Maintenance Manager

Dairy Farmers of America • Cedarburg, WI

6d • Onsite

About The Position

Kemps, a farmer-owned brand of Dairy Farmers of America (DFA), is seeking a hands-on, forward-thinking Maintenance Manager for its fluid milk and cream manufacturing facility in Cedarburg, Wisconsin. In this leadership role, the Maintenance Manager partners closely with the Plant Engineer to advance safety, reliability, automation, and continuous improvement initiatives that enhance plant performance and product quality. The role leads a skilled, unionized maintenance team and uses technology, automation, and preventive maintenance strategies to improve equipment effectiveness and operational excellence. This position reports to the Sr. Manager, Engineering.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• At least 3 years of supervisory experience leading and developing maintenance technicians.
• Strong knowledge of industrial mechanical and electrical systems, including PLC troubleshooting and automation.
• Experience with CMMS, preventive maintenance programs, and equipment reliability strategies.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and maintenance management software.
• Proven ability to lead change and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

Nice To Haves

• Associate degree or technical coursework.
• At least 5 years of maintenance leadership experience in dairy manufacturing; experience in food and beverage manufacturing environments is also highly valued.
• Experience with dairy or food processing equipment, including fillers, blow mold machines, pneumatic and hydraulic systems.
• Allen-Bradley PLC experience, including ladder logic troubleshooting and editing.
• Ammonia refrigeration, HTST pasteurization, fabrication, welding, and machining experience.
• Knowledge of GMPs, union environments, workers’ compensation, and safety programs.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a unionized maintenance team to support safe, efficient, and reliable plant operations.
• Manage preventive maintenance programs and asset reliability through CMMS utilization.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives and align maintenance activities with the Management Operating Structure (MOS).
• Maintain and troubleshoot production equipment, HVAC systems, boilers, utility systems, and 480V three-phase motor controls.
• Support and optimize automation systems, PLCs, and plant control technologies.
• Monitor maintenance KPIs and implement corrective actions to improve equipment reliability and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
• Ensure compliance with OSHA regulations, company policies, food safety standards, and applicable industry codes.
• Support capital projects and maintenance programs that improve safety, quality, and productivity.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package available on the first of the month after the start date.
• 401(k) with company contribution.
• Competitive pay.
• Paid vacation and holidays.
• Career growth opportunities and promotion from within.
• Service recognition and employee rewards.
• Employee referral program.
• Tuition reimbursement.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: High school or GED