Head of Maintenance (Protein)

The Head of Maintenance is responsible for leading and managing all maintenance operations across poultry production facilities. This role ensures optimal performance, reliability, and safety of equipment and infrastructure, minimizing downtime and supporting efficient production. The position plays a critical role in driving preventative maintenance strategies, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategy

• Develop and implement a comprehensive maintenance strategy aligned with operational goals
• Lead, mentor, and manage maintenance teams across multiple sites
• Establish KPIs and performance metrics to monitor equipment reliability and team effectiveness
• Collaborate with operations, production, and quality teams to support business objectives

Maintenance Operations

• Oversee preventative, predictive, and corrective maintenance programs
• Ensure rapid response to equipment failures to minimize production disruption
• Manage maintenance scheduling and resource allocation across facilities
• Standardize maintenance procedures and best practices

Asset & Equipment Management

• Maintain and optimize processing equipment, refrigeration systems, conveyors, and automation systems
• Implement asset lifecycle management and capital planning
• Drive the adoption of CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management Systems)

Compliance & Safety

• Ensure compliance with USDA, OSHA, and FDA regulations
• Enforce workplace safety standards and promote a safety-first culture
• Support audits and inspections with accurate maintenance documentation

Budget & Cost Control

• Develop and manage maintenance budgets
• Control costs related to labor, spare parts, and external contractors
• Identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising reliability

Continuous Improvement

• Lead root cause analysis for major breakdowns and implement corrective actions
• Drive reliability-centered maintenance (RCM) and lean manufacturing initiatives
• Identify opportunities for automation and process optimization

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Maintenance Management, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 8-12+ years of maintenance experience in food processing, poultry, or manufacturing
• 5+ years in a leadership role managing multi-site operations preferred

Technical Skills

• Strong knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and refrigeration systems
• Experience with automated processing equipment and PLC systems
• Proficiency in CMMS platforms and maintenance analytics

Leadership Skills

• Proven ability to lead large, cross-functional teams
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making capabilities
• Excellent communication and organizational skills

Key Competencies

• Strategic thinking and execution
• Operational excellence
• Safety and compliance focus
• Team leadership and development
• Continuous improvement mindset

Working Conditions

• Frequent travel between facilities required
• Exposure to cold environments, production areas, and live operations
• On-call availability for emergency maintenance issues

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Performance-based bonuses
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and holidays

Reporting Structure

• Reports to: Director of Operations / VP of Operations
• Direct Reports: Maintenance Managers, Supervisors, Technicians