Refrigeration & Utilities Manager - Lead Plant Reliability

schwans; Salina (KS); On-site; USD 105,000 - 174,000; Full time

Job summary

Schwan’s Company in Salina, KS, seeks a skilled Refrigeration and Utilities Manager to oversee the operation and maintenance of critical building systems, including ammonia refrigeration, HVAC, and utilities at the largest frozen pizza plant in the world.

You will lead a team of supervisors and mechanics, ensure compliance with PSM, HazMat, OSHA, and safety standards, and drive continuous improvement through TPM/Lean initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in utilities/maintenance management.
• 8+ years of related experience in utilities or maintenance management.
• Leadership experience with supervisory teams.
• Certifications such as CMRP, Six Sigma, or Lean are a plus.

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.

Skills

Leadership experience

Ammonia refrigeration

PSM

Electrical systems

Hydraulics

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

Tools

SAP

Job description

Schwan’s Company in Salina, KS, seeks a skilled Refrigeration and Utilities Manager to oversee the operation and maintenance of critical building systems, including ammonia refrigeration, HVAC, and utilities at the largest frozen pizza plant in the world.

You will lead a team of supervisors and mechanics, ensure compliance with PSM, HazMat, OSHA, and safety standards, and drive continuous improvement through TPM/Lean initiatives.