The Utilities Maintenance Manager is accountable for the safe, reliable, and cost-effective operation, maintenance, and improvement of plant utility and facility systems-including ammonia refrigeration, steam/boilers, compressed air, electrical power distribution, water/wastewater treatment, HVAC/rooftop units, fire protection, and building/grounds. The role leads a team of utility technicians and specialists, owns compliance for Process Safety Management (PSM) and Risk Management Plan (RMP) as applicable, and delivers asset reliability, energy efficiency, and capacity through robust maintenance strategies and capital execution.
Job Description- Champion a zero-incident culture; enforce company Environmental, Safety & Health (ESH) policies, OSHA/Cal-OSHA requirements, and LOTO/arc-flash/electrical safety procedures.
- Own PSM/RMP elements for ammonia refrigeration (e.g., Management of Change, Mechanical Integrity, Process Hazard Analysis, compliance audits, incident investigations, training, emergency planning) and maintain complete, accessible documentation.
- Ensure utilities and wastewater operations meet all regulatory permits, inspections, and reporting (daily/weekly/monthly/annual). Respond to audits and drive closure of corrective actions.
- Oversee day-to-day operation, maintenance, and repair of ammonia refrigeration systems, boilers and plant steam, compressed air systems, cooling towers/chilled water, plant water, wastewater treatment, and fire systems to achieve availability, capacity, quality, and energy targets.
- Schedule and verify preventive and predictive maintenance (PM/PdM), develop procedures/SOPs, and drive root-cause analysis (RCA) to eliminate chronic failures.
- Monitor performance data (temperatures/pressures, vibration, thermography, flows, energy usage) and implement corrective actions to optimize efficiency and reliability.
- Ensure reliability of incoming utility power and plant distribution (switchgear, MCCs, transformers); plan testing, coordination studies, and maintenance with qualified resources.
- Support controls/BAS/PLC troubleshooting and standards; review and approve changes impacting utilities safety and reliability.
- Oversee building, grounds, and facility systems (HVAC/RTUs, fans, roofs, lighting, fire protection) to ensure a safe, compliant, and functional environment.
- Lead and develop a team of Utilities Maintenance Technicians, a PSM Specialist, and MRO/Stores coordination; set expectations, assign work, coach performance, and build bench strength through training and qualification programs.
- Foster engagement, ownership, and cross-training to ensure adequate coverage for a 24/7 operation.
- Administer the CMMS to plan/schedule work, manage backlog, set PM/PdM intervals, and maintain accurate asset histories and compliance records.
- Review and approve SOPs, job plans, and technical documentation for utility equipment.
- Scope, justify, plan, and execute utilities/facilities capital projects (design, submittals, commissioning, turnover) on time and on budget.
- Manage contractors, bids, and FAT/SAT; verify as-built documentation and training at handover.
- Own utilities/facilities operating budget (labor, maintenance, energy, water/chemicals) and deliver productivity, reliability, and energy savings.
- Prepare weekly/monthly performance summaries for leadership and implement Lean and reliability best practices (5S, standard work, RCA/CA, FMEA, criticality analysis).
- Lead response to utilities outages, ammonia leaks, equipment failures, and weather events; coordinate notifications, stabilization, root cause, and corrective actions.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:- Knowledge of Aseptic principles, specifically designing systems to prevent contamination from microorganisms during procedures, ensuring a sterile environment, and minimizing risk of infection
- Strong understanding of food safety PMs and the implications on product quality
- Proactive mindset and proven ability to implement PM programs prioritization for minimizing downtime
- Demonstrated understanding on implementation of Total Productive Maintenance
- Must have deep working knowledge of Reliability-Centered Maintenance (RCM), and Asset Condition Management
- Focused, organized, and results-oriented individual with demonstrated passion for solving problems and operational excellence
- Ability to work effectively with clients at all levels of the organization, both autonomously and within a team
- Understands the functionality and application of a CMMS (preferably Oracle eAM)
- Superior problem solving and analytical skills, both quantitative and qualitative
- Advanced interpersonal skills, along with the ability to communicate effectively (written and oral) and maintain credibility across all levels of the organization
Qualifications- Mechanical/electrical fundamentals; ability to interpret P&IDs, one-lines, and equipment schematics.
- PSM/RMP compliance (MOC, MI, PHA, audits, incident investigation).
- CMMS proficiency (planning, scheduling, KPIs); basic SCADA/BAS/PLC literacy.
- Strong troubleshooting, RCA, and preventive/predictive maintenance practices.
- Vendor/contractor management and project management skills.
- Clear written and verbal communication; ability to collaborate across Operations, EHS, Quality, and Engineering.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, Industrial, or related Engineering field; or equivalent experience (10+ years) in utilities/facilities with PSM oversight.
- 5+ years in Utilities/Facilities systems management (ammonia, boilers/steam, compressed air, water/wastewater, HVAC, electrical distribution) within 24/7 manufacturing/processing.
- 5+ years of people leadership (multi-craft teams; planning/scheduling; contractor management).
Pay Range: $110,000 - $140,000 and may include a discretionary bonus. Final compensation will be dependent upon skills & experience.
Additional Information- Thriving Wellness Community: Access to top-notch medical coverage comprehensive vision and dental plans, and a 401k with match eligibility to secure your financial future and including:
- 24/7 online physician consultations
- virtual mental health resources
- life coaching
- engaging employee community groups
- cash rewards for healthy habits and fitness reimbursements
- library of on-demand fitness videos
- Career Advancement Opportunities: Unlock your potential with clear paths for career progression and internal mobility across our diverse family of brands and business units.
- Focused Learning and Development: Grow as a leader with our dedicated Learning and Organizational Development department, offering extensive resources like People Manager and leadership training, webinars, and eLearning courses.
- Empowering Mentorship Program: Connect with colleagues through our company-wide mentorship program to share goals, overcome challenges, and drive your career forward.
- Continuous Improvement Training: Participate in training that empowers all employees to learn and implement concepts that drive significant, positive change in the workplace.
POM Wonderful is the largest grower and producer of fresh pomegranates and pomegranate juice in the United States as well as the worldwide leader in fresh California pomegranates and pomegranate-based products, including our 100% pomegranate juices, healthy juice blends and teas. With nearly two million pomegranate trees in Central California, we grow, handpick and juice our own pomegranates to ensure the highest quality. Sold throughout the world and in the vast majority of North American retailers, our selection of products includes pomegranate-based juices and teas, fresh fruit when in season, and fresh arils.
POM Wonderful is part of The Wonderful Company, a successful, fast-growing privately held $6 billion company with 10,000 employees worldwide. The Wonderful Company9s connection to consumers has health at its heart and giving back in its DNA. The company has a long-standing commitment to corporate social responsibility, including more than $1 billion invested in environmental sustainability; $65 million in charitable giving, education initiatives, and innovative health and wellness programs each year; and $143 million toward the construction of two charter school campuses in California9s Central Valley. To view the current Corporate Social Responsibility report, visit csr.wonderful.com.
We9ve made WonderfulAE Pistachios America9s fastest-growing snack brand. We9ve turned pomegranates and POM WonderfulAE into a worldwide phenomenon. Wonderful Halos is the No. 1 mandarin orange in America. FIJIAE Water is the No. 1 premium imported bottled water in America. JUSTINAE Wine produces California9s top-selling, high-end Cabernet Sauvignon. And TelefloraAE is the world9s leading floral delivery service. To learn more about The Wonderful Company, its products and its core values, visit www.wonderful.com, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
