Film Maintenance Manager

FotoKem

Department: Film / 0149 Film Maintenance

The Company

FotoKem is a sophisticated post-production environment providing dailies, finishing, VFX, and color grading for top studio and independent features and episodic productions. Our Engineering team designs, deploys and maintains systems, with innovative and sometimes one-of-a-kind workflows, for projects shot on virtually every camera technology, from 65mm film to the newest file-based 8K systems.

Latest projects include: Dune Part Two, The Batman, Licorice Pizza, Better Call Saul, and Oppenheimer.

The Role

The Film Maintenance Manager will oversee day to day operations with the film lab. This individual will be responsible for identifying issues as they become apparent and working with the maintenance employees to resolve challenges, as well as performing a broad range of routine maintenance tasks throughout the facility. A key priority for this role is ensuring the building remains safe, functional and compliant. The Film Maintenance Manager will supervise the film maintenance team, provide direction, promote protocols, and delegate tasks appropriately to support smooth and efficient lab operations.

Primary Responsibilities

• Provide Technical and Managerial oversight to complete projects.
• Maintain facility and equipment in a clean and safe condition.
• Evaluate and ensure compliance with laboratory safety procedures and standards.
• Responsible for the care and maintenance of all property and production assets including the assembly/disassembly of equipment utilizing best safe practices.
• Monitor the facility for leaks, unusual odors, roof or exhaust issues and addressing them promptly.
• Validate critical systems such as water heaters, chillers and broilers are operating correctly.
• Ensure all test procedures and necessary solutions, compounds, and reagents are prepared and processed correctly.
• Review the completion of overnight maintenance and confirm chemical levels are properly maintained.
• Confirm all lab equipment machines are ready for use, leaders are not twisted and scratch tests are processed correctly at the start of each day.
• Oversee quality control of all chemicals and mixes required for film processing.
• Work to maintain and advance all resource recovery efforts, on both the front end and back-end recovery systems.
• Maintain appropriate levels of supplies, while not creating large unused assets for long periods.
• Manage troubleshooting protocols and equipment repair cycles to guarantee machinery reliability and peak performance.
• Supervise the rebuilding and maintenance for critical film lab machinery components, including motors and pumps.
• Organize plumbing maintenance and repairs to address leaks and breaks efficiently, minimizing potential water damage and maintaining full operational status of water fixtures.
• Facilitate the replacement of electrical components, transformers, motors, wiring, bearings, shafts, belting, bushings, and manufacture parts.
• Maintain communication with other departments, management and employees and notify them of any problems and/or concerns that may restrict the efficiency of production.
• Responsible for prioritizing repair and maintenance tasks to ensure a smooth and uninterrupted workflow for the film lab.
• Follow all required safe work practices. This would include lockout-tagout requirements and wearing of all required PPE in designated areas, safe chemical handling, fall restraints, etc.
• Applying preventative measures to the building to reduce the risk of future problems.
• Responsible for fixing potential safety hazards to avoid injuries.
• Able to work in fast paced environments and meet deadlines.
• Performs related work and miscellaneous tasks as assigned or required.
• Abides by and helps to enforce all Company policies including timekeeping and attendance and punctuality policies.

Additional Skills

• Knowledge of the principles of electronic, electrical, hydraulic, mechanical, pneumatic/vacuum systems and components found in industrial equipment.
• Knowledge of the occupational hazards, safety precautions and inspection techniques of repairing and operating equipment in the industrial industry.
• Skill in the use of tools, machines and testing instruments used in the repair and overhaul of equipment and building services.
• Ability to use knowledge, creativity and initiative in recommending or implementing improvements in servicing methods, tools and equipment.
• Proven ability to lead, mentor and motivate a team to achieve operational excellence and organizational goals.
• Experience in tracking, managing and optimizing inventory control systems to maintain adequate stock levels and minimize waste.
• Strong diagnostic skills coupled with a methodical and structured thought process for identifying root causes and implementing effective, sustainable solutions.
• Familiarity with safety protocols and daily operations within a chemical laboratory environment.
• Prior knowledge or experience within a film lab environment is considered a significant asset.
• Fluency in both English and Spanish is preferred to support diverse team communication and operational needs.
• Must be readily available to support emergency repairs during breakdown situations.

Required Work Experience

• 5-7 years managing maintenance teams.
• Hazwoper training.
• EPA compliance experience.
• An understanding of machining parts for mechanical systems.

Work Environment & Physical Activities

The Film Maintenance Manager must be able to lift up to 40 lbs. Must also have the physical ability to bend, grasp, reach, walk, lift, climb, stand and stoop. The work environment is in a film lab.

Compensation: In compliance with local law, we are disclosing the expected compensation, or a range thereof, for roles in locations where legally required. $85,000-$130,000 annual salary.