Maintenance Manager (Beef)

The Maintenance Manager is responsible for overseeing all maintenance operations within a beef processing or beef production facility. This role ensures that all plant equipment, machinery, and infrastructure operate safely, efficiently, and in compliance with food safety, animal welfare, and regulatory standards. The Maintenance Manager leads the maintenance team, manages preventative maintenance programs, and minimizes downtime to support continuous production.

Key Responsibilities

Maintenance Management

• Plan, organize, and oversee all maintenance activities across the facility.

• Develop and implement preventative and predictive maintenance programs for processing equipment, refrigeration systems, conveyors, and plant utilities.

• Ensure rapid response to equipment breakdowns to minimize production downtime.

• Maintain accurate maintenance records and asset management documentation.

Team Leadership

• Manage, train, and supervise maintenance technicians and contractors.

• Schedule staff to ensure adequate maintenance coverage for production shifts.

• Promote a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with company policies.

Equipment & Facility Reliability

• Ensure all machinery, including slaughtering, processing, packaging, and refrigeration equipment, operates efficiently.

• Coordinate installation, commissioning, and upgrades of new equipment.

• Monitor equipment performance and identify opportunities for efficiency improvements.

Compliance & Safety

• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, food safety standards, and environmental requirements.

• Maintain equipment to meet industry standards such as HACCP, food safety protocols, and regulatory inspections.

• Conduct risk assessments and ensure safe working practices.

Budget & Cost Control

• Develop and manage the maintenance department budget.

• Control maintenance costs through effective planning and spare parts management.

• Manage relationships with external service providers and equipment suppliers.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify and implement process improvements to increase equipment reliability and production efficiency.

• Lead root cause analysis following equipment failures.

• Support plant initiatives related to operational excellence and lean manufacturing.

Qualifications

• Degree, diploma, or certification in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Maintenance Engineering, or related field.

• Extensive experience in industrial maintenance, preferably within food processing, meat processing, or manufacturing.

• Strong knowledge of mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems.