Maintenance Manager – Food Manufacturing | Refrigeration & Wastewater

Our client is seeking a Maintenance Manager to lead all maintenance operations for a high-volume food manufacturing facility, ensuring equipment reliability, safe operations, and continuous production. This role oversees mechanical, electrical, refrigeration, and wastewater systems while managing a multi-shift maintenance team and capital/expense projects.

Onsite | No Visa Sponsorship | Relocation Assistance: Negotiable

Work Schedule: 7AM–5PM (1st shift) | Occasional support for 2nd/3rd shift operations

Requirements:

• Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, and process issues to minimize downtime.
• Lead and develop the maintenance team across multiple shifts, ensuring strong communication, training, and performance.
• Oversee maintenance of all plant equipment, including breading, batter, and fryer systems, refrigeration systems, wastewater operations, and facility infrastructure.
• Manage capital and expense projects, including planning, budgeting, and execution.
• Design or modify plant layouts to support new equipment, line expansions, or process improvements.
• Ensure full compliance with OSHA, environmental regulations, and internal safety programs.
• Maintain strong relationships with contractors and vendors to support efficient project execution.
• Support off-shift and weekend operations as needed for emergencies, special projects, or leadership coverage.

Qualifications/Must-Haves:

• Experience managing capital projects and multi-priority workloads.
• Associate degree in mechanical, electrical, or related technical field; equivalent experience accepted.
• Minimum 5 years of management experience in food manufacturing, specifically with: Bread, Batter, and Fryer Systems, Refrigeration Systems, Wastewater Treatment Operations.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with working knowledge of electrical and mechanical systems.
• Proficiency with CAD concepts, PLC-controlled equipment, Excel, and MS Word.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams in a fast-paced, high-demand production environment.

Work Environment:

• High-noise environment.
• Temperature ranges from -40°F to 110°F depending on production zones.
• Onsite role with exposure to production areas requiring PPE (hearing protection, safety glasses)
• Maintenance teams may work extended schedules during peak production or major projects; leadership must be able to support and motivate teams through demanding periods.

Preferred Skills:

• Stable work history with 3+ years average tenure.
• EPA Refrigerant Certification: OSHA 10/30 preferred.
• Experience in medium-to-large food manufacturing plants with multi-shift operations.
• Strong leadership presence with the ability to coach, motivate, and build a cohesive maintenance culture.