Planned Preventive Maintenance
Planned Preventive Maintenance (PPM) is a systematic approach to building and equipment maintenance that focuses on preventing problems before they occur. Think of it like regular health check-ups for buildings and machinery, rather than waiting for something to break down. Maintenance teams follow a schedule of inspections, cleaning, repairs, and parts replacement to keep everything running smoothly. This approach helps avoid unexpected breakdowns, saves money in the long run, and extends the life of equipment. You might also see it called "Preventive Maintenance," "Scheduled Maintenance," or "Planned Maintenance."
Examples in Resumes
Developed and implemented Planned Preventive Maintenance programs for a 50-story commercial building
Managed PPM schedules for 20+ facilities, reducing emergency repairs by 40%
Supervised team of 12 technicians executing Planned Maintenance tasks across multiple sites
Typical job title: "Maintenance Managers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Maintenance Managers
Professional Associations
Online Communities
Job Resources
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you develop and implement a PPM program for a large facility?
Expected Answer: A strong answer should cover creating maintenance schedules, budgeting, staff coordination, using maintenance software, and measuring program success through KPIs like reduced breakdowns and cost savings.
Q: How do you prioritize maintenance tasks when resources are limited?
Expected Answer: Should discuss assessing equipment criticality, risk evaluation, budget considerations, and how to balance immediate needs with long-term maintenance goals.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What systems do you use to track and schedule maintenance tasks?
Expected Answer: Should be familiar with maintenance management software, work order systems, and methods for tracking completion of scheduled maintenance tasks.
Q: How do you ensure compliance with maintenance safety regulations?
Expected Answer: Should discuss knowledge of safety standards, documentation procedures, staff training, and maintaining safety records.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What is the difference between preventive and reactive maintenance?
Expected Answer: Should explain that preventive maintenance is planned and scheduled to prevent breakdowns, while reactive maintenance is fixing things after they break.
Q: What basic maintenance tasks are typically included in a PPM schedule?
Expected Answer: Should mention routine inspections, cleaning, lubrication, filter changes, and basic equipment checks.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic maintenance procedures
- Following maintenance schedules
- Using maintenance tracking systems
- Basic safety procedures
Mid (2-5 years)
- Creating maintenance schedules
- Team coordination
- Budget management
- Vendor management
Senior (5+ years)
- Program development and implementation
- Strategic planning
- Team leadership
- Budget optimization
Red Flags to Watch For
- No experience with maintenance management software
- Lack of safety awareness
- Poor understanding of preventive vs reactive maintenance
- No experience managing maintenance schedules
- Unable to explain basic maintenance procedures
