Maintenance & Reliability Manager

Overview

Are you a hands-on, results-driven leader who thrives on fixing broken systems and bringing struggling plants back to life? We are looking for an experienced Maintenance & Reliability Manager (aka: Technical Operations Manager) to take responsibility at a manufacturing facility in Denver, CO that needs strong leadership, sharp technical skills, and the determination to get it back on track. This is not a “keep the lights on” role—it’s an opportunity for a proven leader to make a measurable impact by stabilizing operations, driving reliability, and building a high-performance culture.

Location

The Technical Operations Manager will work at our client’s Denver, CO facility (80239). Relocation assistance is available for strong candidates currently in the USA.

Responsibilities

• Lead the turnaround of daily plant operations, with a strong focus on technical performance, asset reliability, and efficiency.
• Take ownership of resource allocation (equipment, people, systems, and materials) to meet and exceed operational targets safely, cost-effectively, and sustainably.
• Identify weaknesses in current processes and implement corrective actions that drive long-term stability and improvement.
• Develop strategies and visions that can achieve optimal results for the organization.
• Drive accountability on the shop floor through daily reviews of production, maintenance, and quality targets—escalating and addressing variances quickly.
• Manage, coach and mentor technical and operations staff, building a strong pipeline of future leaders while instilling a culture of discipline, urgency, and continuous improvement.
• Partner with maintenance and engineering teams to ensure preventive, predictive, and reliability-centered maintenance programs are executed to maximize uptime.
• Prioritize, schedule, and ensure maintenance and repairs are completed to maximize efficiency.
• Lead root-cause problem solving for breakdowns, implement sustainable fixes, and prevent repeat failures.
• Reinforce compliance with all 10 Lean manufacturing principles and food safety regulations, while raising the bar on product quality, safety, and housekeeping standards.
• Ensure internal and external regulations, procedures and policies are applied fairly and consistently.
• Develop and execute action plans that deliver measurable improvements in OEE, cost reduction, and workforce engagement.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with suppliers, internal customers, and support teams to drive alignment and accelerate plant recovery.

Ideal profile

• 7+ years of progressive TECHNICAL LEADERSHIP experience in manufacturing (food, beverage, or consumer goods preferred), including several years as leader of the MAINTENANCE FUNCTION or the FACTORY ENGINEER in a plant.
• Proven success in plant turnarounds, maintenance, or operations leadership.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and lead technical teams through cultural and operational change, delivering improved performance and reliability.
• Strong command of TPM (Total Productive Maintenance) / Maintenance Excellence programs, including Asset Management, FMEA, Breakdown Analysis, Reliability Centered Maintenance, Predictive Maintenance, and Preventive Maintenance.
• In-depth knowledge of TPM Pillar Systems and Tools Asset Management Software (SAP Preferred).
• Proficient with advanced PM (predictive maintenance) optimization and tools/technologies (infrared, vibration, ultrasonic, etc.).
• A proven track record of driving operational stability in complex, underperforming environments.
• Resilient, action-oriented leadership style with the ability to rally teams, challenge the status quo, and deliver results.
• Knowledge of food safety and regulatory compliance standards.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, or Process preferred).
• Location: Local to Denver, CO area preferred (80239) or willing to relocate from within the USA with company support.

Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Management and Manufacturing

Industries

• Manufacturing (Food & Beverage / Consumer Goods)