TalentPursuit Executive Search

TalentPursuit Executive Search is seeking an experienced Director/Manager of Maintenance for our food manufacturing client based in Wetumpka, AL. 

Our client is a well-established family company with over 50 years of successful experience serving the food industry nationwide. They have a stellar reputation and this is a great growth opportunity for a dynamic Maintenance Leader.

Please review the Job Profile and if qualified, reach out to Kate Shehan at kate@talentpursuitllc.com or, call 410-268-5624, or text to 857-207-0318.

The Position:  Director/Manager of Maintenance

Location: Based on-site at the plant in Wetumpka, AL (North of Montgomery, AL)

Job Description: The Director/Manager of Maintenance is responsible for providing leadership to and management of maintenance and safety operations. Accountable for managing all installation, maintenance, repair, and upkeep operations in support of company facilities utilities, structures, grounds and pavements, manufacturing equipment, company vehicle fleet, material handling equipment, hazardous waste management, security, and fire suppression systems, and custodial and pest management. Administers all company safety policies and procedures, employee safety training, adherence, and compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulatory safety guidelines. Coordinates all safety efforts and employee and vehicle incident reporting functions with the human resource team.

Responsibilities and Duties:

  • Assists in securing the profitability of the company by meeting and/or exceeding established maintenance and safety goals; coordinates the actions of all maintenance and safety functions; monitors maintenance and safety activities to ensure activities are valued-added, efficient, and necessary; ensures personnel safety receives adequate attention; ensures craftsmanship of in-house, contract maintenance, and custodial functions reaches the highest quality standards and follows established regulatory safety guidelines.
  • Provides leadership to and management of subordinates effectively recommends the selection of maintenance personnel; trains, develops, and evaluates the performance of team leader-subordinates; provides direction for improvement of their work and leadership skills, and fosters a positive company attitude; monitors and documents employee warnings, absences, tardiness, and vacation.
  • Leads the development of all Maintenance Programs such as the Preventive Maintenance programs and set up of the CMMS and the Lock Out Tag Out program for the new facility.
  • Assists the VP of Plant Operations in developing metrics and reporting for the department.
  • Makes operational input to the VP of Plant Operations and translates strategic planning into maintenance and safety activities; ensures maintenance schedules and requirements meet customer needs; recommends selection and monitor contract maintenance and various facilities support service functions;  promotes physical resource improvements and energy conservation to match core business requirements; ensures plant security and implements fire prevention measures; monitors company waste management and hazardous materials purchase, usage and disposal.
  • Participate in the development and execution of capital planning strategies for the maintenance department, including budgeting, resource allocation, and prioritization of projects; collaborate with senior leadership to identify long-term facility and equipment improvement needs, aligning capital investments with company objectives; evaluate the cost-effectiveness and ROI of maintenance-related capital expenditures, provide recommendations for investments that optimize efficiency and safety; maintain accurate records and documentation related to capital projects, ensuring compliance with financial reporting and auditing requirements.
  • Sponsors the professional growth and development of subordinates (4) and shares responsibility for self-development; supports a work environment where co-workers with divergent views are welcomed and solicited; creates an environment where creativity in maintenance and safety support and/or enhancement is expected and rewarded; appreciates and supports the operating philosophy of the Company.

Professional Qualifications/Certifications:

  • A Bachelor of Science degree is preferred; technical courses in electrical/mechanical theory and application would be beneficial. Coursework in resources management and engineering would be beneficial. 
  • A minimum of five years of experience leading an Engineering/ Maintenance department within a food manufacturing facility is required.
  • Must have experience with SQF certifications.
  • Must have experience and knowledge of Just in Time (JIT) inventory management, and Material Requisition Planning (MRP).
  • Must be proficient in Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) with hands-on experience in programming, troubleshooting, and maintaining PLC systems standards.
  • Must have experience with Rockwell Software and other PLC standards, demonstrating the ability to work with various PLC platforms effectively.
  • Must be computer literate with knowledge of Microsoft Windows and Office Professional software.
  • Minimum of five years of experience in a manufacturing safety management environment developing Preventive Management Programs, Lock Out Tag Out programs, for example.
  • Experience with and ability to interpret applicable federal, state, and local safety regulations and guidelines.
  • Experience in establishing and implementing company policies and procedures in support of occupational hazard abatement, accident and injury prevention, and employee safety training is required.
  • Experience in the development of training plans, fostering employee safety efforts, and implementing rewards-based safety incentives is beneficial.

