Job Description

We are seeking a dynamic and forward-thinking Maintenance Manager to lead our maintenance team at our fluid milk manufacturing plant in Minneapolis, MN. This is a high‑impact role for a hands-on leader who thrives in a fast-paced production environment and is passionate about driving operational excellence. You’ll guide and develop a skilled maintenance team, ensure our equipment and facilities operate safely and efficiently, and play a key part in delivering the quality and reliability our customers depend on. If you’re energized by solving problems, elevating performance, and fostering a culture of safety and continuous improvement, we’d love to meet you. This position reports to the Director, Plant Manager.

Responsibilities Include but are not limited to:

• 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.
• Oversee the development and execution of an effective predictive/preventive maintenance program which has a maintenance strategy for all assets to remove unscheduled down time, increase the lifespan of assets by keeping them in optimal condition, and contain maintenance strategies so assets are timely maintained to minimize costs associated with asset breakdowns.
• Ensure systems (e.g., SAP) support task planning with time required, parts required, and job descriptions to maximize maintenance activities during normal plant operation, in time made available during washes, planned downtime, and periodic maintenance shuts. Use project management chart detailing activities during planned downtime.
• Maintain awareness of maintenance best practices and establish benchmarks, strategy, and plan to achieve world class maintenance.
• 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, making 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.
• 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, union contract provisions (if applicable), 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.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree (or equivalent combination of experience and education).
• 5 to 8 years maintenance, mechanical engineering, or related experience coupled with demonstrated leadership attributes, team leadership, or supervisory experience; 1+ year of manager experience preferred.
• Manufacturing operations or production experience in the food and beverage industry; dairy industry experience is preferred.
• Experience leading and following safety policies and procedures.
• Strong knowledge of facility equipment and processes (boilers, refrigeration systems, blow mold machines, high speed fillers, palletizers).
• Hands-on ammonia experience is required.
• Must have a MN 1b boilers license
• Electrical experience with motor control circuitry up to 480-volt 3 phase.
• PLC troubleshooting and programming experience is a plus.
• Certification and/or License – may be required during course of employment; electrical, welding, boiler, refrigeration, compressed air, wastewater, or plumbing licenses or certificates preferred
• Ability to travel up to 15%

Benefits:

• Health and Welfare benefits begin 1st of the month after start date
• 401(k) with company contribution
• Competitive pay
• Paid vacation and holidays
• Career growth opportunities – we promote from within!
• Comprehensive healthcare benefits
• Service recognition and employee rewards
• Employee referral program
• Tuition reimbursement
• Work for dairy farm families

An Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled/Veterans