Manager, Process & Utility Maintenance

Jasper Products•Joplin, MO

About The Position

Oversee and manage all aspects of the facility Processing and Utilities maintenance functions and staff within a high-speed aseptic and ESL beverage manufacturing plant. Lead and collaborate with a team of engineers, maintenance managers, and technical staff to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable plant operations. Optimize performance of aseptic and ESL processing, sterilization, utility systems and wastewater facility while maintaining compliance with food safety, quality, and regulatory standards. Develop and execute plans to support current and future plant requirements, including asset reliability strategies, preventative and predictive maintenance programs, capital project execution, and process optimization initiatives. Work closely with plant management and employees and serve as a liaison with enterprise-wide functional departments to ensure alignment with company goals and best practices in engineering, maintenance, and aseptic/ESL operations.

Requirements

High school diploma required.
5-8 years of maintenance experience in a food, beverage, or dairy manufacturing environment with at least 1+ years of leadership experience
Strong experience in aseptic and ESL processing, or sanitary food manufacturing environments preferred
Experience with utilities systems (electrical, boilers, ammonia refrigeration, compressed air, water systems), PLCs/automation, and maintenance management systems (CMMS)
Knowledge of food safety systems including GMP, SQF, HACCP, and regulatory compliance requirements
Certification and/or license may be required
Strong leadership and team management skills with the ability to motivate and develop a diverse workforce
Strong understanding of plant utilities, automation systems, and industrial engineering principles
Strong organizational, planning, and execution skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making abilities
Strong communication skills with the ability to engage effectively across all levels of the organization
Ability to collaborate cross-functionally and drive alignment across departments
Ability to manage change, lead through ambiguity, and resolve conflict professionally
Ability to interpret technical data, perform mathematical and statistical analysis
Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and company computer systems
Able to think ahead and plan over a multi-year timeframe
Able to manage multiple projects and participate in cross-functional environment
Must be able to read, write and speak English

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field preferred.
Equivalent combinations of education, technical training, and relevant work experience may be substituted for formal education.

Responsibilities

Manage all aspects of facility utilities and processing maintenance functions, including direct supervision of maintenance supervisors and maintenance team; provide leadership, coaching, and development to build a high-performing team
Ensure the site maintains an effective predictive and preventive maintenance program across all assets, including aseptic and ESL processing systems, refrigeration, steam, water, wastewater and facility infrastructure to minimize downtime and extend asset life
Oversee preventative maintenance programs for the facility, electrical distribution, plant utility systems, architecture, and process equipment through assigned staff and outside contractors to support sustained plant operations and maximize operational efficiency
Provide technical leadership in aseptic and ESL operations, including sterilization processes, contamination control, hygienic system design, and shelf-life optimization
Ensure all equipment and processes comply with FDA, USDA, SQF, GMP, and internal food safety requirements; incorporate food safety into all engineering and maintenance activities
Collaborate with senior leadership to identify, prioritize, and justify capital improvement and expense projects that improve safety, quality, capacity, and operational efficiency
Partner cross-functionally with Operations, Quality, R&D, Warehousing, HR, Safety and Supply Chain to resolve issues, implement process changes and equipment changes
Perform equipment lifecycle and replacement analysis, evaluating downtime risk, maintenance cost, and operational impact; provide recommendations to optimize asset performance
Ensure effective communication across all levels of the organization so that operational, engineering, and maintenance priorities are clearly understood and executed
Ensure all process, equipment, and product changes are properly communicated, documented, and implemented with appropriate training for plant personnel through execution of the Management of Change (MOC) program.
Develop and manage maintenance KPIs (OEE, downtime, PM compliance, reliability metrics) and drive continuous improvement initiatives
Oversee safety programs including risk assessments, safety audits, and training; ensure compliance with OSHA and environmental standards
Maintain accurate documentation including maintenance records, engineering standards, P&IDs, SOPs, and compliance documentation
Prepare and manage department budget, ensuring effective allocation of resources for maintenance, capital, and operational needs
Manage assigned employees including hiring, scheduling, performance management, and development; hold team accountable for results
Ensure all environmental, regulatory, food safety, and quality policies align with corporate requirements and are fully compliant
Follow all GMP, food safety, quality, sanitation, and regulatory requirements and ensure engineering activities support these standards