Refrigeration and Utilities Manager

Schwan's Company • Salina, KS

124d • $104,625 - $174,375

About The Position

Schwan's Company, a U.S. affiliate of the global lifestyle brand CJ CheilJedang Corporation, is a leader in manufacturing and marketing quality foods enjoyed nationwide. We have beloved brands like Red Baron®, Tony's®, Big Daddy's®, Villa Prima™ and Freschetta® pizzas; bibigo®, Pagoda® Asian-style snacks and we can't forget Mrs. Smith's® and Edwards® pies! We bring families and communities together through great food. Join our team and see the opportunities are real, and the sky is the limit; this isn't just a job, it's a seat at the table! We are seeking a skilled and motivated Refrigeration and Utilities Manager to oversee the operation and maintenance of critical building systems at the largest frozen pizza plant in the world and home to our iconic Red Baron and Tony's brands, located in Salina, KS. In this role, you will be responsible for ensuring the reliable and efficient performance of all refrigeration, HVAC, and utility systems, including ammonia compressor operations. If you have strong technical expertise and a passion for operational excellence in a manufacturing environment, we want to hear from you!

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience, with 8+ years of related experience in utilities or maintenance management.
• Proven leadership experience, including managing teams and collaborating with corporate partners.
• Strong technical expertise in ammonia refrigeration, PSM, electrical systems, and hydraulics.
• Experience in food manufacturing and familiarity with USDA/FDA regulations preferred.
• SAP experience is beneficial.

Nice To Haves

• Certifications such as CMRP, Six Sigma, or Lean are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the operation, maintenance, and compliance of all plant utility systems, including refrigeration (ammonia), HVAC, compressed air, boilers, steam, wastewater, and environmental systems.
• Lead, develop, and manage a team of supervisors, mechanics, and general associates, ensuring staffing, training, safety, and performance align with production goals.
• Ensure compliance with PSM, HazMat, OSHA, Lockout/Tagout, and all local, state, and federal safety/environmental regulations, while promoting a safe and efficient work environment.
• Direct maintenance activities that support production efficiency, including equipment installation, preventative maintenance, and continuous improvement initiatives across all manufacturing areas.
• Monitor and report on key operational metrics such as safety, production uptime, maintenance cost, and asset management, ensuring goals are met at the lowest cost.
• Drive process improvement and cost-effective solutions through Lean Manufacturing practices (TPM, TPS) and active participation in capital planning and project execution.

Benefits

• The base salary range for this position is $104,625 to $174,375 annually with eligibility for a 15% annual incentive bonus, that is based on organizational performance.
• We offer a competitive Total Rewards package focusing on your overall well-being.
• We are proud to offer a strong foundation of health benefits, retirement and financial wellbeing, time off programs, wellbeing support programs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Industry: Merchant Wholesalers, Nondurable Goods
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree