Maintenance Manager
Job Description
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.