The Maintenance Manager is responsible for overseeing maintenance operations, reliability programs, and process optimization across multiple bakery facilities with sheeting and dividing lines. This is a hands-on, multi-site leadership role focused on maximizing equipment uptime, maintaining facility infrastructure, and driving continuous improvement initiatives that enhance productivity, efficiency, and quality.
Key Responsibilities
Maintenance Operations and Reliability
- Oversee all aspects of maintenance activities across multiple bakery facilities.
- Lead, train, and develop maintenance teams to ensure effective scheduling, troubleshooting, and timely work order completion.
- Develop, implement, and monitor preventive and predictive maintenance programs to improve equipment reliability and reduce unplanned downtime.
- Ensure all equipment, including sheeters, dividers, mixers, proofers, and ovens, operates safely and efficiently.
- Analyze downtime trends and reliability metrics (MTBF, MTTR) to identify and correct recurring issues.
- Manage CMMS utilization and ensure accurate maintenance records and reporting.
- Champion continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, 5S, and root cause analysis methodologies.
- Facilitate Kaizen events and process improvement workshops with cross-functional teams.
- Collaborate with production and engineering teams to streamline processes and eliminate waste.
- Track and report performance metrics (OEE, yield, and energy efficiency) to monitor and sustain improvements.
- Foster a culture of continuous learning, innovation, and proactive problem-solving.
Facility and Utility Management
- Oversee maintenance of facility systems including HVAC, refrigeration, compressed air, water, plumbing, electrical, and general building infrastructure.
- Coordinate and manage facility upgrades, renovations, and compliance projects.
- Partner with vendors and contractors for specialized repairs and major installations.
- Ensure all maintenance and facility activities comply with safety, food safety, and environmental regulations.
Capital Projects and Budget Management
- Plan, manage, and execute capital improvement projects, equipment installations, and upgrades.
- Develop maintenance and facility budgets, monitor spending, and identify cost-saving opportunities.
- Manage spare parts inventory and procurement processes to support equipment reliability.
- Prepare technical reports and recommendations for leadership review.
Safety, Compliance, and Food Safety
- Promote a strong safety culture and ensure adherence to OSHA, EPA, and company safety standards.
- Partner with Quality Assurance and Sanitation teams to maintain GMP and SQF compliance.
- Participate in internal and external audits, providing maintenance and facility documentation as required.
- Ensure proper lockout/tagout, confined space, and hazardous material procedures are consistently followed.
Leadership and Collaboration
- Serve as the technical and leadership resource across all company sites.
- Build strong partnerships with production, engineering, and quality teams to ensure alignment of maintenance and CI objectives.
- Provide guidance, mentorship, and performance feedback to site maintenance leaders.
- Communicate clearly with stakeholders and corporate leadership regarding priorities, progress, and risks.
- Support multi-site coordination by sharing best practices and standardizing processes where applicable.
Qualifications and Experience
- 7+ years of progressive maintenance leadership experience in bakery or food manufacturing, preferably in multi-site operations.
- Hands-on technical expertise with bakery processing equipment such as sheeters, dividers, mixers, proofers, and conveyors.
- Strong working knowledge of ingredient distribution systems, mechanical and electrical systems, pneumatics, hydraulics, and refrigeration (CO2 or ammonia preferred).
- Proven experience in implementing and sustaining Continuous Improvement programs.
- Demonstrated success improving equipment reliability, reducing downtime, and increasing OEE.
- Strong analytical, project management, and communication skills.
- Proficiency with CMMS, Microsoft Office, and maintenance data analysis tools.
- In-depth understanding of safety, food safety, and environmental compliance standards.
- Ability to travel regularly between sites.
Education and Certifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Industrial Technology, or related discipline preferred; equivalent experience accepted.
- Certifications such as CMRP, PMP, Lean, or Six Sigma are preferred and highly valued.