Maintenance Manager (Director - Level Considered)

Prairie Aquatech•Volga, SD

11d•Onsite

About The Position

Prairie AquaTech Manufacturing, LLC dba Houdek is a manufacturing company based in Volga South Dakota that is improving animal health and nutrition by providing high-quality feed ingredients. Using patent-pending technologies licensed on a worldwide, exclusive basis from South Dakota State University and developed internally, the Company is upgrading soybean meal to high-quality ingredients used in aquaculture and other animal feeds. Position Summary The Maintenance Manager (Director-Level Considered) is a key leadership role responsible for ensuring the reliability, safety, and efficiency of all plant equipment and infrastructure. Reporting to the Vice President of Manufacturing, this position oversees the maintenance team, drives preventive and predictive maintenance programs, manages contractors and vendors, and supports a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and operational excellence. This position may be filled at the Maintenance Manager or Maintenance Director level, depending on the selected candidate's experience, qualifications, and demonstrated leadership scope.

Requirements

2-3 years of experience managing or supervising a maintenance workforce in an industrial or manufacturing environment.
Technical training in mechanical, electrical, or electromechanical fields preferred.
Strong troubleshooting abilities across mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation systems.
Experience with equipment maintenance, light mechanical assembly, and electrical assembly.
Familiarity with repair of electronics or instrumentation.
Proficiency with maintenance management software and basic computer applications.
Ability to lift up to 60 pounds.
Ability to work in industrial environments, including elevated areas, confined spaces, and varying temperatures.
Participation in rotational on‑call duties as required.

Nice To Haves

Fabrication or welding experience desirable.

Responsibilities

Lead, coach, and develop the maintenance workforce, ensuring high performance and accountability.
Build and manage staffing schedules, on‑call rotations, and daily/weekly maintenance planning meetings.
Conduct performance evaluations, skill development plans, and corrective coaching when needed.
Promote a strong, positive company culture centered on accountability, communication, and teamwork.
Develop, implement, and continuously improve preventive and predictive maintenance programs.
Ensure the continuous and reliable operation of all equipment and machinery.
Diagnose and troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation issues.
Lead root‑cause analysis (RCA) and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
Manage planned shutdowns, ensuring efficient execution and minimal production disruption.
Build, maintain, and optimize a parts inventory system that minimizes downtime and supports rapid repairs.
Maintain accurate bench stock, spare parts lists, and critical spares strategies.
Track asset performance and maintenance history using the plant's maintenance management software.
Ensure all maintenance activities comply with safety regulations, including LOTO, confined space, hot work, and other EH&S programs.
Support feed safety and quality programs, including FSMA compliance and audit readiness.
Conduct and document scheduled quality inspections and equipment checks.
Ensure work areas are cleaned and free of tools, parts, and debris after repairs are completed.
Coordinate external contractors and service providers, ensuring quality work and adherence to plant standards.
Obtain quotes, manage service agreements, and verify completion of contracted work.
Maintain strong relationships with equipment manufacturers and specialty service vendors.
Partner closely with Production, Quality, and Engineering to prioritize work and support operational goals.
Communicate equipment status, downtime risks, and maintenance plans clearly and proactively.
Participate in continuous improvement initiatives and capital planning discussions.
Monitor and control maintenance costs, including labor, parts, and contracted services.
Assist in developing annual maintenance budgets and long-term capital improvement plans.
Evaluate repair‑versus‑replace decisions using data‑driven analysis.