Manager, Process & Utility Maintenance

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

Job summary

Dairy Farmers of America is seeking a seasoned facilities maintenance leader to oversee all processing and utilities maintenance in a high-speed aseptic and ESL beverage manufacturing plant.

You will lead engineers, maintenance managers, and technicians to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable plant operations while driving asset reliability, preventive maintenance, and capital project execution. Strong cross-functional collaboration and a focus on GMP and food safety are essential.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required; Bachelor's degree preferred in a related technical field.
• 5–8 years maintenance experience in a food/beverage/dairy environment with 1+ year leadership experience.
• Experience with aseptic/ESL processing and sanitary manufacturing environments preferred.
• Experience with utilities systems, PLCs/automation, and CMMS.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise maintenance supervisors and staff to build a high-performing team.
• Maintain predictive and preventive maintenance across aseptic/ESL plants to minimize downtime.
• Oversee maintenance for facility utilities, electrical distribution, and process equipment.
• Provide technical leadership in aseptic and ESL operations, including contamination control and hygienic design.
• Ensure compliance with FDA, USDA, SQF, GMP, and internal food-safety requirements.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to justify capital projects to improve safety, quality, and efficiency.
• Coordinate with Operations, Quality, R&D, Warehousing, HR, Safety, and Supply Chain to implement changes.
• Develop and monitor maintenance KPIs (OEE, downtime, PM compliance).
• Ensure training and documentation are in place for MOC and regulatory compliance.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem solving

Communication

Planning & execution

Data interpretation

Change management

Education

High school diploma

Bachelor's degree

Tools

CMMS

PLCs/Automation

Job description

General Purpose:

Oversee and manage all aspects of the facility Processing and Utilities maintenance functions and staff within a high-speed aseptic and ESL beverage manufacturing plant. Lead and collaborate with a team of engineers, maintenance managers, and technical staff to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable plant operations.

Optimize performance of aseptic and ESL processing, sterilization, utility systems and wastewater facility while maintaining compliance with food safety, quality, and regulatory standards. Develop and execute plans to support current and future plant requirements, including asset reliability strategies, preventative and predictive maintenance programs, capital project execution, and process optimization initiatives. Work closely with plant management and employees and serve as a liaison with enterprise-wide functional departments to ensure alignment with company goals and best practices in engineering, maintenance, and aseptic/ESL operations.

Job Duties & Responsibilities:

• Manage all aspects of facility utilities and processing maintenance functions, including direct supervision of maintenance supervisors and maintenance team; provide leadership, coaching, and development to build a high-performing team
• Ensure the site maintains an effective predictive and preventive maintenance program across all assets, including aseptic and ESL processing systems, refrigeration, steam, water, wastewater and facility infrastructure to minimize downtime and extend asset life
• Oversee preventative maintenance programs for the facility, electrical distribution, plant utility systems, architecture, and process equipment through assigned staff and outside contractors to support sustained plant operations and maximize operational efficiency
• Provide technical leadership in aseptic and ESL operations, including sterilization processes, contamination control, hygienic system design, and shelf-life optimization
• Ensure all equipment and processes comply with FDA, USDA, SQF, GMP, and internal food safety requirements; incorporate food safety into all engineering and maintenance activities
• Collaborate with senior leadership to identify, prioritize, and justify capital improvement and expense projects that improve safety, quality, capacity, and operational efficiency
• Partner cross-functionally with Operations, Quality, R&D, Warehousing, HR, Safety and Supply Chain to resolve issues, implement process changes and equipment changes
• Perform equipment lifecycle and replacement analysis, evaluating downtime risk, maintenance cost, and operational impact; provide recommendations to optimize asset performance
• Ensure effective communication across all levels of the organization so that operational, engineering, and maintenance priorities are clearly understood and executed
• Ensure all process, equipment, and product changes are properly communicated, documented, and implemented with appropriate training for plant personnel through execution of the Management of Change (MOC) program.
• Develop and manage maintenance KPIs (OEE, downtime, PM compliance, reliability metrics) and drive continuous improvement initiatives
• Oversee safety programs including risk assessments, safety audits, and training; ensure compliance with OSHA and environmental standards
• Maintain accurate documentation including maintenance records, engineering standards, P&IDs, SOPs, and compliance documentation
• Prepare and manage department budget, ensuring effective allocation of resources for maintenance, capital, and operational needs
• Manage assigned employees including hiring, scheduling, performance management, and development; hold team accountable for results
• Ensure all environmental, regulatory food safety, and quality policies align with corporate requirements and are fully compliant
• Follow all GMP, food safety, quality, sanitation, and regulatory requirements and ensure engineering activities support these standards
• The requirements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed and are not a complete list of responsibilities

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma required. Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field preferred. Equivalent combinations of education, technical training, and relevant work experience may be substituted for formal education.
• 5-8 years of maintenance experience in a food, beverage, or dairy manufacturing environment with at least 1+ years of leadership experience
• Strong experience in aseptic and ESL processing, or sanitary food manufacturing environments preferred
• Experience with utilities systems (electrical, boilers, ammonia refrigeration, compressed air, water systems), PLCs/automation, and maintenance management systems (CMMS)
• Knowledge of food safety systems including GMP, SQF, HACCP, and regulatory compliance requirements
• Certification and/or license may be required

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong leadership and team management skills with the ability to motivate and develop a diverse workforce
• Strong understanding of plant utilities, automation systems, and industrial engineering principles
• Strong organizational, planning, and execution skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making abilities
• Strong communication skills with the ability to engage effectively across all levels of the organization
• Ability to collaborate cross-functionally and drive alignment across departments
• Ability to manage change, lead through ambiguity, and resolve conflict professionally
• Ability to interpret technical data, perform mathematical and statistical analysis
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and company computer systems
• Able to think ahead and plan over a multi-year timeframe
• Able to manage multiple projects and participate in cross-functional environment
• Must be able to read, write and speak English

An Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled/Veterans