Maintenance Manager

The Maintenance Manager leads the plant maintenance team and ensures all equipment, buildings, and grounds are properly maintained to support safe and efficient operations. This is a hands-on leadership role responsible for managing daily maintenance activities, preventive and corrective maintenance programs, and supporting a 24/5 manufacturing operation with three production lines.

This role oversees a team of 4 direct reports, manages an annual maintenance budget of ~$250K, and leads capital projects totaling approximately $2M. The Maintenance Manager also drives continuous improvement initiatives, reduces downtime, and ensures safety, quality, and regulatory compliance across the facility.

Key Responsibilities

Maintenance Operations & Team Leadership

• Lead and manage daily maintenance operations, schedules, and work assignments
• Oversee preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance programs
• Provide coaching, training, and performance management for maintenance technicians
• Manage spare parts inventory and maintenance work orders to reduce downtime
• Assist with hands-on troubleshooting and equipment repairs when needed

Continuous Improvement

• Drive a culture of continuous improvement (CI) using Lean principles
• Lead initiatives such as Kaizen events, line audits, and waste reduction efforts
• Track progress through KPIs and ensure improvements are sustained

Capital Projects & Equipment Management

• Manage plant capital projects from planning through execution
• Research and recommend equipment upgrades and process improvements
• Coordinate contractors, vendors, and project resources

Budget & Reliability

• Manage the maintenance budget (~$250K) and identify cost-saving opportunities
• Analyze maintenance data to reduce equipment downtime and improve reliability

Safety, Compliance & Housekeeping

• Ensure strong safety, environmental, and regulatory compliance
• Lead plant safety audits and inspections
• Oversee housekeeping standards and facility upkeep

Required Experience and Education:

• Bachelors degree and 3+ years leadership experience and maintenance knowledge OR High School Diploma/GED with 5+ years leadership experience and maintenance knowledge
• Problem solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Mechanical experience along with maintaining equipment in good operating condition.
• Basic knowledge of electrical, fabrication, welding, pipefitting, hydraulics, and pneumatics.
• Project management and supervisory experience, along with computer skills and excellent communication skills.
• Ability to lead and manage multiple projects, tasks, and priorities at the same time.
• General knowledge of OSHA and EPA regulations is highly desirable.

Salary: $81,200 - $121,800

In most cases, candidates offered employment can expect to be hired at a pay rate near the middle of our salary ranges

About Land O'Lakes, Inc.

Join us and be part of a Fortune 250, farmer- and member-owned cooperative that is reimagining the business of food. We have been named a Top Workplace by Indeed and LinkedIn, and to the TIME 100 Most Influential Companies list.

We provide a broad portfolio of benefits to keep you and your family at your best. Land O'Lakes is Where Your Future Takes Root.

Land O'Lakes and our global entities support diversity in employment practices.

Neither Land O'Lakes, nor its affiliates or search firms, will ever contact you and ask for confidential information over the phone or in email. If you receive a call or email like this, please do not provide the information being requested.

If you need to submit a reasonable accommodation request to complete the employment application process, please call the HR Solution Center at 844-LOL-HR4U (844-565-4748) M-F 8:00am-4:30pm CT.