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Job Title: Maintenance Manager - Food Manufacturing
Job Description
The Maintenance Manager leads and develops the maintenance team while overseeing all plant electrical, control, and mechanical systems that support utilities, production operations, equipment, and processing. This role manages and coordinates maintenance activities, ensures reliable plant performance, and provides technical guidance and training to maintenance staff. The Maintenance Manager partners closely with Engineering and Plant Operations leadership to resolve critical control and processing issues and to drive continuous improvement in a food manufacturing environment.
Responsibilities
Provide clear leadership, guidance, support, and direction to the maintenance staff to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable plant operations.
Manage and coordinate maintenance activities for all plant electrical control and mechanical systems associated with utilities, production lines, equipment, and processing operations.
Collaborate with Operations and Engineering leadership to diagnose and resolve critical control, processing, and equipment capability issues.
Convey timely and accurate status updates on work orders, repairs, and maintenance activities to Operations leadership and other stakeholders.
Develop, implement, and oversee an ongoing Preventive Maintenance program using Accruent Maintenance Connection software, ensuring proper documentation and adherence to procedural requirements.
Establish equipment maintenance requirements, manpower needs, and time intervals to generate schedules for equipment overhauls, major inspections, and other planned maintenance tasks.
Utilize MP2 Maintenance Software to report and analyze labor efficiency, identify equipment deficiencies, and determine appropriate inventory levels for spare and repair parts.
Manage all equipment changes and installations to ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and in accordance with safety and quality standards.
Provide technical training and support to plant employees on electrical, control, and automation systems to build internal capability and reduce downtime.
Adopt a formal, structured approach to engineering activities, using Critical Path Analysis to plan and implement projects both internally and with external contractors.
Design automation network systems such as DH-4&5, DH+, and Ethernet to integrate PLC systems and devices across the plant.
Develop SCADA, MMI, historical trending, and database transfer applications to monitor and control plant processes and equipment.
Manage all electrical control changes to maintain system integrity, documentation accuracy, and compliance with plant standards.
Evaluate the performance and capabilities of maintenance staff, set realistic and measurable objectives, and provide coaching and support to help employees achieve these goals.
Oversee effective employee management duties including manpower utilization, scheduling, timelines, and conflict resolution to maintain adequate coverage and productivity.
Ensure maintenance activities align with food safety, regulatory, and good manufacturing practices requirements.
Use personal computer software such as Excel, Word, NT 4.0, Access, Project Manager, Rockwell RS software, and AutoCAD (versions 14 and 15) to support maintenance planning, documentation, and engineering tasks.
Promote and enforce safe work practices and adherence to company policies, including GMPs and plant-specific safety protocols.
Essential Skills
5+ years of maintenance experience in a food manufacturing environment.
2+ years of experience in a supervisory or management role within maintenance or a related function.
Strong leadership skills with the ability to direct, motivate, and develop a maintenance team.
Demonstrated experience managing mechanical, electrical, and automation systems in an industrial or food production setting.
Proficiency with Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) and maintenance planning tools, including Accruent Maintenance Connection and MP2 Maintenance Software.
Strong knowledge of preventive maintenance practices and maintenance management principles.
Hands-on experience with electrical systems, PLC troubleshooting, and controls.
Mechanical aptitude with experience in hydraulics and general mechanical systems.
Ability to design automation network systems such as DH-4&5, DH+, and Ethernet for PLC integration.
Experience developing SCADA, MMI, historical trending, and database transfer applications for process control.
Fluent working knowledge of software packages including Excel, Word, NT 4.0, Access, Project Manager, Rockwell RS software, and AutoCAD (versions 14 and 15).
Strong troubleshooting skills in electrical, mechanical, and automation systems.
Ability to perform and interpret blueprint reading and technical documentation.
Excellent communication skills with the ability to convey technical information clearly to maintenance staff and operations leadership.
Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills, particularly in a fast-paced production environment.
Ability to evaluate employee performance, set objectives, and provide constructive feedback.
Familiarity with food safety and regulatory standards relevant to food manufacturing.
Self-directed work style with the ability to operate effectively with minimal supervision.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Industrial Technology or a related field (preferred).
Experience in food production, general production, or food manufacturing environments.
Exposure to production line operations, general labor, assembly, packaging, and machine operation.
Experience providing technical training to plant employees on electrical, control, and automation systems.
Background in maintenance supervision and maintenance management in industrial settings.
Knowledge of Critical Path Analysis for planning and executing engineering and maintenance projects.
Ability to manage equipment installations, upgrades, and modifications from planning through completion.
Strong organizational skills to manage multiple projects, work orders, and priorities simultaneously.
Why Work Here?
You will join a close-knit, small-team environment where collaboration, safety, and quality are top priorities. The facility maintains a family-like atmosphere with approximately 30 full-time employees, allowing you to make a visible impact and build strong working relationships across the plant. The organization emphasizes good manufacturing practices, structured maintenance processes, and continuous improvement, giving you the opportunity to shape maintenance strategy and drive operational reliability. New hires receive an on-site orientation to ensure they understand expectations, safety standards, and plant procedures, supporting a smooth transition into the role.
Work Environment
The facility operates in a small-town, family-like setting with around 30 full-time employees, fostering a close, collaborative work environment. Safety and adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) are central to daily operations. The dress code includes steel-toed boots, hair net, eye protection, jeans, shirt, bump cap, and lab coat. Employees must follow strict GMP-related guidelines, including no smoking or tobacco products on-site, no perfume or cologne, no fingernail polish, no jewelry, and no piercings. Clothing must be free of rips, tears, holes, or added embellishments. The plant environment can be warm; in some manufacturing rooms temperatures may reach up to approximately 90 degrees in the summer, while conditions are comfortable during the winter. Orientation is completed on-site in approximately 3-4 hours, and depending on shift schedules, employees may or may not begin work immediately after orientation, with scheduling details communicated in advance. The work involves exposure to food production, packaging, machine operation, and maintenance activities within a regulated manufacturing setting that relies on modern maintenance software, automation networks, and control systems.
Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of Albert Lea, MN.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $90000.00 - $120000.00/yr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
Medical, dental & vision
Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
Short and long-term disability
Health Spending Account (HSA)
Transportation benefits
Employee Assistance Program
Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Albert Lea,MN.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on May 27, 2026.
About Aerotek
We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meets their goals, skills and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry - from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role solving for companies' construction, manufacturing and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.
Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.