Overview
Are you a hands-on, results-driven leader who thrives on fixing broken systems and bringing struggling plants back to life? We are looking for an experienced Maintenance & Reliability Manager (aka: Technical Operations Manager) to take responsibility at a manufacturing facility in Denver, CO that needs strong leadership, sharp technical skills, and the determination to get it back on track. This is not a “keep the lights on” role—it’s an opportunity for a proven leader to make a measurable impact by stabilizing operations, driving reliability, and building a high-performance culture.
Location
The Technical Operations Manager will work at our client’s Denver, CO facility (80239). Relocation assistance is available for strong candidates currently in the USA.
Responsibilities
- Lead the turnaround of daily plant operations, with a strong focus on technical performance, asset reliability, and efficiency.
- Take ownership of resource allocation (equipment, people, systems, and materials) to meet and exceed operational targets safely, cost-effectively, and sustainably.
- Identify weaknesses in current processes and implement corrective actions that drive long-term stability and improvement.
- Develop strategies and visions that can achieve optimal results for the organization.
- Drive accountability on the shop floor through daily reviews of production, maintenance, and quality targets—escalating and addressing variances quickly.
- Manage, coach and mentor technical and operations staff, building a strong pipeline of future leaders while instilling a culture of discipline, urgency, and continuous improvement.
- Partner with maintenance and engineering teams to ensure preventive, predictive, and reliability-centered maintenance programs are executed to maximize uptime.
- Prioritize, schedule, and ensure maintenance and repairs are completed to maximize efficiency.
- Lead root-cause problem solving for breakdowns, implement sustainable fixes, and prevent repeat failures.
- Reinforce compliance with all 10 Lean manufacturing principles and food safety regulations, while raising the bar on product quality, safety, and housekeeping standards.
- Ensure internal and external regulations, procedures and policies are applied fairly and consistently.
- Develop and execute action plans that deliver measurable improvements in OEE, cost reduction, and workforce engagement.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with suppliers, internal customers, and support teams to drive alignment and accelerate plant recovery.
Ideal profile
- 7+ years of progressive TECHNICAL LEADERSHIP experience in manufacturing (food, beverage, or consumer goods preferred), including several years as leader of the MAINTENANCE FUNCTION or the FACTORY ENGINEER in a plant.
- Proven success in plant turnarounds, maintenance, or operations leadership.
- Demonstrated ability to manage and lead technical teams through cultural and operational change, delivering improved performance and reliability.
- Strong command of TPM (Total Productive Maintenance) / Maintenance Excellence programs, including Asset Management, FMEA, Breakdown Analysis, Reliability Centered Maintenance, Predictive Maintenance, and Preventive Maintenance.
- In-depth knowledge of TPM Pillar Systems and Tools Asset Management Software (SAP Preferred).
- Proficient with advanced PM (predictive maintenance) optimization and tools/technologies (infrared, vibration, ultrasonic, etc.).
- A proven track record of driving operational stability in complex, underperforming environments.
- Resilient, action-oriented leadership style with the ability to rally teams, challenge the status quo, and deliver results.
- Knowledge of food safety and regulatory compliance standards.
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, or Process preferred).
- Location: Local to Denver, CO area preferred (80239) or willing to relocate from within the USA with company support.
Seniority level
- Mid-Senior level
Employment type
- Full-time
Job function
- Management and Manufacturing
Industries
- Manufacturing (Food & Beverage / Consumer Goods)