DBCC is a railway operator responsible for the efficient and safe freight rail service connecting a cellulose production facility in the Uruguayan interior with the port of Montevideo. DBCC operates a fleet of diesel locomotives and freight wagons which is maintained inhouse in DBCCs workshop. As a vital logistics link, DBCC ensures the sustainable and reliable transport of pulp to international markets. DBCC operates under UIC railway standards, on a 1435mm UIC compliant infrastructure with L1 ETCS with light signals, with a strong focus on safety, asset integrity, and operational excellence.
We are seeking a visionary, hands-on, and operationally excellent Chief Maintenance Officer (CMO) to oversee and lead all key operational areas at DBCC. This includes responsibility for the following operational areas: Asset Management for own locomotives and freight wagons, Rolling Stock Maintenance and Management, Maintenance planning and Data Management for the Maintenance department. The CMO will play a key role in delivering safe, reliable, and cost-effective rail freight operations, driving maintenance performance through data-driven decision-making, lean processes, people leadership and stakeholder management.
- Lead, mentor and develop department heads in Maintenance, Asset Management and Data Management while strengthening knowledge sharing and training programs.
- Maximize asset availability and lifecycle through proactive, data-driven maintenance, innovative technologies and industry best practices.
- Oversee budget planning and execute cost-optimization strategies to ensure financial efficiency.
- Drive the strategic deployment and management of advanced IT and communication systems.
- Align personnel planning and resource allocation with service requirements, business continuity and operational priorities.
- Champion continuous improvement initiatives using Lean and Six Sigma methodologies.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders, including government agencies, clients, and shareholders, while promoting a culture of performance and safety.
- Partner with the CEO to shape DBCC’s strategic growth as a best-practice freight operator in South America.
- Degree in Engineering (Bachelor’s or Master’s), complemented by over 12 years of experience in asset management and maintenance within railway, transport, and related industries.
- Proven expertise in maintenance excellence, asset lifecycle optimization and operational reliability as key success drivers.
- Certified in Lean and Six Sigma (ideally Black Belt), with a strong track record of process optimization, workflow efficiency and cost-saving initiatives.
- Strategic and conceptual thinker, skilled at translating technical and operational complexity into actionable strategies and communicating effectively with stakeholders, partners and shareholders.
- 5+ years of senior leadership experience (ideally at CMO or executive level), managing operational staff, asset management functions and IT systems for performance improvement.
- Demonstrated ability to balance day-to-day operational execution with strategic transformation, leading small, agile and cross-functional teams.
- International project experience, including on-site assignments in developing countries, with strong adaptability in multinational and multicultural environments.
- Fluency in English and Spanish is mandatory, with advanced IT literacy and deep understanding of railway maintenance software and digital tools.