General Purpose

Manage and provide leadership, direction, and support to the maintenance department to ensure the effective delivery of maintenance services in accordance with the company's policies, OSHA regulations, and applicable laws. Ensure that safety, quality, yields, throughput, and efficiencies are met. Resolve issues in a timely manner. Directly responsible for meeting or exceeding all the Key Performance Indicators (KPI's) of their respective department, as well as supporting the plant and business KPI's.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Ensure that staffing strategies exist wherein the business needs are achieved and KPI's are always met
• Provide hands on technical leadership & training to troubleshoot, diagnose and resolve electro-mechanical issues as they arise and help is needed
• Collaborate with other Leadership Team Members on key initiatives as they arise
• Active participation in plant Leadership Team meetings
• Assist project managers as directed for major projects to ensure proper planning is attained. Provides input and support for all projects and ensures proper project management procedures are followed. Responsible for ensuring preventive maintenance procedures, master schedules and spare parts are in place to support successful project startups.
• Ensure new hires are mentored appropriately and that effective performance reviews are happening.
• Develop and manage a maintenance department qualified to maintain all equipment and facilities in a safe and efficient working condition
• Maintain all operating equipment in satisfactory condition. Ensure that equipment operates within the specifications and tolerances established by the equipment vendor/manufacturer
• Develop objectives and standards of performance for activities and projects within the maintenance department to meet departmental, divisional, and corporate goals and objectives
• Execute an effective preventive maintenance program to minimize unscheduled down time
• Serve as an escalation point of contact for emergency maintenance requests
• Consult with engineering and management regarding desirable modifications of existing equipment and the possible replacement of existing equipment which will improve operations and reduce maintenance costs
• Analyze cost studies of proposals for new equipment. Make recommendations to management
• Plan and provide for an adequate supply and ensure control over spare parts and maintenance supplies
• Implement cost-reduction measures to control expenses that impact the operating budget for repair, utility, pretreatment, and maintenance. May be involved in developing the capital budget
• Keep management aware of all matters that impact equipment and facility performance
• Remain current with latest and emerging industry regulations and codes relative to mechanical and electrical systems design and operation
• Develop procedures and policies for maintenance department
• Oversee department schedules to maximize both preventive and repair services, while minimizing unnecessary overtime expenditures
• Manage assigned employees, including recruitment, supervision, scheduling, development, evaluation, and performance management. Understand and effectively apply work rules and employment policies. Administer discipline consistently and fairly. Work with Human Resources and plant management to resolve employee grievances
• Follow all DFA good manufacturing practices (GMP) and work in a manner consistent with all company regulatory, food safety, quality, and sanitation requirements.
• The requirements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employee, but is not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Other duties may be assigned as required

Education and Experience

• Undergraduate degree in Engineering or Industrial Technology and/or relevant technical experience (or equivalent combination of experience and education) preferred
• 7-10 years recent experience in a progressive technical leadership capacity working in a manufacturing or related industrial environment; 1+ year of manager experience preferred
• Manufacturing operations or production experience in dairy industry preferred
• Experience with operating within a formalized Continuous Improvement process a plus (TPM, Lean Manufacturing)
• Certification and/or License - may be required during course of employment; electrical, welding, boiler, refrigeration, compressed air, wastewater, or plumbing licenses or certificates preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of facility equipment and processes
• Knowledge of and skill with Microsoft Office Suite and company computer systems
• Knowledge of principles and practices of supervision, training, and personnel management
• Able to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Able to work in collaboration effectively and foster good teamwork
• Able to think and use independent judgment in planning and organizing multiple tasks and information
• Able to adapt to changing operational needs and lead others through change
• Able to set appropriate priorities within the maintenance department and instill sense of urgency to implement action plan and improve performance
• Able to lead and instruct others on the proper and safe procedures
• Able to select, coach, develop, engage, and retain a team of employees
• Must be able to read, write and speak English

An Equal Opportunity Employer

EEO/AA/Female/Minority/Disabled/Veteran