Maintenance Manager

Maintenance Manager - Food Manufacturing (Dairy & Ice Cream Preferred)Position OverviewWe are seeking an experienced Maintenance Manager to lead and optimize maintenance operations within a high-speed food manufacturing facility, with preference for candidates who have dairy production experience. The role is responsible for ensuring equipment reliability, minimizing downtime, maintaining food safety and regulatory compliance, and driving continuous improvement through preventive maintenance, effective use of CMMS, and hands-on technical leadership of the maintenance team.Key ResponsibilitiesLead, mentor and schedule the maintenance team, including technicians and contractors, to ensure adequate coverage for production demands and operations as required.Develop, implement and manage preventive and predictive maintenance programs to maximize equipment uptime and extend asset life.Manage and maintain the CMMS: create and optimize work orders, track maintenance KPIs, manage spare parts inventories, and analyze failure trends.Troubleshoot, diagnose and coordinate repairs for mechanical, electrical and PLC-controlled systems; provide technical direction and hands-on support during major breakdowns.Collaborate with production, quality and sanitation teams to ensure maintenance activities comply with food safety standards (e.g., HACCP, GMP) and do not compromise product integrity.Plan and manage maintenance budgets, capital projects and cost-control initiatives; evaluate ROI on repairs vs. replacement and recommend equipment upgrades.Establish and enforce safety protocols and lockout/tagout procedures, conduct regular safety inspections and training, and ensure regulatory compliance.Coordinate with external vendors and service providers for specialized repairs, calibration, and preventative contracts; manage vendor performance and contracts.Drive continuous improvement initiatives (TPM, RCM, Lean tools) to reduce downtime, improve OEE and streamline maintenance processes.Prepare clear reports and communicate maintenance status, KPIs and improvement plans to operations leadership and cross-functional teams.Qualifications5+ years of maintenance leadership experience in food manufacturing, with demonstrated experience in dairy or ice cream production preferred.Strong technical background in mechanical and electrical systems and hands-on experience with PLC troubleshooting, programming and integration (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or similar).Proven experience using a CMMS (e.g., Maximo, Infor EAM, MP2, or similar) to manage preventive maintenance and work order workflows.Knowledge of food processing equipment, packaging lines and CIP systems and an understanding of sanitary design principles for food production.Experience with maintenance improvement methodologies such as TPM, RCM or Lean maintenance; track record of reducing downtime and improving OEE.Budgeting and project management experience, including capital planning, spare parts optimization and vendor management.Strong leadership skills with the ability to coach technicians, build high performing teams and manage shift schedules; excellent communication skills.Familiarity with food safety and regulatory programs (HACCP, GMP) and a commitment to safety and compliance, including lockout/tagout and confined space procedures.Relevant technical certifications or education (Associate/Bachelor in Electrical/Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Maintenance or equivalent) and/or trade certifications.Willingness to work flexible hours including nights, weekends and on-call rotations as required by production schedules.BenefitsAnnual base salary: $100,000 - $120,000BONUS OpportunitiesHealth, Dental, Vision Life Insurance PTO PlanMake an impact!