Maintenance Manager

Job Title: Maintenance Manager

Location: Baltimore
Department: Operations / Maintenance
Reports To: GM or Plant Manager

Position Summary

The Maintenance Manager is responsible for leading all maintenance functions within the plant to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable operation of production equipment and facility systems. This role focuses on minimizing downtime, improving equipment performance, and ensuring compliance with food safety and regulatory standards in a meat manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, supervise, and develop the maintenance team, including mechanics, electricians, and technicians
• Plan, schedule, and oversee preventive and predictive maintenance programs to maximize equipment uptime
• Ensure rapid response to equipment breakdowns and drive root cause analysis to prevent recurrence
• Oversee maintenance of production equipment including slicing, packaging, cooking, and material handling systems
• Manage plant utilities such as freon refrigeration, boilers, compressed air, and wastewater systems
• Ensure compliance with all safety regulations, including OSHA standards and company safety policies
• Partner with Quality and Food Safety teams to maintain compliance with GMPs, HACCP, and USDA regulations
• Manage maintenance budgets, spare parts inventory, and cost control initiatives
• Lead continuous improvement efforts to enhance equipment reliability, efficiency, and performance
• Coordinate and manage outside contractors and vendors for repairs and projects
• Support capital projects including equipment installation, upgrades, and facility improvements
• Maintain accurate maintenance records, SOPs, and documentation using MAINTAINX systems
• Prepare for and support internal and external audits and inspections

Qualifications

Education & Experience:

• High school diploma or GED required; technical degree or bachelor’s degree preferred
• 5–7+ years of maintenance experience in manufacturing, with at least 2–3 years in a leadership role
• Experience in food or meat processing environments strongly preferred

Technical Skills:

• Strong knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and industrial systems
• Experience with PLCs, automation, and troubleshooting controls
• Familiarity with MAINTAINX systems (or equivalent) and maintenance planning tools
• Knowledge of FREON refrigeration systems is highly desirable

Core Competencies

• Leadership and team development
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment
• Effective communication and collaboration across departments
• Commitment to safety, quality, and operational excellence

Working Conditions

• Manufacturing environment with exposure to cold temperatures, noise, and food production areas
• Must be available for flexible hours, including nights, weekends, and emergency call-ins
• Ability to stand, walk, climb, and lift up to [insert weight, e.g., 50 lbs]

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in USDA-regulated facilities
• Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or reliability certifications
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) is a plus