Maintenance Manager

JOB SUMMARY: The Maintenance Manager leads the maintenance team—consisting of both internal staff and contracted services—to ensure the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of all plant equipment and facilities. This role is accountable for developing and executing maintenance strategies that support production goals, improve equipment reliability, and sustain compliance with all regulatory and safety standards. The Maintenance Manager partners closely with Production, Quality, Sanitation, and Engineering to optimize equipment performance and to support the installation and integration of new systems.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Plan, schedule, organize and direct all maintenance activities and Maintenance Department employees, under the leadership of the Director of Engineering and Technology
• Oversee the repair, troubleshooting, and upkeep of equipment and facilities.
• Diagnose equipment and facilities problems
• Develop, implement, and oversee preventive and predictive maintenance programs to improve equipment downtime.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on equipment performance, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.
• Support the installation of new equipment
• Provide guidance and solutions to mechanics and production team
• Manage departmental scheduling, timekeeping, disciplinary actions, performance evaluations, and employee morale initiatives.
• Training and development of Maintenance Department staff
• Assure Maintenance Department staff complies with GMPs, safety rules and other applicable standards
• Develop, implement, and maintain SOPs for all maintenance activities.
• Maintain compliance with OSHA and other government regulations with regards to equipment safety and maintenance, employee training, etc.
• Maintain vendor and contractor relationships for specialized maintenance support and services.
• Assist with Maintenance Department strategic planning
• Management and leadership of continuous improvement projects/programs
• Work closely with Operations and Engineering teams
• Other duties and projects as may be assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• 2–5 years of experience in industrial maintenance, engineering, or a related technical field.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Elec, Mech, Chem or similar) preferred; equivalent technical training and strong hands-on experience considered.
• Demonstrated ability to fix, build, and troubleshoot—whether from professional work, farm/industrial background, or hands-on projects.
• Comfortable working with mechanical, electrical, and pneumatic systems.
• Eagerness to take ownership, work hard, and learn rapidly in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to make sound decisions under pressure.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to partner across departments.
• Strong computer skills, including the ability to quickly learn and use a CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System), along with solid Excel/data analysis skills.
• Detail-oriented, safety-minded, and committed to continuous improvement.
• Ability to balance hands-on work with leadership responsibilities, including guiding technicians and coordinating contractors.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL FACTORS:

• Able to work in an environment containing nuts, peanuts, dairy, grains and other allergens
• Must be able to respond quickly to urgent situations and coordinate appropriate resources to resolve issues.
• Must be available to support a 24/7 production operation, including occasional nights, weekends, holidays, and emergency calls, as needed.
• Position may require repetitive movement, bending and twisting, using hands to handle objects; exposure to sustained noise levels; exposure to hazards such as machinery, slippery floors, ladders and powered industrial vehicles. May be required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Ability to sit or stand for long periods of time
• Must be able to safely move around in the production area (under, over and around production line equipment) and be able to pick up, lift, stack and/or move various objects and containers of up to seventy pounds.