Hands-On Maintenance Lead: Reliability & PM

gpac; Smithshire (IL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Career development opportunities

Family-owned company culture

Job summary

gpac partners with a growing, family-owned pet food manufacturer in Central Illinois seeking an experienced Maintenance Manager to lead the maintenance department and drive equipment reliability.

You will oversee preventive maintenance, CMMS management, and downtime reduction while collaborating with technicians, operations, and plant leadership in a hands-on, safety-focused role with strong growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of maintenance management, supervision, or industrial manufacturing experience.
• Strong mechanical and electrical troubleshooting experience.
• Knowledge of hydraulic and conveyance systems.
• Experience with preventive maintenance programs.
• CMMS experience.
• Proven leadership and team management skills.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Willingness to be hands-on and work flexible hours as needed.
• Food manufacturing or regulated manufacturing experience is preferred.
• Mechanical engineering background is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead, schedule, and manage the maintenance team.
• Develop and oversee preventive maintenance programs.
• Manage CMMS work orders, scheduling, and asset tracking.
• Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and conveyance systems.
• Oversee repairs and maintenance of plant equipment and facility systems.
• Analyze downtime and maintenance data to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Maintain critical spare parts and maintenance inventory.
• Partner with Operations to minimize equipment downtime.
• Support and lead capital and plant improvement projects.
• Manage outside vendors and contractors.
• Ensure maintenance activities meet safety and food safety standards.
• Promote a culture of accountability, reliability, safety, and continuous improvement.
• Provide hands-on support to technicians when needed.

Skills

Maintenance leadership

Electrical troubleshooting

Mechanical troubleshooting

CMMS

Preventive maintenance

Team management

Communication

Education

Mechanical engineering background (preferred)

Tools

CMMS

Job description

gpac partners with a growing, family-owned pet food manufacturer in Central Illinois seeking an experienced Maintenance Manager to lead the maintenance department and drive equipment reliability.

You will oversee preventive maintenance, CMMS management, and downtime reduction while collaborating with technicians, operations, and plant leadership in a hands-on, safety-focused role with strong growth opportunities.