Maintenance Manager

Dairy Farmers of America; Springfield (MO); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Dairy Farmers of America seeks a Maintenance Manager for its Springfield, MO Retort Plant. You will lead the maintenance department, drive compliance with OSHA and GMP, and oversee a team to ensure safe, reliable equipment operation and optimal plant performance.

You will direct preventive and predictive maintenance programs, manage spare parts, and partner with engineering and management on equipment improvements. Travel may be required to support multiple sites.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree (or equivalent combination of experience and education).
• 5–8 years of maintenance, mechanical engineering, or related experience with leadership attributes; 1+ year of manager experience preferred.
• Dairy industry experience preferred; high-speed canning or bottling experience is a plus.
• Strong floor presence to stay connected to plant operations and support the team in real time.
• Electrical experience with motor control circuitry up to 480 volt 3 phase is required.
• PLC troubleshooting with Allen Bradley systems is desirable (Programming a plus).
• Boiler experience is required; HVAC experience is preferred.
• Knowledge and exposure to ammonia systems is a plus.
• Ability to travel 5–15% per year.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage a maintenance department qualified to maintain equipment and facilities safely and efficiently.
• Maintain operating equipment to meet vendor specifications and tolerances.
• Develop performance objectives for maintenance activities to meet goals.
• Execute a predictive/preventive maintenance program to reduce downtime and extend asset life.
• Ensure SAP supports task planning with time, parts, and job descriptions.
• Lead safety, policies, GMP compliance, and regulatory requirements.
• Plan spare parts and maintenance supplies and manage budget impact.

Skills

Electrical experience

PLC troubleshooting

Boiler experience

HVAC experience

Ammonia systems knowledge

Leadership experience

Travel availability

Education

Undergraduate degree

Tools

SAP

Job description

We are currently seeking a Maintenance Manager to lead and oversee the maintenance department at our Springfield, MO Retort Plant. In this role you will provide clear direction, coaching, and support to ensure the reliable and efficient delivery of all maintenance services. This role is responsible for driving compliance with company policies, OSHA regulations, and all applicable laws while consistently achieving key performance targets, including safety, quality, yield, throughput, and operational efficiency. The Maintenance Manager will proactively identify and resolve issues to minimize downtime and optimize plant performance. Additionally, this role leads team management, including hiring, performance, and employee development, in line with HR policies.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Develop and manage a maintenance department qualified to maintain all equipment and facilities in a safe and efficient working condition
• Maintain all operating equipment in satisfactory condition. Ensure that equipment operates within the specifications and tolerances established by the equipment vendor/manufacturer
• Develop objectives and standards of performance for activities and projects within the maintenance department to meet departmental, divisional, and corporate goals and objectives
• Oversee the development and execution of an effective predictive/preventive maintenance program which has a maintenance strategy for all assets to remove unscheduled down time, increase the lifespan of assets by keeping them in optimal condition, and contain maintenance strategies so assets are timely maintained to minimize costs associated with asset breakdowns
• Ensure systems (e.g., SAP) support task planning with time required, parts required, and job descriptions to maximize maintenance activities during normal plant operation, in time made available during washes, planned downtime, and periodic maintenance shuts. Use project management chart detailing activities during planned downtime
• Maintain awareness of maintenance best practices and establish benchmarks, strategy, and plan to achieve world class maintenance
• Serve as an escalation point of contact for emergency maintenance requests
• Consult with engineering and management regarding desirable modifications of existing equipment and the possible replacement of existing equipment which will improve operations and reduce maintenance costs
• Analyze cost studies of proposals for new equipment. Make recommendations to management
• Plan and provide for an adequate supply and ensure control over spare parts and maintenance supplies
• Implement cost-reduction measures to control expenses that impact the operating budget for repair, utility, pretreatment, and maintenance. May be involved in developing the capital budget
• Keep management aware of all matters that impact equipment and facility performance
• Remain current with latest emerging industry regulations and codes relative to mechanical and electrical systems design and operation
• Develop procedures and policies for maintenance department
• Oversee department schedules to maximize both preventive and repair services, while minimizing unnecessary overtime expenditures
• Manage assigned employees, including recruitment, supervision, scheduling, development, evaluation, and performance management. Understand and effectively apply work rules, union contract provisions (if applicable), and employment policies. Administer discipline consistently and fairly. Work with Human Resources and plant management to resolve employee grievances
• Follow all DFA good manufacturing practices (GMP) and work in a manner consistent with all company regulatory, food safety, quality, and sanitation requirements
• The requirements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employee, but is not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Other duties may be assigned as required

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree (or equivalent combination of experience and education)
• 5 to 8 years maintenance, mechanical engineering, or related experience coupled with demonstrated leadership attributes, team leadership, or supervisory experience; 1+ year of manager experience preferred
• Manufacturing operations or production experience in dairy industry preferred. Experience with high speed canning or bottling experience is preferred.
• Maintain a strong floor presence to stay closely connected to plant operations, identify issues early, and support the team in real time.
• Electrical experience with motor control circuitry up to 480 volt 3 phase is required.
• PLC troubleshooting experience with Allen Bradley systems is desired. (Programming is a plus).
• Boiler experience is required.
• HVAC experience is preferred.
• Knowledge and exposure to ammonia systems is a plus.
• Experience leading and following safety policies and procedures
• Certification and/or License - may be required during course of employment; electrical, welding, boiler, refrigeration, compressed air, wastewater, or plumbing licenses or certificates preferred
• Ability to travel 5-15%/year (1-3 times per year)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of facility equipment and processes
• Knowledge of and skill with Microsoft Office Suite and company computer systems
• Knowledge of principles and practices of supervision, training, and personnel management
• Able to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Able to work in collaboration effectively and foster good teamwork
• Able to think and use independent judgment in planning and organizing multiple tasks and information
• Able to adapt to changing operational needs and lead others through change
• Able to set appropriate priorities within the maintenance department and instill sense of urgency to implement action plan and improve performance
• Able to lead and instruct others on the proper and safe procedures
• Able to select, coach, develop, engage, and retain a team of employees

An Equal Opportunity Employer