Lead Maintenance Manager, Meat Processing Plant

Maintenance Manager - Specialty Food Group Position Summary The Maintenance Manager is responsible for leading all maintenance and reliability functions within a fast-paced meat processing and specialty foods manufacturing facility. This role oversees the maintenance team, preventative maintenance programs, equipment reliability initiatives, utilities management, and capital improvement projects to ensure safe, efficient, and continuous plant operations. The Maintenance Manager partners closely with Production, Food Safety & Quality Assurance, Engineering, and Operations leadership to minimize downtime, improve equipment performance, maintain regulatory compliance, and support overall plant productivity goals. Key Responsibilities Lead and supervise maintenance technicians, electricians, mechanics, and external contractors to support daily plant operations. Develop, implement, and manage preventative and predictive maintenance programs for processing, packaging, refrigeration, and utility systems. Ensure rapid response and resolution of equipment breakdowns to minimize production downtime. Coordinate maintenance activities for critical plant utilities including ammonia refrigeration, steam, compressed air, electrical systems, water, and wastewater systems. Collaborate with Production and Quality teams to maintain compliance with USDA, FDA, OSHA, HACCP, SQF, and company food safety standards. Identify and implement continuous improvement initiatives focused on equipment reliability, efficiency, safety, and cost reduction. Analyze maintenance metrics, downtime trends, and equipment performance to drive operational improvements. Assist in planning and execution of capital projects, equipment installations, facility upgrades, and line modifications. Manage inventory and procurement of maintenance parts, tools, and supplies. Develop and manage departmental budgets, including maintenance expenditures and capital planning. Ensure compliance with all safety programs, lockout/tagout procedures, and environmental regulations. Provide coaching, training, and performance management for maintenance personnel. Maintain accurate maintenance documentation, work orders, and preventative maintenance records through CMMS systems. Support startup, commissioning, and troubleshooting of new processing equipment and technologies. Qualifications Associate's degree or technical certification in Industrial Maintenance, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Electrical Technology, or related field preferred. Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Industrial Technology, or related discipline is a plus. Minimum of 5 years of maintenance leadership experience in food manufacturing, meat processing, or industrial production environment. Experience with USDA-regulated food manufacturing environments is strongly preferred. Working knowledge of mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and refrigeration systems. Experience managing preventative maintenance systems and CMMS platforms. Strong troubleshooting, problem-solving, and project management skills. Demonstrated ability to lead teams in a fast-paced production environment. Knowledge of OSHA safety standards, lockout/tagout procedures, and food safety regulations. Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills. Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining operational efficiency and product quality. Preferred Experience Experience in meat processing, protein manufacturing, or specialty food production environments. Familiarity with ammonia refrigeration systems and utility management. Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement experience preferred. Experience with automation, PLC troubleshooting, and packaging systems is a plus. Physical Requirements While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand and walk. The employee is occasionally required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and color vision. Background Screening/Checks This position is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. This may include verification of employment, education, criminal background, driving history, and other relevant information, conducted in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. EEO Statement EOE, including Disability/Veteran #J-18808-Ljbffr