Maintenance Manager (Indoor Automated Vertical Farm)
About The Position
Oishii is seeking a Maintenance Manager for its indoor automated vertical farm in Phillipsburg, New Jersey. As part of the Production Engineering team, this role ensures the farm’s technologies maintain uptime, operate efficiently, and support plant and worker safety. The manager executes and improves maintenance procedures and works across plumbing, electrical, mechanical, electro-mechanical, and automation systems. The role collaborates with farm operations, engineering, and plant science in a new facility. The position manages maintenance operations and technician teams on the second shift, Tuesday through Saturday, from 2:00 PM to 11:00 PM. It includes people-management responsibilities, equipment and vendor oversight, troubleshooting, compliance, and support for facility commissioning and improvement. Occasional off-hours response to emergencies or issues affecting the facility or team may be required.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree, or equivalent trade/technical training in Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, or HVAC engineering.
- 8 to 10 years of progressive technical maintenance experience in manufacturing, industrial, food production, or commercial production environments.
- 5+ years leading maintenance technician teams of 8+ employees and managing critical projects across electrical, plumbing, mechanical, controls, and facility systems.
- Experience with CMMS software, maintenance engineering analytics, and reporting.
- Valid driver’s license.
- Ability to lift up to 30 lbs.
- Hand dexterity and ability to climb a ladder, crouch or kneel, reach, and stretch.
- Ability to work in an active, non-sedentary role for periods of up to 5 to 6 hours at a time.
- Must not be allergic to bees.
- Ability to work Tuesday through Saturday, 2:00 PM to 11:00 PM, and be available on at least one weekend day per week.
- Ability to respond to emergencies or issues outside regular hours when they affect the facility or team.
- Ability to shift priorities, meet deadlines, and communicate clearly and effectively verbally and in writing across organizational levels.
- Ability to collaborate cross-functionally across levels and locations and support evolving needs in a startup environment.
- Ability to lead through others and develop teams with diverse experience.
- Ability to prioritize, problem-solve, work through ambiguity, use sound judgment, and synthesize information quickly to troubleshoot.
- Entrepreneurial mindset and ability to develop and rapidly implement ideas, processes, and policies.
- Ability to take ownership and accountability for results.
- Track record handling complex employee relations issues and sensitive situations with tact, discretion, and confidentiality.
Nice To Haves
- OSHA 10/30 certification.
Responsibilities
- Lead hiring, onboarding, training, coaching, performance management, employee development, scheduling, attendance and timecard management, conflict resolution, and disciplinary actions.
- Foster a positive, accountable, safety-focused team culture; clearly communicate expectations, provide timely feedback, lead difficult conversations, and consistently apply company policies and procedures.
- Use CMMS to coordinate and manage daily maintenance operations during the second shift.
- Develop, implement, and continuously improve maintenance systems, operating procedures, and equipment SOPs.
- Oversee equipment repairs, vendor relationships, and contractor support activities.
- Ensure compliance with applicable regulatory and safety requirements.
- Respond to maintenance issues, troubleshoot system failures, and drive timely resolution.
- Support facility commissioning, escalations, and documentation of facility improvement opportunities.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with farm operations, engineering, and plant science.
- Respond to off-hours emergencies or issues affecting the facility or team when needed.
Benefits
- Equity.
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
- 401(K).
- 100% employer-paid life insurance.
- Long-term disability insurance.
- Paid parental leave.
- Paid time off.
- Paid sick time.
- Paid training.
- 7 paid holidays.
- Office social events, including team lunches, parties, and community service projects.
- Employee activity groups.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
Education Level
Associate degree
