Senior Technical Operations Manager

Shearer's Foods • Burlington, IA

1d

About The Position

The Senior Technical Operations Manager provides leadership and strategic execution to improve site asset capacity and reliability through technical support of maintenance and engineering. The role drives effective use of preventive and corrective maintenance processes and leads site engineering and capital expenditure (CAPEX) execution. Working directly with the plant director, regional technical leadership, and plant maintenance, the manager improves maintenance performance metrics, builds organizational capability, and supports the capital process.

The position leads the sitewide maintenance strategy, maintenance processes, capital projects, shutdown planning, budgets, and performance indicators. It also manages the site maintenance manager and capital projects leader/engineer, serves as the site subject matter expert for maintenance and engineering processes, and develops the maintenance management team. The role promotes safe work practices and supports internal and external transformation initiatives to improve site capabilities.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree in engineering or a related field with nine years of relevant industry experience, or 13 years of equivalent industry experience in lieu of a degree.
• Proven maintenance leadership experience in a regulated food manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated people-management experience, including coaching, performance management, and team development.
• Strong knowledge of health, safety, and environmental regulations, including current Good Manufacturing Practice requirements.
• Ability to plan, prioritize, and resolve complex operational issues in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
• Strong collaboration skills across quality, health and safety, manufacturing operations, and other cross-functional teams.
• Proficiency with computerized maintenance management systems, building management systems, and standard office software.
• Demonstrated success partnering with external vendors and engineering teams to implement maintenance best practices.
• Experience developing and managing capital programs.

Nice To Haves

• GMP-regulated, short-shelf-life food industry experience.
• Experience with fixed and rotating equipment, reliability-centered maintenance engineering, capital program development and execution, and field operations.
• Strong record of execution and results improvement.
• Experience with Maintenance Connection CMMS and operational leadership.
• Food manufacturing experience.

Responsibilities

• Promote the belief that every job can be performed safely and that no task is worth risking the health, safety, or well-being of plant employees or the community.
• Model safe behaviors and ensure strict adherence to plant safety policies and procedures.
• Support internal and external transformation team initiatives to improve site capabilities.
• Lead and continuously improve the sitewide maintenance strategy to reduce unplanned manufacturing downtime.
• Lead the identification, planning, execution, and documentation of preventive and corrective maintenance activities to ensure asset reliability and compliance.
• Lead the development and execution of site capital projects.
• Develop and execute three- to five-year capital strategies that support site continuity, asset condition, and productivity.
• Develop, implement, and optimize site maintenance procedures and standards to support safe, consistent operations.
• Oversee site shutdown planning and execution to minimize downtime and protect critical manufacturing schedules.
• Manage maintenance budgets and drive cost-effective solutions without compromising quality or safety.
• Establish, monitor, and improve key performance indicators for leading maintenance metrics.
• Manage the site maintenance manager and capital projects leader/engineer.
• Serve as the site subject matter expert for maintenance and engineering processes.
• Build, train, and develop a high-performing maintenance management team through cross-training and succession planning.
• Own the maintenance management system and ensure the accuracy of master data, work orders, and spare-parts programs.
• Partner with engineering teams and external vendors to implement best practices and strengthen service strategies.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior