Maintenance Manager - Food Manufacturing

Job Description

Job Description

Position Overview

We are seeking a skilled Maintenance Manager with a strong background in food manufacturing to lead our maintenance department and ensure the reliability, safety, and efficiency of all plant operations. This position oversees a team of maintenance mechanics and technicians responsible for troubleshooting, repair, and preventive maintenance of production and facility equipment. The ideal candidate has strong leadership skills, extensive technical knowledge, and a proactive approach to equipment reliability and continuous improvement—especially in a refrigerated manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

Oversee the maintenance department’s daily operations, ensuring equipment uptime, safety compliance, and adherence to production schedules.

Lead, mentor, and train maintenance technicians, fostering a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

Develop and manage preventive and predictive maintenance programs to reduce equipment downtime and extend asset life.

Coordinate maintenance activities with production and quality teams to ensure efficient line operation and minimal disruption.

Troubleshoot and resolve complex mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic issues.

Oversee installation, commissioning, and maintenance of production lines, packaging systems, conveyors, pumps, and mixers.

Manage maintenance budgets, inventory of spare parts, and vendor relationships to ensure cost-effective operation.

Ensure all work complies with GMP, food safety, and regulatory requirements.

Maintain accurate maintenance records within the CMMS system, including scheduling, work orders, and documentation of repairs.

Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on energy efficiency, reliability, and safety performance.

Ensure team readiness to safely work in cold or refrigerated areas on a regular basis.

Partner with EHS and plant management to reinforce a strong safety culture and meet all OSHA requirements.

Participate in capital project planning and support facility expansions or upgrades.

Qualifications

10+ years of maintenance experience in a food or beverage manufacturing environment, with at least 6 years in a supervisory or management role.

Strong technical background with expertise in mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems.

Proven experience implementing preventive maintenance programs and reliability-centered maintenance strategies.

Working knowledge of industrial refrigeration systems and experience managing work in refrigerated or cold storage environments.

Proficient with CMMS systems and maintenance performance metrics (MTBF, MTTR, downtime tracking).

Understanding of GMP, HACCP, and other food safety regulations.

Ability to read and interpret blueprints, electrical schematics, and technical manuals.

Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.

Capable of managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced, production-driven environment.

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Industrial Engineering preferred; equivalent experience considered.

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

Must be comfortable working in refrigerated environments (typically 35°ree;F–45°ree;F).

Regular exposure to wet, loud, and fast-paced production areas.

Ability to stand, walk, and lift up to 50 lbs. during maintenance activities.

Must comply with all PPE, safety, and sanitation requirements.

Compensation & Benefits

Competitive salary commensurate with experience.

Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, and 401(k) with company match.

Paid vacation, holidays, and performance-based incentives.

Career growth opportunities within a growing food manufacturing operation.