Maintenance Manager

Job Description SUMMARYThe Maintenance Manager is responsible for the safe maintenance, and the repair or replacement of plant equipment and systems (Mechanical, HVAC, Grounds, and Building Structure etc).  The manager is responsible for planning, scheduling and providing technical solutions to ensure maximum production quantity and quality that support policies, goals and objectives of the company.  PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIESReports food safety and quality problems to personnel with the authority to initiate action. Enforce company guiding principles and culture statement.Initiates, implements, and manages the maintenance program based on best practices in the food industry, with an emphasis on planning / scheduling, preventive and predictive maintenance. Oversee the purchasing and inventory functions of the department to ensure the correct parts are readily available at all times and costs are being charged to the correct general ledger.  Prepares reports and analyzes data in order to make recommendations for improving plant operations and solving maintenance related problems. Ensures that maintenance staff are adequately trained, equipped, and motivated so the maintenance program can be accomplished in a safe, timely, cost-effective manner. Conducts employee performance reviews based on job descriptions to determine competency, knowledge, and contribution of the maintenance staff. Develop and train staff on department policies and procedures and ensures policies and procedures are adhered to at all times.Maintains department files and manuals and ensure files and manuals are orderly and assessable.   Ensures that the department staff is trained on the most updated versions of the department and company policies and procedures. Monitor the operation of plant equipment and systems to minimize unplanned downtime, anticipate and solve problems in a timely manner, and identify opportunities for improvement. Initiates and carries out projects that improve efficiency and /or reduce operating costs. Tracks and analyze department key performance indicators and always striving to exceed targets such as equipment uptime, maintenance cost, PM compliance, schedule compliance, employee labor hours, parts availability, and stock levels. Ensures city, county, state and federal regulation relating to the maintenance department are met at all times. Directs, maintains, and enforces the safety program for the maintenance department.Ensures that effective communication between maintenance and operations is always the upmost importance. Responsible for interviewing, hiring and training maintenance employees; planning assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; and addressing complaints and resolving problems Ensure department is staffed to meet internal requirements.Establishes and maintains a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) for tracking work orders, spare parts, and maintenance history of plant equipment.Develop and execute an effective preventative maintenance program. Troubleshoots equipment problems while also training mechanics on how to perform tasks at hand.Oversee the security of the facility related to the fire and burglar alarm system.  KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS Flexible work hours (evaluate off shifts at times).Ability to build effective teams and motivate others. Possess good listening skills.Communicating effectively - written and oral.Being adaptable and self driven.Bachelor’s degree preferred, certificate or diploma from trade school in related field and five years experience in the maintenance and/or operation of a process manufacturing facility or equivalent combination of education and experience.5 years’ experience in a food production environment, preferably in the confectionery or snack industry & in a supervisory or managerial role. The ability to set priorities, working with multiple projects, with frequent interruptions and changing priorities.Working knowledge of the following: Programmable Logic Control Working knowledge of basic and high voltage electrical systemsExperience with Reading Electrical Blue Prints Mechanical Systems Compressed air system and components Boilers HVACPreventative and Predictive Maintenance Programs and Systems and functional experience utilizing a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) Job Title: Maintenance Manager | Food ManufacturingLocation: Niles, ILHire Type: Direct HireTarget Pay Rate: $135,000/year (flexible depending on experience)Benefits: PTO, paid holidays, medical/dental/vision plans, 401(k) Must-Have Skills:5+ years of maintenance experience in a manufacturing environment3+ years in a supervisory or maintenance leadership roleFood manufacturing experience requiredStrong knowledge of PLCs, electrical systems (high/low voltage), HVAC, mechanical systemsExperience with CMMS platformsPreventive/predictive maintenance expertiseAbility to lead teams, prioritize work, and manage multiple projectsStrong communication and problem-solving skills Job Summary:The Maintenance Manager is responsible for leading all maintenance operations within a food manufacturing facility, ensuring equipment reliability, safety, and efficiency. This role oversees preventive and predictive maintenance programs, manages a team of maintenance personnel, and drives continuous improvement initiatives to support production goals and reduce downtime. Job Duties:Lead daily maintenance operations across mechanical, electrical, HVAC, and facility systemsDevelop and manage preventive and predictive maintenance programsOversee CMMS utilization for work orders, parts, and equipment historyManage maintenance team staffing, training, performance, and developmentEnsure compliance with food safety, OSHA, and regulatory requirementsMonitor KPIs (uptime, PM compliance, maintenance costs, downtime, etc.) and drive improvementsManage spare parts inventory and maintenance-related purchasingTroubleshoot equipment issues and support root cause analysisDrive continuous improvement and cost reduction initiativesMaintain strong communication between maintenance and production teamsEnsure facility safety systems (fire, security, alarms) are operational and compliant Qualifications:Bachelor's degree preferred; technical school or trade certification acceptableExperience in process manufacturing environment requiredStrong background in equipment reliability and maintenance systemsProven leadership and team development experienceQualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information. Meet Your Recruiter Sheila Herring Technical Recruiter View email address on click.appcast.io Connect on LinkedIn Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information. As one of the most respected names in engineering staffing, Sterling has hundreds of opportunities with top employers. If you've got a friend or colleague seeking their next move in engineering, we could have their next opportunity. We offer a referral bonus for every referral that we place. Submit referral now. Sterling Engineering