Maintenance Manager - Protein

We are partnering with a leading further processed protein manufacturer seeking an experienced Maintenance Manager to lead the maintenance function within a high-volume manufacturing facility.

This is a key leadership position responsible for equipment reliability, preventative maintenance, plant uptime, maintenance strategy and the development of the maintenance team.

The successful candidate will be a hands-on and strategic maintenance leader with experience in protein, food or high-volume manufacturing, capable of driving a proactive maintenance culture while partnering closely with Operations and Engineering to improve overall plant performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the site's maintenance function, including maintenance technicians, leads and supporting personnel.
• Develop and execute a comprehensive preventative and predictive maintenance strategy to maximize equipment reliability and plant uptime.
• Establish maintenance priorities based on production requirements, equipment criticality and business objectives.
• Monitor key maintenance KPIs including PM compliance, downtime, MTBF, MTTR, maintenance costs and equipment reliability.
• Lead troubleshooting and corrective maintenance activities to minimize unplanned production downtime.
• Identify recurring equipment failures and implement sustainable root-cause solutions.
• Partner closely with Production and Operations leadership to ensure maintenance activities support production schedules and customer requirements.
• Work closely with Engineering on equipment upgrades, automation projects, capital improvements and new equipment installations.
• Oversee maintenance activities across processing, packaging, refrigeration, utilities and facility systems.
• Manage maintenance budgets, labor costs, contractors, spare parts and inventory.
• Ensure critical spare parts and maintenance resources are available to support plant operations.
• Manage the site's CMMS system and ensure accurate completion of work orders, PMs and maintenance records.
• Establish and maintain preventative maintenance standards and procedures across critical plant assets.
• Lead plant shutdowns, major repairs and scheduled maintenance projects.
• Ensure all maintenance activities comply with OSHA, USDA, GMP, food safety and company requirements.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on equipment reliability, energy efficiency, downtime reduction and maintenance cost optimization.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with equipment vendors, contractors and technical service providers.
• Recruit, train, coach and develop maintenance personnel, creating a high-performing and accountable team.
• Establish succession plans and identify opportunities for technician development and career progression.
• Promote a strong culture of safety, accountability, continuous improvement and preventative maintenance.

The Ideal Candidate

The successful candidate will be an experienced Maintenance Manager, Maintenance Superintendent, Engineering & Maintenance Manager or Senior Maintenance Leader with a strong background in high-volume manufacturing.

We are particularly interested in candidates with experience across:

• Further processed protein manufacturing
• RTE and cooked protein operations
• Meat or poultry processing
• Food manufacturing
• High-speed processing and packaging
• Automated manufacturing environments

The ideal candidate will have demonstrated success in:

• Improving plant uptime and equipment reliability.
• Building and developing high-performing maintenance teams.
• Implementing robust preventative and predictive maintenance programs.
• Reducing unplanned downtime and recurring equipment failures.
• Managing maintenance budgets and contractors.
• Working closely with Production and Engineering to deliver operational improvements.
• Creating a proactive maintenance culture rather than relying on reactive repairs.

Preferred Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive maintenance leadership experience.
• Previous Maintenance Manager, Maintenance Superintendent or equivalent experience preferred.
• Strong experience within protein, food, RTE, meat, poultry or further processing environments.
• Strong mechanical and electrical troubleshooting knowledge.
• Experience with PLCs, VFDs, conveyors, processing equipment and automated packaging systems.
• Knowledge of refrigeration, boilers, compressed air, wastewater or other industrial utilities is advantageous.
• Experience managing CMMS systems and maintenance KPI programs.
• Strong understanding of preventative and predictive maintenance methodologies.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing, TPM, Six Sigma or other continuous improvement methodologies preferred.
• Knowledge of OSHA, USDA, GMP and food safety requirements.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Maintenance, Operations or a related technical discipline preferred, with equivalent industry experience considered.