Plant Maintenance & Engineering Manager
1 month ago
Storm Lake
Job Description The Plant Maintenance & Engineering Manager is responsible for leading all maintenance, engineering, and facility operations to ensure the safe, efficient, and reliable performance of plant equipment, production processes, buildings, and grounds. This role plays a critical leadership function within a protein manufacturing environment, driving continuous improvement, capital project execution, regulatory compliance, and operational uptime. The ideal candidate brings strong hands-on technical expertise in ammonia refrigeration, protein processing environments, and mechanical/electrical systems, along with proven leadership experience in a breader/batter protein manufacturing facility. Key ResponsibilitiesMaintenance & Reliability Leadership Oversee preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance programs for all plant equipment, utilities, and infrastructure Ensure maximum equipment uptime and operational efficiency across production lines and facility systems Lead troubleshooting and rapid resolution of mechanical, electrical, and process-related issues Develop and implement best-in-class maintenance practices and reliability strategies Engineering & Capital Projects Design and optimize plant processing line layouts to support operational changes, expansions, and efficiency improvements Plan, coordinate, and oversee plant additions, renovations, and equipment installations Develop and manage capital and expense budgets, including project planning, execution, and cost control Partner with internal stakeholders and external contractors to deliver projects on time and within budget Compliance, Safety & Regulatory Oversight Ensure full compliance with OSHA, safety, and regulatory requirements at all times Maintain safe work practices across maintenance, engineering, and facility operations Support environmental, health, and safety initiatives within a protein processing environment Manage ammonia refrigeration systems in compliance with all applicable safety standards Team Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration Lead, mentor, and develop maintenance and engineering personnel Ensure team members have the tools, training, and technical knowledge required to sustain facility operations Collaborate closely with production, quality, and senior leadership to address operational challenges Foster a culture of accountability, communication, and continuous improvement Vendor & Contractor Management Maintain strong working relationships with contractors, service providers, and equipment vendors Oversee contractor performance and ensure efficient execution of maintenance and capital work Evaluate new technologies and solutions to enhance plant performance and reliability Required Qualifications Associates degree in a technical field (Electrical, Mechanical, or related) or equivalent hands-on experience Minimum 5+ years of maintenance management experience within a breader/batter protein manufacturing environment Direct experience working with ammonia refrigeration and protein processing systems Strong mechanical aptitude with working knowledge of electrical and mechanical systems Experience with CAD capabilities and understanding of PLC-controlled equipment Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and shifting operational demands Proven leadership experience managing maintenance and engineering teams in a manufacturing setting Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to quickly identify and resolve operational issues Computer proficiency including Microsoft Excel and Word Preferred Skills & Experience Experience in USDA-regulated or food processing environments Background in continuous improvement, process optimization, or plant expansion projects Familiarity with CMMS systems and reliability-centered maintenance practices Experience managing large-scale capital equipment installations Work Environment & Physical Requirements Regular exposure to manufacturing and processing areas requiring PPE including safety glasses and hearing protection Ability to work in temperature-variable environments ranging from -40F to 110F Frequent standing, walking, and occasional lifting (up to 40 lbs) Exposure to noisy production environments and refrigerated processing areas Ability to work onsite in a fast-paced industrial protein manufacturing facility Why This Role This is a high-impact leadership opportunity to drive plant reliability, engineering innovation, and operational excellence within a specialized protein manufacturing environment, with significant influence over capital projects, maintenance strategy, and long-term facility performance.
