Position SummaryThe Maintenance Manager is responsible for overseeing all maintenance and facility operations at a juice and beverage manufacturing facility. This role ensures the reliability, safety, and performance of all production, processing, utility, and facility systems.
The Maintenance Manager will play a critical role in restarting an idle facility by establishing preventive maintenance programs, coordinating equipment startup and repairs, and building a sustainable maintenance function. The role is responsible for managing internal maintenance staff and external contractors, including OEMs and service providers.
Key Responsibilities Maintenance & Reliability Leadership - Lead all maintenance activities across the facility, including production, processing, utilities, and infrastructure.
- Develop and implement a preventive and predictive maintenance program for all equipment.
- Establish maintenance standards, procedures, and documentation.
- Drive equipment reliability and minimize unplanned downtime.
Equipment & Systems Ownership - Oversee maintenance of all plant equipment, including:
- Processing systems (silos, pumps, HTST pasteurization)
- Filling and packaging equipment
- Material handling equipment
- Facility infrastructure and building systems
- Ensure proper operation and maintenance of critical utility systems, including:
- Ammonia refrigeration systems
- Maintain compliance with all applicable safety and regulatory requirements related to equipment and utilities.
Facility & Infrastructure Management - Oversee upkeep and maintenance of the overall facility, including structural, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems.
- Ensure the facility remains in a safe, clean, and operational condition.
- Support capital improvement and facility upgrade projects as needed.
Startup & Commissioning Support - Lead maintenance-related activities during facility restart and equipment commissioning.
- Assess equipment condition and coordinate repairs, upgrades, or replacements.
- Partner with OEMs and contractors to bring equipment back to operational readiness.
- Support initial production runs and troubleshoot startup issues.
Vendor & OEM Management - Coordinate with equipment manufacturers (OEMs), contractors, and service providers for maintenance, repairs, and technical support.
- Manage service agreements and ensure quality and timeliness of external work.
- Oversee contractor safety and compliance while on-site.
Team Leadership & Development - Lead and develop maintenance personnel, including supervisors and mechanics.
- Establish clear roles, expectations, and accountability within the maintenance team.
- Support training and development of maintenance staff.
- Foster a culture of safety, ownership, and continuous improvement.
Work Order & Maintenance Systems - Implement and manage a CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System) or equivalent system.
- Establish work order processes, maintenance scheduling, and tracking.
- Maintain accurate maintenance records and documentation.
- Track and report maintenance KPIs (downtime, PM completion, etc.).
Cross-Functional Collaboration - Partner with Production and Processing teams to support uptime and operational efficiency.
- Collaborate with Quality to ensure equipment meets food safety and sanitation requirements.
- Work with Warehouse and Shipping teams to support facility and equipment needs.
- Communicate effectively with the Plant Manager on maintenance performance and priorities.
Safety & Compliance - Ensure compliance with all safety regulations related to maintenance and utilities.
- Oversee safe operation and maintenance of ammonia refrigeration and boiler systems.
- Implement and enforce lockout/tagout (LOTO) and other safety procedures.
- Promote a strong safety culture within the maintenance team.
Continuous Improvement - Identify and implement improvements to increase equipment reliability and efficiency.
- Reduce maintenance costs through effective planning and execution.
- Support long-term maintenance strategy as the facility grows.
Shift & Scheduling Expectations - This is a site-based leadership role supporting a manufacturing operation.
- While the role is not assigned to a specific shift, flexibility is required to support plant operations, including early startup phases, equipment commissioning, and troubleshooting activities.
- Availability outside of standard business hours may be required to address critical equipment issues, support maintenance activities, or ensure operational continuity.
Qualifications & Experience - Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.
- Minimum of 8-10 years of experience in maintenance within food, beverage, or manufacturing environments.
- Proven experience managing maintenance teams and plant systems.
- Mechanical, electrical, and process systems
- Boiler and ammonia refrigeration systems
- Preventive maintenance and reliability programs
- Experience implementing or managing CMMS systems.
- Experience working with OEMs and external service providers.
- Strong leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to operate effectively in a startup or restart environment
Physical & Work Environment Requirements - Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with exposure to mechanical systems and utilities.
- Ability to respond to off-hours issues or emergencies as needed.
Additional Information - This role will initially partner with external consultants during the facility startup phase.
- Responsibilities may evolve as the facility grows and additional equipment or production lines are added.
