Maintenance Manager Food Manufacturing

Maintenance Manager – Food Manufacturing | Ammonia Refrigeration | PLC | Cherokee, IA

Location: Cherokee, IA (Onsite)
Schedule: 1st Shift (7 AM–5 PM, M–F + weekends as needed)
Salary: $120,000 – $160,000 + Bonus

Overview:

We are hiring an experienced Maintenance Manager (Food Manufacturing) to lead plant maintenance, equipment reliability, and capital projects in a fast-paced production environment. This role is ideal for a hands-on leader with strong expertise in ammonia refrigeration, PLC systems, and food processing equipment (bread, batter, fryer).

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead all plant maintenance operations (equipment, facility, utilities)
• Oversee preventive & predictive maintenance programs
• Manage capital projects, plant expansions, and equipment upgrades
• Ensure full OSHA and safety compliance
• Supervise and develop maintenance & engineering teams
• Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, and PLC systems
• Coordinate with vendors, contractors, and leadership teams
• Improve equipment reliability, uptime, and production efficiency

Required Qualifications:

• 5+ years of Maintenance Management experience in Food Manufacturing
• Strong experience with ammonia refrigeration & protein processing
• Background in bread, batter, and fryer systems
• Knowledge of PLC systems, CAD, electrical & mechanical systems
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and teams
• Associate's degree or equivalent experience (Engineering/Technical preferred)

Work Environment:

• Exposure to temperature extremes (-40F to 110F)
• Manufacturing setting with noise & PPE requirements
• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs occasionally

Why Join Us:

• Competitive six-figure salary + bonus
• Leadership role with high impact on plant operations
• Opportunity to drive continuous improvement & capital projects