Refrigeration and Utilities Manager

CJ Schwan's; Salina (KS); On-site; USD 105,000 - 174,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Schwan’s Company seeks an experienced maintenance and utilities leader to oversee plant utility systems, lead a supervisor/maintenance team, and ensure strict safety and regulatory compliance.

The role requires 8+ years in utilities or maintenance management, with expertise in ammonia refrigeration and PSM. SAP experience is a plus, and the position emphasizes continuous improvement and cost-effective operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience with 8+ years in utilities or maintenance management.
• Certifications such as CMRP, Six Sigma, or Lean are a plus.
• Strong technical expertise in ammonia refrigeration, PSM, electrical systems, and hydraulics.

Responsibilities

• Oversee operation, maintenance, and compliance of plant utility systems (refrigeration, HVAC, steam, etc.).
• Lead and develop a team of supervisors, mechanics and associates, ensuring staffing, training and safety.
• Ensure compliance with PSM, HazMat, OSHA, Lockout/Tagout and safety regulations.
• Direct maintenance activities supporting production efficiency and continuous improvement.
• Monitor safety, uptime, maintenance costs, and asset management metrics.
• Drive TPM/Lean initiatives and participate in capital planning and projects.

Skills

Leadership

Maintenance Mgmt

Team management

Safety compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Tools

SAP

Job description

Schwan’s Company, a U.S. affiliate of the global lifestyle brand CJ CheilJedang Corporation, is a leader in manufacturing and marketing quality foods enjoyed nationwide. We have beloved brands like Red Baron®, Tony’s®, Big Daddy’s®, Villa Prima™ and Freschetta® pizzas; bibigo®, Pagoda® Asian-style snacks and we can’t forget Mrs. Smith’s® and Edwards® pies! We bring families and communities together through great food. Join our team and see the opportunities are real, and the sky is the limit; this isn’t just a job, it’s a seat at the table!

Responsibilities

• Oversee the operation, maintenance, and compliance of all plant utility systems, including refrigeration (ammonia), HVAC, compressed air, boilers, steam, wastewater, and environmental systems.
• Lead, develop, and manage a team of supervisors, mechanics, and general associates, ensuring staffing, training, safety, and performance align with production goals.
• Ensure compliance with PSM, HazMat, OSHA, Lockout/Tagout, and all local, state, and federal safety/environmental regulations, while promoting a safe and efficient work environment.
• Direct maintenance activities that support production efficiency, including equipment installation, preventative maintenance, and continuous improvement initiatives across all manufacturing areas.
• Monitor and report on key operational metrics such as safety, production uptime, maintenance cost, and asset management, ensuring goals are met at the lowest cost.
• Drive process improvement and cost-effective solutions through Lean Manufacturing practices (TPM, TPS) and active participation in capital planning and project execution.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience, with 8+ years of related experience in utilities or maintenance management.
• Proven leadership experience, including managing teams and collaborating with corporate partners. Certifications such as CMRP, Six Sigma, or Lean are a plus.
• Strong technical expertise in ammonia refrigeration, PSM, electrical systems, and hydraulics.
• Experience in food manufacturing and familiarity with USDA/FDA regulations preferred.
• SAP experience is beneficial.

Compensation And Benefits

The base salary range for this position is $104,625 to $174,375 annually with eligibility for a 15% annual incentive bonus, that is based on organizational performance. The pay range represents the numerous factors considered in the hiring decisions including, but not limited to educations, skills, work experience, certifications, geography etc. As such, starting pay for the successful candidate(s) could fall anywhere within the stated range.

Beyond base salary, we offer a competitive Total Rewards package focusing on your overall well-being. We are proud to offer a strong foundation of health benefits, retirement and financial wellbeing, time off programs, wellbeing support programs.

The employing subsidiaries of CJ Schwan's Company are Equal Employment Opportunity Employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, age, race, color, religion, gender, vet status, national origin, or other protected class.