Maintenance Manager

Maintenance Manager

Location: Devils Lake, ND

Salary: $90,000 - $110,000 DOE

Full-Time | Manufacturing / Food Production | Leadership Opportunity

Are you the person everyone calls when a piece of equipment goes down and you already have a pretty good idea of what’s wrong?

Our client is looking for an experienced Maintenance Manager to take ownership of the maintenance function at a well-established food production operation. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who understands that great maintenance is about more than fixing things - it’s about preventing downtime, keeping equipment running efficiently, developing a strong team, and continuously improving the operation.

Why You’ll Like This Opportunity

• Real ownership: You’ll have a direct impact on the reliability and efficiency of the entire facility.
• Hands-on leadership: You’ll lead maintenance technicians while staying involved in troubleshooting, repairs, PMs, and equipment improvements.
• Variety: No two days are exactly alike. You’ll work with production equipment, facility systems, repairs, modifications, contractors, and new equipment installations.
• Continuous improvement: You’ll have the opportunity to identify better technology, equipment, processes, and maintenance practices.
• Leadership visibility: You’ll work directly with senior management on budgets, equipment purchases, renovations, and operational improvements.

Fun fact about the operation: In food manufacturing, maintenance plays a critical role that goes beyond keeping the lines running - the way equipment is repaired, cleaned, modified, and maintained can directly impact the safety and quality of the finished product.

What You’ll Do

Lead the Maintenance Team

• Direct, schedule, and prioritize the work of maintenance technicians.
• Assign work orders based on urgency, production needs, and deadlines.
• Coach and guide technicians through repairs and equipment modifications.
• Promote teamwork, accountability, safety, and a positive work environment.
• Step in and work alongside the maintenance team when needed.

Own Preventive Maintenance

• Oversee the facility's preventive maintenance program.
• Schedule and perform PMs on processing and facility equipment.
• Use the computerized maintenance management system to track scheduled maintenance and work orders.
• Verify that repairs are completed correctly and equipment is maintained to manufacturer and regulatory standards.
• Identify potential problems before they result in costly downtime.

Troubleshoot & Improve

• Troubleshoot equipment and facility issues and determine the best course of action.
• Oversee equipment repairs, modifications, and replacements.
• Help evaluate and implement new technologies and equipment.
• Ensure sanitary design standards are followed during equipment modifications and installations.
• Participate in commissioning and inspection of new processing equipment.

Work With Management & Vendors

• Help develop budgets for equipment purchases, renovations, and upgrades.
• Obtain and evaluate quotes from contractors and vendors.
• Coordinate outside contractors when necessary.
• Communicate effectively with management, contractors, auditors, and customers.

Maintain a Safe, Compliant Operation

• Help ensure the facility meets applicable OSHA, FDA, EPA, and food safety requirements.
• Work closely with the food safety team on risk assessments and corrective actions.
• Ensure maintenance activities are properly documented.
• Verify equipment is safe, clean, functional, and ready for production.

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for someone who can lead people and solve problems - not someone who simply wants to sit behind a desk.

You’ll be a strong fit if you have:

• Previous maintenance leadership, supervision, or management experience
• Strong mechanical troubleshooting and repair skills
• Experience with processing, manufacturing, or industrial equipment
• Knowledge of equipment fabrication and repair techniques
• Experience with preventive maintenance programs
• Strong organizational and time-management skills
• The ability to prioritize work and make decisions in a fast-paced environment
• Good computer skills, including Microsoft Word and Excel
• Strong communication and delegation skills
• The ability to work effectively with management, vendors, contractors, and employees
• A leadership style built around teamwork, accountability, respect, and productivity

Food manufacturing experience is a plus, but candidates with strong industrial/manufacturing maintenance leadership experience are encouraged to apply.

Physical Requirements

This is a hands-on manufacturing environment. Candidates must be able to lift up to 100 lbs. and be comfortable working around processing equipment and within a production facility.

The Bottom Line

If you’re an experienced maintenance professional who enjoys figuring out why something isn't working, preventing the next breakdown, leading a team, and making an operation better, this could be an excellent opportunity to step into a key leadership role.

Apply today! We are representing our client in this confidential search and will provide additional company information to qualified candidates.

Interested? Contact Lori: lori.deitz@expresspros.com

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