Skills and Experience:

  • Strong people skills: must be able to lead, delegate, instruct, counsel, coordinate, and correct.  Strong listening and negotiation skills.
  • Must be great at relationship building, team building, communication, and positive energy.
  • In-depth knowledge of mechanical and electrical systems maintenance. Ability to service and maintain equipment including motors, conveyor systems, and transmission systems. Ability to inspect and assess the functionality of production-related equipment.
  • Advanced knowledge and implementation of OSHA safety standards and regulations.
  • Advanced understanding of hydraulics, pneumatics, and mechanics. Ability to read and interpret engineering blueprints and schematics (Electrical and Pneumatic).
  • Should be able to troubleshoot mechanical breakdowns. Should also have the capacity to operate hand, power, and specialized tools to adjust mechanical parts and should be able to fabricate parts for repairs and machine upgrades.
  • Knowledge of Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) preferred.
  • Strong analytical, mathematical, verbal, and written communication skills are required.  Must have strong facilitation and teambuilding skills.
  • Computer skills should include proficiency in most Microsoft-based applications as well as database applications.
  • Strategic planning and budgeting experience desirable.

 Performance Standards:

  • Statistics indicate a high degree of emphasis is placed on safety: safe work habits are developed in subordinates and followed by contract maintenance and vendor services personnel; a worker-friendly environment is always maintained; employee safety receives sustained attention and there are no accidents due to unsafe conditions.
  • High-quality standards are emphasized: decreased waste due to scrap, re-work, abuse, and conservation of efforts; employee creativity and involvement are solicited and encouraged; adheres to the concept of constant improvement in the quality of their performances.
  • Maintenance and safety scheduling, planning, and work processes indicate a sound understanding of safe food processing, food service equipment manufacturing, industry, and safety standards, budget restrictions and cost controls, production capabilities, facility capabilities, and value-added production methods.
  • Maintenance and safety programs operate efficiently: preventative maintenance schedules are met or exceeded; production and support equipment problems are immediately evaluated, and assistance is provided for their rapid solution; employee safety incident reviews and process and equipment hazard assessments are performed, and corrective actions are implemented promptly.
  • Stellar leadership and management are provided to enable the achievement of plant goals, excellent personnel performance, and employee growth through significant coaching and skills development.
  • Manufacturing equipment and facilities repair stock and materials inventories are established and maintained at a minimum level in support of the “lean thinking” philosophy and budget restrictions.
  • Production schedules are not hampered by faulty machinery or poor housekeeping; machinery and equipment are maintained in a fully operational condition; emphasis is placed on preventive maintenance; work areas are free from clutter.
  • Company property is protected: ensures security necessary to prevent loss from abuse, carelessness, or theft; ensures continuity of fire prevention procedures and fire suppression support equipment; manages and maintains company vehicle fleet and material handling equipment in an operational state of readiness; monitors effective pest management, and facilities custodial operations.
  • All maintenance paperwork, records, and reports are completed accurately and submitted in time to meet any scheduling deadline; personnel records are confidentially maintained and retired by existing policy.
  • Personnel complaints and worker problems arising on the job receive prompt, fair, and impartial attention; files are maintained to enable review of the circumstances and to support Company decisions.

Physical and Mental Qualifications:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a leader to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

  • Regularly required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to handle, or feel food products and objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs and ladders; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, and talk or hear.
  • Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
  • Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

Personal Qualifications:

As an integral leader of the company, the candidate must exemplify the culture and passion of the company. In addition, this leader must have the highest standards of honesty, integrity, and discretion. The individual should be highly confident in their abilities and be considered a detail-oriented person. The candidate should be a consummate leader with excellent interpersonal and communication skills used effectively throughout the whole organization. It is critical that this leader of the team always maintains a professional appearance and promotes positive team relations.

 Key Success Metrics:

  • Profitable performance of the company
  • Growth and performance of team members in the department
  • Compliance with all local, state, and federal laws and regulations 

Compensation:

Base salary plus an annual bonus, and benefits such as PTO, health insurance, life insurance, STD and LTD insurance coverage, and a 401k plan are part of the compensation package. 

If qualified and interested, please reach out to Kate Shehan at kate@talentpursuitllc.com or call 410-268-5624, or text 857-207-0318.,