Maintenance Manager

JOB OVERVIEW: The Maintenance Manager will manage the maintenance operations of fast-paced premium dairy processing and distribution facility and is responsible for leading the execution of daily maintenance of operational plans which support producing product at the lowest total cost while maintaining high quality and customer service levels. Specific measurable areas this role is responsible for: labor cost, maintenance cost, equipment efficiency, down time, as well as minimizing milk, ingredient and packaging waste while assuring highest levels of safety, quality, sanitation, and regulatory compliance, and building a high performing department

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Ensure mechanical and engineering expertise is available to Operations and other departments to maintain production and processing systems, utilities, buildings, and grounds are running effectively and efficiently, 24/7 .
• Collaborate with Operations leadership to implement cost effective controls and process improvement initiatives, production uptime through process flows and associated requirements for new designs, equipment, improve employee safety, production quality, equipment reliability and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) utilizing Continuous Improvement techniques.
• Responsible for proper evaluation of new and existing equipment, best available technology for expansion and/or optimization of process equipment and controls needs, and facilities layout as well as development and management of all applicable validation, controls standards, automation, and process compliance documentation (SOP) of all plant equipment, including schematics, protocols, training procedures, and engineering change notices.
• Predict or identify maintenance equipment or process related issues by conducting root cause analysis and problem-solving initiatives through resolution; lead related projects for new/rebuild of equipment and related control, programming, electrical, and automation - to optimize efficient operation of systems.
• Prepare protocols for validation or performance testing of new or modified manufacturing equipment, processes, or systems; analyzes data from validation tests to determine if systems/processes meet required criteria and specifications
• Identify and lead maintenance/engineering process control initiatives in cost reduction efforts, yield loss containment, quality improvement and safety.
• Work with Ops leadership on identification and procurement of new equipment and/or systems, up to and including coordinating delivery, installation, testing, fulfillment of contract specifications, and any necessary follow through
• Work closely with Quality team to ensure effective and efficient quality assurance processes and procedures related to maintenance and equipment.
• Identify and implement new computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) to optimize asset utilization through scheduled preventative/predictive maintenance program.
• Develop, analyze, and report key maintenance performance indicators (KPI) to create and implement corrective actions.
• Manage current equipment vendors, suppliers, contractors, and service providers and identify new requisite providers.

Leadership

• In conjunction with Operations and P&C training function, ensure that robust and effective maintenance -related safety, security, and regulatory employee training programs are upheld for all new and current maintenance team members.
• Manage and direct maintenance and engineering teams – regularly assesses their performance and provides robust and effective training, coaching, mentoring, and development; ensures effective utilization of team knowledge and skillsets to attain a higher level of plant efficiencies.
• Build collaborative relationships cross-departmentally and work together to identify opportunities for improvement of best practices and finding appropriate ways to incorporate them into how we do business.
• Work with Ops leadership on the development of maintenance and engineering capital budget for plant operations.
• Exemplify Company values –Sustainability, Integrity, Quality Respect, and Forward-Thinking.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Education & Experience

• BS degree in Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent technical certification, preferred.
• 5 years of maintenance management experience in a dairy processing, food, or beverage manufacturing, required.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite, AutoCAD or SolidWorks, and Rockwell/Allen Bradley, Siemens, and/or other PLC software platforms/applications, required.
• Awareness of food safety regulations, quality standards, and certifications relevant to dairy manufacturing.
• Proven track record of building strong relationships with vendors and suppliers and negotiating favorable terms.
• Ability to communicate in Spanish, preferred but not required.
• Passion for organics industry, sustainability, and responsible business, preferred.

Competencies

• Preventive/Predictive Maintenance: Expertise in developing/executing maintenance schedules to minimize downtime.
• Equipment Troubleshooting: Strong diagnostic skills across mechanical, electrical, and control systems.
• CMMS Proficiency: Skilled in using Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (e.g., Fiix, eMaint, SAP PM).
• Regulatory Compliance: Knowledge of OSHA, FDA, USDA, and other relevant safety and sanitation standards.
• Root Cause Analysis: Ability to lead investigations and implement corrective actions for recurring issues.
• Team Development: Coaching and mentoring technicians across experience levels; fostering a learning culture.
• Budgeting & Cost Control: Managing maintenance budgets, vendor contracts, and capital projects.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partners effectively with production, quality, supply chain, and EHS to align priorities and solve problems.
• Accountability: Takes ownership of equipment reliability and team performance.
• Communication: Clear, timely, and effective communication with all levels of the organization.
• Adaptability: Responds effectively to changing priorities, emergencies, or production demands.
• Problem Solving: Uses data and experience to make sound decisions under pressure.
• Safety Mindset: Champions a culture of safety and continuous improvement.

Physical & Mental

• Primarily based in a manufacturing facility with routine time spent on the production floor.
• Ability to maintain composure and authority while managing diverse teams and resolving conflicts.
• Mental acuity to make quick, high-stakes decisions, under pressure during equipment failures or production crises.
• Ability to process and synthesize information – read analyze, and interpret – from multiple sources.
• Working memory to retain and manipulate multiple variables (e.g., schedules, budgets, equipment specs) while planning or troubleshooting.
• Numerical and spatial reasoning to understand layouts, diagrams, and calculations and estimate dimensions, tolerances, and energy loads.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to focus to detect subtle signs of equipment wear or process inefficiencies.
• Withstand noise produced by machinery, up to 90 decibels.
• Work in cold, wet, humid environments and in high allergen environments is essential.

Work Hours & Location

• This role is not eligible for remote work. Remote candidates will not be considered for this role.
• This position is based in Rohnert Park, CA.
• This is a key management position. Flexibility to work an extended schedule, different shifts, to be on call before or after hours, and to work weekends as business needs arise, is required.
• Ability to travel to different work locations and meeting sites, up to 10% of time.

Above description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work to be performed and not construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for the position.

Straus is an equal opportunity employer. We strictly prohibit and do not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, marital status, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any legally protected characteristic.

You do not need to match every listed expectation to apply for this position. Here at Straus Family Creamery, we know that diverse perspectives foster the innovation we need to be successful, and we are committed to building a team that encompasses a variety of backgrounds, experiences, and skills.

Founded in 1994, Straus Family Creamery is a mission-driven, family-owned-and-operated business dedicated to making premium organic dairy products, with minimal processing. The Straus Dairy Farm and Creamery, located in the small town of Marshall on the Northern California Coast, was the first certified organic dairy farm west of the Mississippi River and the first 100% certified organic creamery in the United States.
In addition to the Straus Dairy Farm, Straus Family Creamery buys certified organic, Non-GMO Project Verified milk from 11 other organic family farms in Northern California’s Marin and Sonoma Counties. The combination of rich soil, one of the nation’s most diverse grassland systems, and a mild coastal climate create the ideal setting for organic dairy farming. Land stewardship and sustainable farming are deeply rooted principles in certified organic farming practices.