean, or other operational excellence certification
Experience managing department budgets, RFPs, and contractor/vendor relationships
Experience with statistical analysis and reliability metrics
Project management experience
Familiarity with building systems, HVAC, life safety, and site security infrastructure
Pay Range Details
The pay range(s) below has been provided in compliance with state specific laws. Pay ranges may be different for other locations.
Pay offers are dependent on the location, as well as job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
$76,500.00 - $126,500.00 Annual
We’ve got you covered…
Our employees are our most important asset and that’s reflected in our benefits. Nordstrom is proud to offer a variety of benefits to support employees and their families, including:
Medical/Vision, Dental, Retirement and Paid Time Away
Life Insurance and Disability
Merchandise Discount and EAP Resources
This position may be eligible for performance-based incentives/bonuses. Benefits include 401k, medical/vision/dental/life/disability insurance options, PTO accruals, Holidays, and more. Eligibility requirements may apply based on location, job level, classification, and length of employment. Learn more in the Nordstrom Benefits Overview by copying and pasting the following URL into your browser: https://careers.nordstrom.com/pdfs/Ben_Overview_16.pdf
A few more important points...
The job posting highlights the most critical responsibilities and requirements of the job. It’s not all-inclusive. There may be additional duties, responsibilities and qualifications for this job.
For Los Angeles or San Francisco applicants: Nordstrom is required to inform you that we conduct background checks after conditional offer and consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with legal requirements per Los Angeles, Cal. Muni. Code 189.04 and the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance. For additional state and location specific notices, please refer to the Legal Notices document within the FAQ section of the Nordstrom Careers site.
Applicants with disabilities who require assistance or accommodation should contact the nearest Nordstrom location, which can be identified at www.nordstrom.com.
Please be mindful that there may be legal notices and requirements related to this job posting that are specific to your state. Review the Career Site FAQ’s for relevant information and guidelines.
Current Nordstrom employees: To apply, log into Workday, click the Careers button and then click Find Jobs.
Nordstrom keeps job postings open for at least one day after the posting date.
© 2026 Nordstrom, Inc