Maintenance Manager

Position Summary 

The Maintenance Manager is responsible for overseeing all maintenance and facility operations at a juice and beverage manufacturing facility. This role ensures the reliability, safety, and performance of all production, processing, utility, and facility systems. 

The Maintenance Manager will play a critical role in restarting an idle facility by establishing preventive maintenance programs, coordinating equipment startup and repairs, and building a sustainable maintenance function. The role is responsible for managing internal maintenance staff and external contractors, including OEMs and service providers. 

Key Responsibilities 

Maintenance & Reliability Leadership 

• Lead all maintenance activities across the facility, including production, processing, utilities, and infrastructure.  

• Develop and implement a preventive and predictive maintenance program for all equipment.  

• Establish maintenance standards, procedures, and documentation.  

• Drive equipment reliability and minimize unplanned downtime.  

Equipment & Systems Ownership 

• Oversee maintenance of all plant equipment, including:  

• Processing systems (silos, pumps, HTST pasteurization)  

• Filling and packaging equipment  

• Material handling equipment  

• Facility infrastructure and building systems  

• Ensure proper operation and maintenance of critical utility systems, including:  

• Boiler systems  

• Ammonia refrigeration systems  

• Maintain compliance with all applicable safety and regulatory requirements related to equipment and utilities.  

Facility & Infrastructure Management 

• Oversee upkeep and maintenance of the overall facility, including structural, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems.  

• Ensure the facility remains in a safe, clean, and operational condition.  

• Support capital improvement and facility upgrade projects as needed.  

Startup & Commissioning Support 

• Lead maintenance-related activities during facility restart and equipment commissioning.  

• Assess equipment condition and coordinate repairs, upgrades, or replacements.  

• Partner with OEMs and contractors to bring equipment back to operational readiness.  

• Support initial production runs and troubleshoot startup issues.  

Vendor & OEM Management 

• Coordinate with equipment manufacturers (OEMs), contractors, and service providers for maintenance, repairs, and technical support.  

• Manage service agreements and ensure quality and timeliness of external work.  

• Oversee contractor safety and compliance while on-site.  

Team Leadership & Development 

• Lead and develop maintenance personnel, including supervisors and mechanics.  

• Establish clear roles, expectations, and accountability within the maintenance team.  

• Support training and development of maintenance staff.  

• Foster a culture of safety, ownership, and continuous improvement.  

Work Order & Maintenance Systems 

• Implement and manage a CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System) or equivalent system.  

• Establish work order processes, maintenance scheduling, and tracking.  

• Maintain accurate maintenance records and documentation.  

• Track and report maintenance KPIs (downtime, PM completion, etc.).  

Cross-Functional Collaboration 

• Partner with Production and Processing teams to support uptime and operational efficiency.  

• Collaborate with Quality to ensure equipment meets food safety and sanitation requirements.  

• Work with Warehouse and Shipping teams to support facility and equipment needs.  

• Communicate effectively with the Plant Manager on maintenance performance and priorities.  

Safety & Compliance 

• Ensure compliance with all safety regulations related to maintenance and utilities.  

• Oversee safe operation and maintenance of ammonia refrigeration and boiler systems.  

• Implement and enforce lockout/tagout (LOTO) and other safety procedures.  

• Promote a strong safety culture within the maintenance team.  

Continuous Improvement 

• Identify and implement improvements to increase equipment reliability and efficiency.  

• Reduce maintenance costs through effective planning and execution.  

• Support long-term maintenance strategy as the facility grows. 

Shift & Scheduling Expectations 

• This is a site-based leadership role supporting a manufacturing operation.  

• While the role is not assigned to a specific shift, flexibility is required to support plant operations, including early startup phases, equipment commissioning, and troubleshooting activities.  

• Availability outside of standard business hours may be required to address critical equipment issues, support maintenance activities, or ensure operational continuity.  

Qualifications & Experience 

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.  

• Minimum of 8–10 years of experience in maintenance within food, beverage, or manufacturing environments.  

• Proven experience managing maintenance teams and plant systems.  

• Strong knowledge of:  

• Mechanical, electrical, and process systems  

• Boiler and ammonia refrigeration systems  

• Preventive maintenance and reliability programs  

• Experience implementing or managing CMMS systems.  

• Experience working with OEMs and external service providers.  

• Strong leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills.  

• Ability to operate effectively in a startup or restart environment  

Physical & Work Environment Requirements 

• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with exposure to mechanical systems and utilities.  

• Ability to respond to off-hours issues or emergencies as needed. 

Additional Information 

• This role will initially partner with external consultants during the facility startup phase.  

• Responsibilities may evolve as the facility grows and additional equipment or production lines are added.