Maintenance Manager

Russell Stover•Iola, KS

3d•Onsite

About The Position

At Russell Stover, not only do we love chocolate, but we love our jobs! Every day we go to work exhibiting our values of excellence, innovation, entrepreneurship, responsibility, and collaboration. Working at Russell Stover you’ll be part of the leading manufacturer of boxed, seasonal, and sugar-free chocolates. For over 100 years, Russell Stover Chocolates, Whitman’s, and Pangburn’s have been crafted with the finest ingredients to bring happiness to generations. Today, we produce over 55 million pounds of chocolate annually, and our legacy brands can be found in 13 company-owned stores and over 9,000 wholesale accounts. Join our team and let’s continue making chocolate lovers happy! A day in the life… As the Maintenance Manager , you manage, lead, and integrate the efforts of the Facilities and Maintenance team to ensure day-to-day tasks are completed promptly and effectively to support manufacturing operations across the plant. You provide oversight and direction on complex project activities, ensuring that all deliverables align with company standards and expectations. You assess, analyze, and implement facility-related projects and efficiency improvements on a project-by-project basis. Additionally, you take ownership of identifying, hiring, and overseeing outside contractors to ensure all facilities, grounds, and office areas are maintained efficiently and cost-effectively.

Requirements

BS Degree in either Mechanical, Civil, Electric or Chemical Engineering or 8 to 10 years of related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience
Minimum 5-8 years in plant maintenance /facilities management with food processing experience.
Ability to start, address and prioritize process issues independently and juggle multiple issues with minimal supervision.
Ability to effectively delegate and supervise in a fast-paced environment
In Depth understanding of Lean Manufacturing principles
Strong analytical skills and in depth understanding of statistical probability
Demonstrated commitment to teamwork and internal client service orientation
Working knowledge of electrical, plumbing, pneumatic, machinery and mechanical trades.
Proficiency in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook).
Excellent communication skills and the ability to speak, read, and write English fluently, with or without an accommodation.
Ability to travel up to 20% to attend Business related functions and supplier meetings
Shift work/weekend work as necessary
Available for 24/7 requests related to all shifts activities

Nice To Haves

Ability to use AutoCAD is a plus
MBA
Understanding of food technology, preferably chocolate
Lean/Six Sigma Certification
Experience

Responsibilities

Lead with Purpose : Inspire and empower the team to perform at their best, promoting collaboration, accountability, and progress toward business goals.
Drive Operational Excellence : Champion innovation and continuous improvement through technology, automation, and smart capital investment.
Plan Strategically : Partner with stakeholders to develop and manage annual budgets, headcount plans, and labor forecasts.
Ensure Safety & Compliance : Guide safety initiatives, support technical improvements, and ensure adherence to OSHA and Risk Management standards.
Optimize Equipment Performance : Oversee preventative maintenance and timely repairs of production and facility equipment to maximize uptime and reliability.
Support Critical Needs : Respond promptly to urgent issues and escalations, ensuring swift resolution and clear communication with stakeholders.
Vendor & Emergency Oversight : Manage contractor relations, renegotiate contracts, and lead emergency response teams in collaboration with security and local services.
Client-Centered Service : Maintain strong communication and partnerships with internal clients, continually improving service levels and operational responsiveness.
Follow GMP Standards : Maintain product quality and regulatory compliance by adhering to Good Manufacturing Practices.
Commit to Training & Compliance : Complete and apply FSQA programs to support consumer safety and the plant’s food safety objectives.
Act on Hazards Promptly : Identify and report food safety risks, process deviations, or non-conformities according to defined responsibilities.
Champion Food Safety Culture : Drive continuous improvement through active engagement and role-based contributions to safety practices.