Maintenance Manager, Food Industry

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Maintenance Manager to lead and enhance our facility's maintenance operations, ensuring optimal performance of mechanical, electrical, and physical assets. This role is pivotal in maintaining the efficiency and reliability of our production environment. UPDATE 6/18/25 The client has just agreed to bump the base maybe 145K 15% bonus.

So over a 160K package! THEY WILL ACCEPT RELOCATION CANDIDATES So the keys to the job are: • Candidate from the Food Industry or has Food Industry experience. • Lives within an hour of Gurnee, Illinois • Has been a Manager (not a Supervisor) for more than 3 years • Is good with the First shift - 6:00am to 2:30pm Key Responsibilities: Direct and manage the maintenance team to maximize operational efficiency of production equipment and facility infrastructure. Oversee capital projects from inception to completion, including planning, budget management, and timeline implementation.

Develop training programs and performance management systems for both direct and indirect reports. Ensure compliance with USDA and FDA manufacturing requirements across all maintenance programs and plans. Create and manage departmental budgets, ensuring adequate resources are available to minimize downtime.

Design and execute preventative maintenance and energy cost reduction programs, fostering continuous improvement. Conduct research on equipment and materials to support new processes and product innovations. Coordinate with vendors and contractors on design, construction, modification, and maintenance projects, including Capital Expense projects.

Lead continuous improvement initiatives and cost analysis to enhance line efficiencies and overall operations. Commit to personal development and facilitate job-specific training for the team. Competencies: Ability to make informed decisions using a blend of information, analysis, and judgment.

Skill in organizing tasks into efficient workflows. Capability to adapt communication styles and update priorities as needed. Proficiency in collaborative goal achievement.

Focus on results and measuring attainment of outcomes. Effective communication to convey clear and meaningful messages. Resourcefulness in resolving issues to achieve win/win solutions.

Leadership in establishing development and succession plans for staff. Location: Northern Lake County, Illinois Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Maintenance Engineering or a related field, with a minimum of 5 years of management/engineering experience, preferably in food manufacturing. Comprehensive knowledge of total productive manufacturing systems, CMMS, PLCs, and preventative maintenance programs.

Experience with high-speed packaging, downtime analysis, process start-ups and breakdowns, cost/benefit analysis, and project management. Preferred knowledge of refrigeration systems and experience in USDA or FDA operations. Strong communication, interpersonal, organizational, and team facilitation skills.

Why This is a Great Opportunity: This position offers high visibility with senior corporate structures and substantial growth potential within a leading food manufacturing environment. Enjoy an excellent benefits package and become a key player in the firm's ongoing expansion.