Job Description

Manufacturing Maintenance Operations Lead

Location: Richmond, VA
Job Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire
Compensation starting at $92,000+ based on experience

A growing manufacturing operation in the Richmond area is seeking an experienced maintenance leader to oversee facility and equipment maintenance activities in a high-volume production environment. This position is responsible for supporting operational uptime, improving equipment reliability, and leading maintenance personnel to achieve safety, quality, and performance goals.

The selected candidate will play a key role in maintaining efficient production and packaging operations while supporting continuous improvement initiatives throughout the facility.

Core Responsibilities

Equipment Reliability & Maintenance Operations

• Drive initiatives focused on improving equipment uptime, reliability, and operational efficiency
• Lead troubleshooting efforts for manufacturing and packaging equipment issues
• Coordinate daily maintenance activities and assign work priorities to maintenance staff
• Collaborate with production and support teams to schedule preventive and corrective maintenance
• Organize maintenance shutdown activities and ensure required permits and safety procedures are followed
• Support equipment qualification, validation, and specification documentation as needed
• Maintain and improve preventive and predictive maintenance strategies
• Monitor spare parts inventory levels and ensure critical components remain available

Continuous Improvement & Technical Support

• Support Lean Manufacturing and operational improvement efforts
• Identify and recommend practical, cost-effective equipment and process enhancements
• Assist with smaller capital or improvement projects, including equipment modifications and tooling upgrades
• Work with outside vendors and contractors to coordinate repair and service activities
• Track maintenance performance and support process optimization initiatives

Leadership & Team Development

• Supervise, mentor, and support maintenance technicians and team members
• Conduct departmental meetings and communicate operational updates effectively
• Promote a strong safety culture and ensure adherence to cGMP and company standards
• Assist with maintenance budgeting and cost management activities
• Provide additional operational support as needed across the facility

Qualifications

Experience & Background

• Minimum of 5 years of leadership experience within a manufacturing maintenance environment
• Technical or engineering background strongly preferred, particularly Mechanical or Electrical disciplines
• Previous experience supporting high-speed manufacturing or packaging systems preferred

Technical Knowledge

• Understanding of industrial automation and control systems
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, schematics, and blueprints
• Strong troubleshooting abilities involving mechanical and electrical equipment
• Experience utilizing computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS)
• Familiarity with Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) metrics and maintenance performance tracking
• Experience managing maintenance inventory and spare parts systems

Additional Qualifications

• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills
• Experience in consumer products, packaging, or similar production environments is beneficial
• Comfortable using maintenance software and computer-based reporting tools

Required Work Experience

Manufacturing maintenance experience: 5+ years
Supervisory or leadership experience: 5+ years
Manufacturing operations environment: 5+ years

Compensation & Benefits

Competitive compensation package based on experience
Medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage
Company-paid life insurance and short-term disability after eligibility period
401(k) with company contribution and immediate vesting
Paid time off including vacation and holidays
Employee referral incentives
Onsite dining/cafeteria access
Career advancement and professional development opportunities
Company-provided uniforms, safety footwear support, and prescription safety glasses

Why Consider This Opportunity?

This role offers the opportunity to lead critical maintenance operations within a fast-paced manufacturing environment where your technical expertise and leadership will directly impact production performance, equipment reliability, and team success.