Maintenance Manager

Join our team at Country Fresh, where we are proud to produce high-quality fluid milk and cultured products in Grand Rapids, MI. Due to promotion, we are seeking a dedicated Maintenance Manager to 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. If you are a proactive leader with a passion for maintenance and team development, we encourage you to apply.

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. 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, union contract provisions (if applicable), and employment policies. Administer discipline consistently and fairly. Work with Human Resources and plant management to resolve employee grievances

Requirements:

• 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; 3 + years of manager experience preferred
• Manufacturing operations or production experience in a food & beverage manufacturing environment or dairy industry is desired
• Experience working with food manufacturing equipment, i.e., high-speed rotary fillers. Blow mold machines, pneumatics and hydraulics a plus.
• PLC experience to include reading ladder logic and editing. (Allen Bradley platform is a plus).
• Experience working with ammonia refrigeration systems is a plus.
• Working knowledge of fabrication, welding, and machining techniques; ability to support or oversee complex mechanical repairs is a plus.
• Strong computer skills, including MS Excel and maintenance-related software (CMMS), to support or oversee the preventative maintenance program.
• Experience with HTST (high-temperature short-time pasteurization) experience is a plus.
• Ability to adapt to changing organizational and operational needs, with the ability to lead others through change.
• Familiarity with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). Union, Safety, and Workers Compensation experience preferred.
• Ability to follow all Sanitation and Quality policies and procedures, and report and follow through on any deficiencies.
• Proven ability to leverage Continuous Improvement (CI tools and align with the Management Operating Structure (MOS) to enhance safety, quality, and equipment performance.

An Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled/Veterans