Schwan Food Co

Refrigeration and Utilities Manager

Schwan Food Co • $104K — $174K *
Food & Beverages
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience with 8+ years in utilities or maintenance management.
  • Proven leadership experience managing teams and collaborating with corporate partners; certifications like CMRP, Six Sigma, or Lean are a plus.
  • Strong technical expertise in ammonia refrigeration, PSM, electrical systems, and hydraulics.
  • Experience in food manufacturing; familiarity with USDA/FDA regulations preferred.
  • SAP experience beneficial.

Responsibilities

  • Oversee operation, maintenance, and compliance of all plant utility systems including refrigeration, HVAC, and wastewater.
  • Lead and develop a team of supervisors and mechanics, ensuring safety and performance align with production goals.
  • Ensure compliance with PSM, HazMat, OSHA, and local/state/federal safety/environmental regulations.
  • Direct maintenance activities focusing on production efficiency, including preventative maintenance and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Monitor and report key operational metrics such as safety, production uptime, and maintenance cost while striving for cost efficiency.
  • Drive process improvement and cost-effective solutions through Lean Manufacturing practices and participate in capital planning.

Benefits

  • Strong foundation of health benefits.
  • Retirement and financial wellbeing programs.
  • Time off programs to maintain work-life balance.
  • Comprehensive wellbeing support options.
Full Job Description
We are seeking a skilled and motivated Refrigeration and Utilities Manager to oversee the operation and maintenance of critical building systems at the largest frozen pizza plant in the world and home to our iconic Red Baron and Tony's brands, located in Salina, KS. In this role, you will be responsible for ensuring the reliable and efficient performance of all refrigeration, HVAC, and utility systems, including ammonia compressor operations. If you have strong technical expertise and a passion for operational excellence in a manufacturing environment, we want to hear from you!

Responsibilities:
• Oversee the operation, maintenance, and compliance of all plant utility systems, including refrigeration (ammonia), HVAC, compressed air, boilers, steam, wastewater, and environmental systems.
• Lead, develop, and manage a team of supervisors, mechanics, and general associates, ensuring staffing, training, safety, and performance align with production goals.
• Ensure compliance with PSM, HazMat, OSHA, Lockout/Tagout, and all local, state, and federal safety/environmental regulations, while promoting a safe and efficient work environment.
• Direct maintenance activities that support production efficiency, including equipment installation, preventative maintenance, and continuous improvement initiatives across all manufacturing areas.
• Monitor and report on key operational metrics such as safety, production uptime, maintenance cost, and asset management, ensuring goals are met at the lowest cost.
• Drive process improvement and cost-effective solutions through Lean Manufacturing practices (TPM, TPS) and active participation in capital planning and project execution.

Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience, with 8+ years of related experience in utilities or maintenance management.
• Proven leadership experience, including managing teams and collaborating with corporate partners. Certifications such as CMRP, Six Sigma, or Lean are a plus.
• Strong technical expertise in ammonia refrigeration, PSM, electrical systems, and hydraulics.
• Experience in food manufacturing and familiarity with USDA/FDA regulations preferred.
• SAP experience is beneficial.

Compensation and Benefits:

The base salary range for this position is $104,625 to $174,375 annually with eligibility for a 15% annual incentive bonus, that is based on organizational performance. The pay range represents the numerous factors considered in the hiring decisions including, but not limited to educations, skills, work experience, certifications, geography etc. As such, starting pay for the successful candidate(s) could fall anywhere within the stated range.

Beyond base salary, we offer a competitive Total Rewards package focusing on your overall well-being. We are proud to offer a strong foundation of health benefits, retirement and financial wellbeing, time off programs, wellbeing support programs.

About Schwan Food Co

The Schwan Food Company is a privately held company that manufactures and markets frozen foods. The company sells frozen foods from home delivery trucks, in grocery store freezers, by mail, and to the food service industry. The company produces, markets, and distributes products developed under brands such as Red Baron, Freschetta, Tony's, Mrs. Smith's, Edwards, Pagoda Express, and Larry's. The company was founded in 1952 and is headquartered in Marshall, Minnesota.
Learn more about Schwan Food Co
Size
12,000 employees
Industry
Founded
1952

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