Maintenance Engineering Manager

Sunset Farm Foods Inc•Valdosta, GA

16h•$90,000 - $125,000•Onsite

About The Position

Sunset Farm Foods is a fourth-generation, family-owned meat processing and sausage company that has served Valdosta and the surrounding region since 1918. We're looking for a hands-on Maintenance Engineering Manager who takes pride in keeping a working plant running safely, efficiently, and reliably and who wants to lead a team that does the same. As Maintenance Engineering Manager, you'll lead the maintenance department and set the strategy that keeps our equipment running, our people safe, and our production lines moving. Reporting to the General Manager, you will direct maintenance strategy across the plant to maximize production efficiency while protecting equipment longevity and product quality. You will also identify and lead continuous improvement initiatives across departments, partner closely with the Plant Manager and other department leaders, presenting a united front on strategy and direction. You will maintain regulatory compliance with ammonia refrigeration and electrical safety programs, and champion safety initiatives plant-wide. You will develop capital expenditure recommendations and coordinate capital projects with plant departments. You will build and manage the maintenance department's operating plan and budget. You will establish and maintain SOPs covering maintenance, parts, inventory, energy management, and related functions. You will build strong working relationships with employees, supervisors, and the public. You will address performance issues promptly, consistently, and confidentially, while coaching and mentoring your team. You will foster a culture of respect, cooperation, and open communication. You will ensure compliance with all applicable regulatory product safety requirements.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED required
5+ years of progressive experience managing a maintenance department, including supervisory responsibility.
Experience managing facility and manufacturing maintenance; food industry experience strongly preferred.
3–5 years of experience in construction, maintenance, or repair of production equipment, ideally in food manufacturing.
Working knowledge of project management, safety programs, and production operations.
Strong analytical and mathematical skills paired with sharp problem-solving abilities.
Experience developing and managing preventive maintenance (PM) programs.
Comfortable collaborating across teams and departments at every level of the company.
Intermediate computer skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
A true team player who works well with staff at every level of the organization.
Able to manage multiple projects, shifting priorities, and deadline pressure with flexibility.
Strong time-management skills and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Nice To Haves

A Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related field is preferred.
Ammonia Refrigeration Management (ARM) certification or knowledge is a plus.

Responsibilities

Direct maintenance strategy across the plant to maximize production efficiency while protecting equipment longevity and product quality.
Identify and lead continuous improvement initiatives across departments.
Partner closely with the Plant Manager and other department leaders, presenting a united front on strategy and direction.
Maintain regulatory compliance with ammonia refrigeration and electrical safety programs, and champion safety initiatives plant-wide.
Develop capital expenditure recommendations and coordinate capital projects with plant departments.
Build and manage the maintenance department's operating plan and budget.
Establish and maintain SOPs covering maintenance, parts, inventory, energy management, and related functions.
Build strong working relationships with employees, supervisors, and the public.
Address performance issues promptly, consistently, and confidentially, while coaching and mentoring your team.
Foster a culture of respect, cooperation, and open communication.
Ensure compliance with all applicable regulatory product safety requirements.