Maintenance Manager, MI

Pero Family Farms Food Company LLC; Benton Harbor (MI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

Health, Dental, Vision Insurance

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Job summary

Pero Family Farms Food Company LLC in Benton Harbor, MI, is seeking a Maintenance Manager to oversee equipment maintenance and facility compliance. The role requires expertise in mechanical and electrical systems, as well as a strong understanding of food safety regulations.

The successful candidate will develop maintenance programs, manage a budget, and coordinate with production teams to ensure minimal disruption. Benefits include health insurance, a 401(k), and paid time off.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Maintenance, or related field preferred.
• Previous experience in maintenance management within the food manufacturing industry highly desirable.
• Strong knowledge of mechanical systems, electrical systems, and automation technologies.
• Familiarity with food safety regulations and HACCP principles.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of equipment maintenance, facility upkeep, and compliance.
• Develop and implement a preventive maintenance schedule.
• Coordinate with production managers to minimize disruption during maintenance.
• Ensure compliance with FDA, USDA, OSHA regulations.
• Manage the maintenance department budget.

Skills

Mechanical systems knowledge

Electrical systems knowledge

Leadership skills

Problem-solving skills

Communication skills

Knowledge of HACCP principles

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field

Job description

Company Summary

Pero Family Farms is a market share leader with over a century of dedication, commitment and integrity. Operating since 1908, Pero is the farm trusted by retailers and consumers alike. We are a fully integrated farming operation, with departments that specialize in organic farming, logistics, global supply chain management, national sales operations, food processing operations, and strategic marketing functions. Our operation includes over 35,000 acres spanning the East Coast of the United States from Florida to New York, with distribution and production facilities in several states. We pride ourselves in maintaining a strong family heritage and tradition dedicated to quality, innovation, and excellent customer service, feeding America’s families for over a century. With an expanding organic vegetable offering, we are one of the largest organic vegetable growers in the country and are looking to grow our workforce family. Join us in strengthening our position as a market share leader trusted by retailers and consumers alike.

Description

Title: Maintenance Manager

Reports To: Regional VP of Operations

Location: Benton Harbor, MI

Type: Full‑Time | Onsite | Exempt

Job Summary

The Maintenance Manager is responsible for overseeing all aspects of equipment maintenance, facility upkeep, and compliance within the food manufacturing environment. This position requires a strong understanding of mechanical systems, electrical systems, and regulatory requirements governing food production facilities.

Responsibilities

• Monitor the condition of equipment and facilities and identify maintenance needs.
• Develop and implement a schedule for regular maintenance to minimize downtime.
• Develop preventive maintenance programs for all machinery and equipment used in food production.
• Coordinate with production managers and supervisors to schedule downtime for maintenance while minimizing production disruptions.
• Troubleshoot equipment malfunctions and coordinate repairs to ensure minimal downtime.
• Establish and maintain safe work procedures and monitor maintenance staff compliance.
• Supervise maintenance staff in routine facility upkeep tasks, including HVAC, plumbing, lighting, and structural repairs.
• Oversee maintenance of sanitation and cleanliness standards in accordance with food safety regulations.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulatory standards, including FDA, USDA, OSHA, and other regulations governing food manufacturing facilities.
• Maintain accurate records of maintenance activities, equipment inspections, and regulatory compliance documentation.
• Develop and manage the maintenance department budget, including forecasting expenses for repairs, supplies, and personnel.
• Evaluate and select external contractors and vendors for specialized maintenance services.
• Develop, implement, and monitor strategies for continuous improvement in equipment reliability and effectiveness.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement and cost optimization within the maintenance department.
• Apply industry trends and technologies to develop best practices for equipment reliability, energy efficiency, and safety enhancements.
• Provide leadership and guidance to maintenance staff, fostering a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous learning.
• Manage the performance of the maintenance staff, including evaluations, training, development, coaching, and feedback.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Maintenance, or related field preferred.
• Previous experience in maintenance management within the food manufacturing industry highly desirable.
• Strong knowledge of mechanical systems, electrical systems, and automation technologies.
• Familiarity with food safety regulations and HACCP principles.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment.

Core Competencies

• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Planning and organizational skills
• Team orientation
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Problem analysis and resolution skills
• Superior decision‑making skills

Working Conditions

• Primarily on‑site at food production or processing facilities.
• Combination of office‑based work (scheduling, reporting, planning) and production floor work (equipment inspection, troubleshooting, supervising technicians).
• Regular exposure to industrial environments, including machinery, production lines, electrical systems, refrigeration, heating, ventilation equipment.
• Exposure to environmental conditions such as heat, cold, humidity, and wet conditions depending on the production area.
• Exposure to noise from machinery, dust, chemical cleaners, and food particles.
• Use of required personal protective equipment (PPE) including gloves, goggles, hard hats, and hearing protection.
• May require extended work hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays for emergency maintenance or preventive maintenance scheduled outside normal production hours.
• On‑call availability is often required to address urgent production or equipment issues.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods while inspecting facilities and equipment.
• Frequent bending, stooping, reaching, and climbing ladders or stairs.
• Manual dexterity required to operate tools, equipment, and machinery controls.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull moderate to heavy objects such as tools, parts, and equipment components.
• Ability to work safely in close proximity to moving machinery and electrical systems.
• Visual acuity sufficient to inspect equipment, read gauges, and review technical documentation.

Company Benefits and Perks

• 401(k)
• Health, Dental, Vision Insurance and more
• Paid Time Off (PTO)

The company reserves the right to alter, amend, expand or contract these duties and responsibilities as the company's needs evolve.