Maintenance Manager

We are looking for a hands on Maintenance Manager in Santa Barbara County. This role will be responsible for acting as a change agent within the maintenance function at a growing food manufacturer. The Maintenance Manager will lead and oversee all maintenance activities across the facility to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable plant operations. This role ensures all equipment, utilities, and infrastructure support production goals while complying with food safety, quality, environmental, and health & safety standards.

Job Responsibilities:

• Partner with the Plant Manager to establish maintenance priorities aligned with production and business goals.
• Lead, coach, and develop the maintenance team to ensure high performance and accountability.
• Coordinate maintenance activities with production, quality, and operations teams to reduce downtime.
• Develop, manage, and continuously improve the Planned Preventive Maintenance (PPM) program.
• Ensure timely completion of all maintenance work orders and accurate documentation.
• Implement predictive and corrective maintenance strategies to improve equipment reliability.
• Ensure rapid response and troubleshooting of mechanical, electrical, and control system issues.
• Provide expert-level guidance on mechanical, electrical, and automation systems.
• Utilize schematics, diagrams, and diagnostic tools to identify and resolve equipment faults.
• Support installation, commissioning, and validation of new equipment and facility upgrades.
• Ensure all maintenance activities comply with the Food Safety & Quality Management System (FSQMS).
• Actively participate as a HACCP and Food Defense Team Member.
• Ensure maintenance-related audit findings are addressed promptly and effectively.
• Monitor contractor performance and maintain service records.
• Maintain building integrity and utilities to required standards.
• Ensure all engineering and facility modifications are risk-assessed and approved prior to execution.
• Support capital projects and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Train maintenance personnel and support training of operators in basic equipment care and troubleshooting.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of industry best practices and emerging technologies.
• Maintain accurate maintenance logs, records, and compliance documentation.
• Provide regular maintenance performance reports (downtime, KPIs, OEE impact) to the Plant Manager.
• Minimize equipment downtime and maximize production efficiency
• Ensure full compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory standards
• Extend equipment life through effective maintenance practices
• Drive continuous improvement in maintenance and reliability

Required Skills/Qualifications:

• 5+ years of maintenance leadership experience in a food or pharma manufacturing environment
• 5+ years experience of managing and leading a team with direct reports
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Industrial Engineering preferred; equivalent experience considered.
• Strong mechanical/electrical troubleshooting knowledge
• Preventive/predictive maintenance and reliability experience
• Equipment installation/commissioning experience
• Vendor/OEM/contractor management
• Ability to lead, coach, influence, motivate, develop engage and retain a large team is required
• Strong leadership, communication, and listening skills with a proven attendance record.
• Ability to work effectively with a wide array of plant personnel ranging from hourly employees to senior management