Join our team as a Maintenance Manager to provide leadership and direction for all maintenance activities to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable operation of production equipment, utilities, and facility systems while supporting overall plant performance.
Summary/ObjectiveThe Maintenance Manager is responsible for leading and supporting all maintenance activities to ensure the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of plant equipment, facilities, and utilities. This role drives continuous improvement initiatives, preventive and predictive maintenance programs, equipment reliability, automation enhancements, and maintenance team development. The Maintenance Manager partners closely with Operations to optimize equipment performance, Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), product quality, and cost efficiency.
Essential FunctionsReasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Lead, coach, and develop the maintenance team while actively supporting day-to-day maintenance activities on the production floor
- Provide hands-on technical leadership in troubleshooting, diagnosing, and resolving mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, refrigeration, and automation-related equipment issues
- Direct and participate in the maintenance and repair of plant equipment to maximize safety, reliability, and production efficiency
- Oversee and assist with equipment installations, upgrades, startup activities, and capital projects.
- Manage the maintenance of facility structures and utilities, including electrical, ammonia refrigeration, steam, water, compressed air, and wastewater systems
- Lead preventive, predictive, and autonomous maintenance programs and ensure work is completed effectively and on schedule
- Work closely with Operations to identify equipment-related losses, improve line performance, and increase Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE)
- Support root cause analysis efforts and implement corrective and preventive actions to eliminate recurring equipment failures
- Develop and execute long-term maintenance and asset reliability strategies that support productivity, quality, and cost objectives
- Assist during emergency breakdowns and provide technical support outside normal working hours when required
- Ensure maintenance work is performed in compliance with all food safety, quality, environmental, and safety standards
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives that improve equipment reliability, maintenance effectiveness, and operational performance
- Manage maintenance budgets, parts inventories, and contractor activities
- Conduct employee training, performance reviews, coaching, and development planning
- Maintain accurate maintenance records, performance documentation, and departmental timekeeping systems
- Perform other duties as assigned
CompetenciesCommunication Proficiency
Decision Making
Initiative
Leadership
Organizational Skills
Problem Solving/Analysis
Results Driving
Technical Capacity
Accuracy
Supervisory ResponsibilityThis position provides both strategic and hands-on leadership for the maintenance function. The Maintenance Manager directly supervises 12 maintenance employees and is responsible for hiring, training, coaching, performance management, and workforce development. The position regularly works alongside technicians to provide technical support, troubleshoot equipment issues, and ensure maintenance activities are completed safely and effectively.
Work EnvironmentWhile performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts, vibration, fumes, airborne particles, and manufacturing equipment. The work environment may be noisy and can involve exposure to wet, humid, and refrigerated conditions.
Physical DemandsThe physical demands described here are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.
- Frequently stand, walk, bend, kneel, stoop, crouch, crawl, and climb
- Regularly use hands and fingers to operate equipment and computer systems
- Communicate verbally and hear effectively in a manufacturing environment
- Occasionally lift, carry, push, or move items weighing up to 50 pounds
Position Type/Expected Hours of WorkThis is a full-time exempt position. Evening, weekend, and emergency call-in work may be required to support business and operational needs.
TravelOccasional travel of less than 10% may be required, including periodic overnight travel.
Required Education and Experience- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Food Processing, Industrial Maintenance, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Minimum of five (5) years of industrial plant maintenance experience, preferably within a food manufacturing environment.
- Minimum of three (3) years of leadership or supervisory experience.
- Working knowledge of mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and automated manufacturing systems.
- Ability to interpret blueprints, technical drawings, specifications, and equipment manuals.
- Experience troubleshooting and repairing electrical and pneumatic systems.
- Knowledge of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) and automated control systems.
- Experience with inventory control and spare parts management.
- Experience implementing preventive and predictive maintenance programs.
- Proficiency with computer systems and maintenance-related software applications.
Preferred Education and Experience- Strong technical expertise in fluid mechanics, refrigeration systems (including ammonia), heat transfer processes, facility construction, and equipment installation.
- Knowledge of USDA and 3-A sanitary design standards, OSHA requirements, EPA regulations, and industrial engineering best practices.
- Experience with wastewater treatment and management systems.
- Experience within a dairy or food manufacturing environment.
Benefits:- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Referral program
- Relocation assistance
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
