Dairy Plant Maintenance Manager

Dairy Challenge; Portales (NM); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Dairy Challenge is seeking a Maintenance Manager to lead our maintenance department, ensuring safe, compliant, and efficient operation of all plant equipment in alignment with company policies and GMP standards.

You will direct recruitment, training, and performance management while developing predictive and preventive maintenance plans to minimize downtime and cost. Strong leadership and vendor coordination are essential.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree (or equivalent combination of experience and education).
• 5–8 years maintenance/engineering experience with leadership roles; 1+ year managerial preferred.
• Experience in dairy manufacturing preferred and safety policy adherence.
• Licenses or certificates in electrical, refrigeration, boiler, or plumbing preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the maintenance department to ensure safe, efficient operation of all equipment.
• Recruit, hire, develop, and evaluate maintenance personnel per HR policies.
• Develop and implement preventive and predictive maintenance programs.
• Coordinate with engineering and management on equipment upgrades and cost control.
• Maintain asset uptime, manage spare parts, and control maintenance costs.

Skills

Leadership

Maintenance management

Budget management

Safety compliance

Team building

Communication

SAP familiarity

Problem solving

Education

Undergraduate degree

Engineering background

Licenses/certifications (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Company systems (SAP)

Job description

Dairy Challenge is seeking a Maintenance Manager to lead our maintenance department, ensuring safe, compliant, and efficient operation of all plant equipment in alignment with company policies and GMP standards.

You will direct recruitment, training, and performance management while developing predictive and preventive maintenance plans to minimize downtime and cost. Strong leadership and vendor coordination are essential.