Engineering and Maintenance Manager

Marin French Cheese and Laura Chenel are two historic Northern California producers dedicated to preserving artisan cheesemaking know-how, championing quality and excellence, and nurturing the people and land that make our craft possible. The Maintenance Engineering Manager plays a central role in sustaining this legacy — ensuring our facilities, equipment, ranch, and infrastructure evolve in ways that improve safety, efficiency, sustainability, and long-term resilience. Position Summary The Maintenance Engineering Manager is responsible for coordinating maintenance operations and engineering projects across two cheesemaking facilities and a 700-acre ranch. This role directly oversees two Maintenance Managers and a Ranch Manager, ensuring operational reliability, driving maintenance excellence, and leading engineering improvement initiatives. This is a hands‑on operational role focused on keeping both sites running at the highest standard while continuously identifying and executing engineering projects that improve safety, efficiency, and sustainability. Key Responsibilities Coordinate and support two Maintenance Managers (each overseeing two technicians) and one Ranch Manager across both production sites and the ranch. Foster a culture grounded in collaboration, accountability, emotional intelligence, and respect for craftsmanship. Set clear priorities, delegate effectively, and develop team capabilities at all levels. Promote safe work practices and model a proactive safety‑first culture. Ensure strong cross‑departmental communication, especially with Production, Quality, Finance, and Supply Chain. 2. Maintenance Operations (Two Production Sites) Oversee all preventive, predictive, and emergency maintenance for buildings, utilities, and production equipment across both sites. Implement, optimize, and actively use the CMMS to increase equipment uptime and operational visibility. Ensure all maintenance activities meet food safety standards (FSMA, SQF, etc.) and comply with regulatory requirements. Conduct routine facility inspections to identify repair needs and prioritize interventions. Establish systems for rapid response to breakdowns while minimizing production impact. Support continuous improvement and LEAN initiatives to reduce downtime, waste, and energy use. Maintain up‑to‑date technical documentation (P&IDs, layouts, mapping). 3. Engineering Projects (Equipment & Facilities) Identify, scope, and lead engineering improvement projects aligned with operational goals, safety, and sustainability. Evaluate, design, and retrofit production equipment and processes to enhance safety, ergonomics, product quality, and operational efficiency. Manage contractors and engineering partners; ensure timely, safe, and compliant project execution. Oversee commissioning of new equipment and ensure smooth integration with operations. Maintain strong project documentation and cross‑functional alignment throughout project lifecycles. Contribute technical input to CAPEX planning in collaboration with senior leadership. 4. Utilities & Infrastructure Management Oversee key utilities and systems across both sites: Electrical (traditional & solar) Compressed air Water treatment (well & surface) and wastewater treatment Ensure reliability, regulatory compliance, and cost efficiency across all utility systems. Drive energy optimization projects and ensure alignment with sustainability goals. 5. Ranch & Land Management (700 Acres) Oversee ranch operations through an experienced Ranch Manager. Energy optimization (solar, pumps, irrigation efficiency) Land stewardship and preservation (soil health, biodiversity, grazing programs) Ensure the ranch's activities align with environmental sustainability, regulatory requirements, and long‑term preservation of the land. Manage departmental maintenance and utilities budgets in coordination with senior leadership. Develop vendor partnerships; ensure competitive pricing and quality on equipment and maintenance supplies. Oversee parts inventory and ensure availability of critical spares. Qualifications Required 8+ years of progressive experience in engineering, maintenance, or operations, preferably in food, beverage, or manufacturing. Proven success coordinating teams across multiple sites or functions. Strong hands‑on knowledge of utilities, facility systems, and production equipment. Solid experience leading engineering improvement projects from scoping through commissioning. Strong emotional intelligence and communication skills — able to influence across functions and build team cohesion. Ability to balance day‑to‑day operational demands with longer‑term engineering planning. Preferred Experience in dairy, fermentation, or food manufacturing with strict hygiene standards. Familiarity with LEAN manufacturing or continuous improvement methodologies. Experience with sustainability programs (energy, water, carbon reduction). Background in ranch, land, or agricultural operations (helpful but not required). What Success Looks Like Reliable equipment uptime and smooth maintenance operations across both cheese plants. A well‑coordinated team of Maintenance Managers and Ranch Manager working with clear priorities and strong communication. Engineering projects delivered on time and with measurable operational impact. Improved working conditions that support the craft of cheesemaking. A well‑run, sustainable ranch that reflects responsible land stewardship. Measurable progress in energy efficiency, water conservation, and long‑term sustainability. #J-18808-Ljbffr Laura Chenel