Maintenance Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Join a team that nourishes life from farm to table! Upstate Niagara Cooperative, proudly owned by 200+ local family farms, is one of America’s largest and most stable dairy cooperatives. Guided by farmer- and employee-led values, we process and market high-quality milk, yogurt, dips, sour cream, cottage cheese, and more under our trusted brands: Upstate Farms®, Bison®, Milk for Life®, and Intense Milk®. Here, you’ll support sustainable farming, strong communities, and the mission to deliver fresh, local dairy to families every day.

Position Summary: The Maintenance Manager leads the plant’s maintenance and engineering function to support safe, reliable, and efficient operations across production areas, coolers, CIP systems, and facility utilities. This role manages day-to-day maintenance activities, preventive maintenance (PM) programs, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement for mechanical, electrical, automation/computer, and facility systems while ensuring compliance with OSHA, food safety, security, and company requirements.

Knowledge and Experience:

Dairy manufacturing experience is preferred; candidates without dairy experience will be trained on plant processes and applicable Company, State, and Federal requirements related to the preventive maintenance of plant equipment. The Maintenance Manager must demonstrate working knowledge of OSHA safety and security requirements, CIP programs and procedures, GMPs, union contract administration, progressive discipline practices, and core people-management responsibilities, supported by strong communication skills.

Physical Demands:

This position requires frequent walking throughout the shift, regular use of hands and fingers, and the ability to perform close visual work. Vision requirements include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Maintain and enforce all safety and security rules, policies, and procedures (OSHA and company standards).
• Enforce GMPs and department work standards to support food safety and product quality.
• Lead the preventive maintenance (PM) program for plant equipment and facilities; ensure PM tasks are completed on time and documented appropriately.
• Plan, organize, and direct daily maintenance activities, including corrective repairs, troubleshooting, and emergency response.
• Supervise, coach, and develop maintenance department employees; manage training plans and verify competency.
• Monitor daily employee performance and department efficiency; take corrective action as needed.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized maintenance shop and work areas (inside and outside the facility).
• Coordinate maintenance activities with Production, Quality, Sanitation, and other departments; communicate priorities and downtime impacts.
• Support the QA Manager with execution of the Plant Master Sanitation Program and compliance with HACCP/QACCP principles.
• Ensure regulatory and certification readiness, including PM-related requirements for State/Federal agencies and SQF; support audits and corrective actions.
• Manage contractors and service providers; ensure safe work practices, quality workmanship, and timely completion of work.
• Manage the CMMS (Tab ware), including work orders, PM schedules, spare parts information, and reporting.
• Complete required daily/weekly paperwork and maintain accurate maintenance records and reports (including SQF documentation).
• Attend required plant meetings (including daily management meetings and scheduled monthly safety meetings).
• Develop, recommend, and help manage annual capital projects; support project planning, execution, and closeout.
• Track and report monthly accrual expenses; support budget planning and cost control activities.
• Assist maintenance mechanics with repairs and troubleshooting as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Plant Manager.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications: High school diploma or GED required; college degree preferred (engineering, electrical, mechanical, or a related technical field). Ability to lead and communicate effectively with a team of approximately 8–10 employees. Demonstrated ability to plan, organize, and control daily, weekly, and monthly preventive maintenance programs for plant equipment and facilities, including SQF-related requirements. Proficiency with CMMS software (Tabware) and Microsoft applications. Strong safety leadership, with the ability to enforce safety/security rules and procedures and to organize maintenance staffing for routine and emergency situations. Strong computer diagnostic/troubleshooting skills, the ability to work effectively with contractors, and the ability to coordinate and communicate with other plants and corporate leadership (Corporate Engineer and Plant Manager).

Preferred Qualifications:

Degree in a related technical field preferred, along with 5+ years of experience with industrial ammonia refrigeration and steam boiler systems. Equivalent combinations of formal education and experience may be considered. Strong communication and technical skills, along with prior supervisor/management experience. Experience with budget management, cost control, and control systems preferred. The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to align performance for results, build effective teams, plan and organize work, make sound decisions, maintain a quality focus, manage conflict, and communicate strategically across the organization.

Pay:

$95,000-$135,000 per year*

* The salary range listed for this position represents the good faith and reasonable minimum and maximum pay for this role at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors including, but not limited to, experience, skills, training, knowledge, education, and overall qualifications. The posted salary range reflects just one component of our total rewards package. Other components of the total rewards package may include participation in group health and/or dental insurance, retirement plan, wellness program, paid time away from work, and paid holidays.

Upstate Niagara Cooperative, Inc. is committed to equal employment opportunity for all, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic.