Repair & Maintenance Manager (Food Industry)

Job Summary

The Repair & Maintenance (R&M Manager) is responsible for overseeing the maintenance and repair of buildings, machinery, and mechanical systems to ensure optimal operational effectiveness. This role involves supervising the maintenance team, coordinating repairs, managing preventive maintenance programs, and ensuring compliance with safety standards. The ideal candidate will be detail-oriented, possess strong leadership and project management skills, and respond quickly to maintenance issues.

Key Responsibilities

Department Leadership & Management

• Oversee the overall operations of the maintenance department.
• Direct and manage all maintenance personnel, ensuring efficient workflow and task delegation.
• Monitor and control maintenance expenses, ensuring budget adherence.
• Foster strong relationships with vendors and suppliers, negotiating contracts and pricing as needed.
• Participate in weekly meetings to update senior management on ongoing and upcoming projects.

Facility Maintenance & Repair

• Conduct regular inspections to identify and address maintenance issues.
• Ensure timely repairs and maintenance of buildings, machinery, and equipment.
• Work closely with production supervisors and technicians to resolve technical problems.
• Oversee tool availability and ensure proper equipment inventory management.
• Supervise quality standards for work performed by outside contractors.
• Ensure a safe working environment in compliance with company policies and federal/state regulations.
• Respond promptly to emergency maintenance requests to minimize downtime.

Project & Preventive Maintenance Management

• Plan, coordinate, and execute maintenance and repair projects efficiently.
• Implement and oversee a preventive maintenance program.
• Track and document maintenance schedules, inspections, and work orders.
• Review deficiencies identified during corrective maintenance and ensure proper resolution.
• Assist in new facility development, including negotiations with city officials when necessary.

Technical Expertise & Hands-On Support

• Provide hands-on support for equipment repairs when necessary.
• Manage purchase orders (POs) for maintenance supplies, ensuring cost efficiency and timely procurement.
• Ensure invoices are reviewed, approved, and verified promptly before being passed to Accounts Payable (AP) for processing.
• Ensure team members are trained and equipped with the necessary skills to perform their duties effectively.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Proven experience as a R&M Manager or similar leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of maintenance operations, including commercial plumbing, electrical systems, refrigeration, and motor-driven systems.
• Working knowledge of industrial machinery and equipment.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and leadership skills.
• Ability to multitask, prioritize, and respond quickly to maintenance needs.
• Flexibility to work off-hours in case of emergencies.

Skills & Experience

• Welding and plumbing (stainless steel and copper piping).
• Experience in food production maintenance.
• Expertise in A/C and refrigeration (wiring, troubleshooting).
• Knowledge of PLC sequencers and electric circuit troubleshooting.
• Cost-Consciousness

Company Description

Natural Foods Company that grows and manufactures sprouts.