Maintenance Manager - Food Manufacturing
Real Estate
Job Description
Job Description
Maintenance Manager – Food Manufacturing | Ammonia Refrigeration | PLC | Cherokee, IA
Location: Cherokee, IA (Onsite)
Schedule: 1st Shift (7 AM–5 PM, M–F + weekends as needed)
Salary: $120,000 – $160,000 + Bonus
Overview:
We are hiring an experienced Maintenance Manager (Food Manufacturing) to lead plant maintenance, equipment reliability, and capital projects in a fast-paced production environment. This role is ideal for a hands-on leader with strong expertise in ammonia refrigeration, PLC systems, and food processing equipment (bread, batter, fryer).
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead all plant maintenance operations (equipment, facility, utilities)
- Oversee preventive & predictive maintenance programs
- Manage capital projects, plant expansions, and equipment upgrades
- Ensure full OSHA and safety compliance
- Supervise and develop maintenance & engineering teams
- Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, and PLC systems
- Coordinate with vendors, contractors, and leadership teams
- Improve equipment reliability, uptime, and production efficiency
Required Qualifications:
- 5+ years of Maintenance Management experience in Food Manufacturing
- Strong experience with ammonia refrigeration & protein processing
- Background in bread, batter, and fryer systems
- Knowledge of PLC systems, CAD, electrical & mechanical systems
- Proven ability to manage multiple projects and teams
- Associate's degree or equivalent experience (Engineering/Technical preferred)
Work Environment:
- Exposure to temperature extremes (-40F to 110F)
- Manufacturing setting with noise & PPE requirements
- Ability to lift up to 40 lbs occasionally
Why Join Us:
- Competitive six-figure salary + bonus
- Leadership role with high impact on plant operations
- Opportunity to drive continuous improvement & capital projects