Maintenance Manager

Warabeya North America; Stafford (VA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) matching

Medical insurance (employee paid 100%)

Vision insurance (employee paid 100%)

Job summary

Warabeya North America is seeking a Maintenance Manager to lead the VA facility's maintenance department, overseeing facilities, utilities, and equipment to minimize downtime and maximize efficiency.

You will direct maintenance operations, manage budgets, and collaborate with engineering, operations, and vendors to sustain peak performance while ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering or related field or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years hands-on engineering in a manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency in English (oral and written).
• CAD, ERP and MS Office experience.
• Knowledge of PLCs and logic controls for high-speed equipment.
• Understanding of project management principles.
• Familiarity with HACCP and regulatory requirements.
• Strong leadership to guide a team.
• Ability to repair equipment in a fast-paced setting.
• Ability to interact with all levels of the organization.
• Excellent problem-solving and communication skills.
• Ability to work onsite; remote work not permitted.
• Authorized to work in the United States full-time; no visa sponsorship.

Responsibilities

• Head plant maintenance, facilities, utilities, and equipment to minimize downtime.
• Oversee repairs, maintenance, and installation of machinery.
• Schedule maintenance to ensure continuous production.
• Review maintenance and production reports to plan activities.
• Lead PM/Planned Maintenance initiatives and OEE improvements.
• Manage department budget and capital projects.
• Direct maintenance team performance, training, and development.
• Ensure OSHA/state regulatory compliance and safety standards.
• Collaborate with vendors and operations for improvements.
• Travel domestically as needed for project execution.

Skills

Leadership

English proficiency

Problem solving

Interaction across levels

Project management

Safety/regulatory knowledge

Education

Bachelor's in Industrial Engineering or related

Tools

CAD

ERP

MS Office

PLC/Logic controls

Job description

Reports to:

VA Plant Manager and Head of Facilities and Engineering

Location:

Stafford, VA

Job Type:

Full-time/Exempt

Business Hours:

M-F 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Salary Range:

$100,000 - 130,000

About the Company:

Warabeya North America is a leading food manufacturer specializing in high-quality fresh and ready-to-eat food products. As part of the global Warabeya Nichiyo Group headquartered in Japan, we are dedicated with years of food innovation with a strong commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement. Our North American operations are growing, offering a collaborative, fast-paced environment where employees have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact and growth together with the company.

Position Summary:

Maintenance Manager provides leadership and direction to the plant maintenance department at our VA facility. Responsible for overseeing plant maintenance operations, including facilities, utilities, and equipment, to minimize downtime and ensure peak operational efficiency.

Key Responsibilities:

• Responsible for repair, maintenance, and installation of electrical components, machines, tools, and equipment in manufacturing operations
• Eliminate all causes of failure and ensure full useful life in coordination with daily maintenance
• Schedule repair, maintenance, and installation of equipment to ensure continuous production operations
• Inspect operating machines and equipment for conformance with operational standards
• Review production, quality, and maintenance reports and statistics to plan and modify maintenance activities
• Utilize OEE tracking system to establish a proactive strategy to reduce downtime
• Manage activities within the OEE software system by assigning task ownership across the department and ensuring completion of all assigned actions
• Prepare and operate within established maintenance operating budget and monitor departmental expenditures
• Direct plant capital spends and projects to completion and coordinate with appropriate vendors
• Assist with planning and cost estimates for annual and long-term capital budgets
• Lead the Maintenance Systems team to include motivation, training, performance, and development
• Responsible for all maintenance department metrics
• Lead, manage and direct all activities for Planned Maintenance Pillar
• Maintain complete equipment maintenance records and Preventative Maintenance (PM) schedules
• Assess and recommend Preventative Maintenance enhancements to new or existing PM schedules
• Direct all aspects of building operations including maintenance, repairs, and renovations.
• Supervise the completion of work through review of reports, frequent site inspections and conferences with operations and vendors regarding electrical & plumbing equipment, HVAC systems, electric motors, ventilating fans, air conditioning, and electrical control units
• Establish criteria for assessing the quality of work performed by associates and contractors
• Investigate the condition of the buildings, equipment, and grounds, and recommend improvements in the facilities to ensure that needs are met
• Promote safety throughout the entire maintenance organization
• Assess current Maintenance team and train, guide them along with restructuring the team based on business needs
• Ensure building and equipment meet OSHA and State regulatory requirements

Additional Responsibilities:

• Support VA plant manager and Head of Facilities and Engineering
• Perform other duties as assigned

The Company reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and responsibilities of this role as needed to meet business requirements.

Qualifications:

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering or related field, or at least eight years of related experience and/or training in the food or food-related industry, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• 5+ years of hands‑on engineering experience in a manufacturing environment
• English proficiency in both oral and written
• Proficiency in computer software applications such as CAD, ERP and MS office
• Knowledge of and experience with PLCs and logic controls for high‑speed operating equipment
• Knowledge of project management principles to plan, coordinate, and deliver work effectively using structured methodologies
• Knowledge and experience of HACCP
• Strong leadership skills to lead team and motivate employees
• Ability to repair downed equipment in a fast‑paced and time‑critical environment
• Ability to interact with all levels of the organization
• Complex problem identification and resolution skills
• Actively listens and communicates clearly and effectively in both verbal and written forms, adapting to the audience as needed
• Excellent administrative, organizational, and follow‑up skills to ensure successful execution of programs and initiatives
• Knowledge of local, state, federal laws, regulations, and requirements related to maintenance operations, workplace safety, and environmental compliance
• Excellent problem-solving skills
• Ability to work flexible schedules, including shift assignments, department rotations, overtime, travel, and schedule changes as needed to support business and production demands
• Ability to work onsite (remote work is not permitted)
• Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a full‑time basis at the time the employment begins and must not require sponsorship for employment visa status. This position is not eligible for employer‑sponsored work authorization.

Preferred

• 5+ years of experience in a food plant maintenance leadership role
• Professional Engineers license or Engineer-in-Training license
• OSHA 10/30 certification
• HVAC license
• Knowledge and experience of USDA and FDA
• Knowledge and experience of GMP knowledge
• Knowledge of basic accounting

Work Environment and Workplace:

• Work is primarily performed in an indoor environment, including office, manufacturing, and warehouse settings
• The role may involve exposure to moving mechanical parts, regular exposure to conditions such as hot and cold temperatures, humidity, and confined spaces depending on job duties
• The noise level in the work environment is typically moderate to high
• The work environments may include exposure to food ingredients and cleaning agents

Physical Requirement:

To successfully perform the essential functions of this role, the employee must be able to:

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position and/or move for extended periods
• Perform repetitive hand and arm movements to operate food processing, packaging, or sanitation equipment
• Lift, transport, maneuver materials, or equipment weighing up to approximately 50 pounds
• Bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, and reach frequently to access materials, equipment, and work areas
• Maintain visual acuity to read labels, monitors, safety indicators, and production instructions
• Safely operate motorized vehicles or equipment within the facility as needed
• Communicate effectively using speech, written language, hearing, and visual observation in person, by phone, and via virtual platforms

Travel Requirements:

This position requires domestic travel (including by air and car)

• 401(k), 401(k) matching
• Dental/Medical, Vision insurance - 100% paid employee's premium