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.