MAINTENANCE MANAGER I

The Maintenance Manager1 is responsible for leading the plant maintenance team to ensure equipment reliability, operational efficiency, and compliance with JBS safety protocols. This role manages preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance activities across all areas of the sow harvest and sausage facility. The Maintenance Manager prioritizes strong communication between departments, proper workforce training, and adherence to safety standards while driving continuous improvement and minimizing downtime.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintenance Operations & Plant Efficiency - Oversee day-to-day maintenance activities to ensure operational readiness for harvest and sausage production lines. Plan and execute a preventive maintenance program while balancing corrective work based on production priorities. Minimize equipment downtime through effective troubleshooting and quick resolution of mechanical, electrical, and refrigeration issues.
• Coordinate with production and scheduling teams to optimize maintenance windows for efficiency and reduced repair costs.
• Team Leadership & Workforce Development - Lead and develop maintenance personnel, fostering teamwork and accountability within the department. Conduct regular coaching, performance reviews, and skills development initiatives to build a strong maintenance workforce. Support employee retention through engagement programs, training opportunities, and recognition of achievements.
• Communication & Collaboration - Serve as the primary communication link between maintenance, operations, sanitation, and engineering teams. Establish clear expectations and maintain consistent communication regarding priorities, timelines, and resource needs. Participate in daily leadership and production meetings to provide maintenance updates and planning insights.
• Safety Compliance & Risk Management - Enforce strict adherence to JBS safety policies, OSHA regulations, and applicable mechanical/electrical safety standards. Ensure proper lockout/tagout (LOTO) protocols and machine guarding practices during repairs and equipment servicing. Partner with the Health and Safety Manager to conduct periodic audits and safety training for maintenance staff. Maintain documentation for safety training, inspections, and compliance logs.
• Continuous Improvement & Cost Control - Monitor and analyze maintenance-related expenses to implement cost-saving strategies without compromising reliability. Identify opportunities for process improvements that support longer equipment life, reduced downtime, and enhanced productivity.
• Lead Kaizen events or Lean initiatives targeted at maintenance operations efficiency.
• Administrative & Reporting - Maintain accurate records in the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS), including work orders, PM schedules, and parts usage. Track and report departmental KPIs such as uptime rates, work completion times, and maintenance cost performance. Assist the Plant Engineer in preparing budgets, forecasts, and capital project plans.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. May perform other duties as assigned. 

Skills and Qualifications:

• Education: High School diploma or GED required; associate or bachelor’s degree in industrial maintenance, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering preferred.
• Experience: Minimum 5+ years of industrial maintenance experience, including 2+ years of supervisory or management experience in manufacturing or food processing.
• Knowledge of mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic systems, and ammonia refrigeration strongly preferred.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in CMMS systems, Microsoft Office Suite; SAP experience preferred.
• Familiarity with OSHA standards and food safety compliance in USDA-regulated environments.
• Other Competencies: Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to make quick, sound decisions in a fast-paced production environment.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) highly desirable.