Maintenance Manager

Maintenance Manager

Location: Devils Lake, ND

Salary: $90,000 - $110,000 DOE

Full-Time | Manufacturing / Food Production | Leadership Opportunity

Are you the person everyone calls when a piece of equipment goes down and you already have a pretty good idea of what’s wrong?

Our client is looking for an experienced Maintenance Manager to take ownership of the maintenance function at a well-established food production operation. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who understands that great maintenance is about more than fixing things—it’s about preventing downtime, keeping equipment running efficiently, developing a strong team, and continuously improving the operation.

Why You’ll Like This Opportunity

• Real ownership: You’ll have a direct impact on the reliability and efficiency of the entire facility.
• Hands-on leadership: You’ll lead maintenance technicians while staying involved in troubleshooting, repairs, PMs, and equipment improvements.
• Variety: No two days are exactly alike. You’ll work with production equipment, facility systems, repairs, modifications, contractors, and new equipment installations.
• Continuous improvement: You’ll have the opportunity to identify better technology, equipment, processes, and maintenance practices.
• Leadership visibility: You’ll work directly with senior management on budgets, equipment purchases, renovations, and operational improvements.

Fun fact about the operation: In food manufacturing, maintenance plays a critical role that goes beyond keeping the lines running—the way equipment is repaired, cleaned, modified, and maintained can directly impact the safety and quality of the finished product.

What You’ll Do

Lead the Maintenance Team

• Direct, schedule, and prioritize the work of maintenance technicians.
• Assign work orders based on urgency, production needs, and deadlines.
• Coach and guide technicians through repairs and equipment modifications.
• Promote teamwork, accountability, safety, and a positive work environment.
• Step in and work alongside the maintenance team when needed.

Own Preventive Maintenance

• Oversee the facility's preventive maintenance program.
• Schedule and perform PMs on processing and facility equipment.
• Use the computerized maintenance management system to track scheduled maintenance and work orders.
• Verify that repairs are completed correctly and equipment is maintained to manufacturer and regulatory standards.
• Identify potential problems before they result in costly downtime.

Troubleshoot & Improve

• Troubleshoot equipment and facility issues and determine the best course of action.
• Oversee equipment repairs, modifications, and replacements.
• Help evaluate and implement new technologies and equipment.
• Ensure sanitary design standards are followed during equipment modifications and installations.
• Participate in commissioning and inspection of new processing equipment.

Work With Management & Vendors

• Help develop budgets for equipment purchases, renovations, and upgrades.
• Obtain and evaluate quotes from contractors and vendors.
• Coordinate outside contractors when necessary.
• Communicate effectively with management, contractors, auditors, and customers.

Maintain a Safe, Compliant Operation

• Help ensure the facility meets applicable OSHA, FDA, EPA, and food safety requirements.
• Work closely with the food safety team on risk assessments and corrective actions.
• Ensure maintenance activities are properly documented.
• Verify equipment is safe, clean, functional, and ready for production.

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for someone who can lead people and solve problems—not someone who simply wants to sit behind a desk.

You’ll be a strong fit if you have:

• Previous maintenance leadership, supervision, or management experience
• Strong mechanical troubleshooting and repair skills
• Experience with processing, manufacturing, or industrial equipment
• Knowledge of equipment fabrication and repair techniques
• Experience with preventive maintenance programs
• Strong organizational and time-management skills
• The ability to prioritize work and make decisions in a fast-paced environment
• Good computer skills, including Microsoft Word and Excel
• Strong communication and delegation skills
• The ability to work effectively with management, vendors, contractors, and employees
• A leadership style built around teamwork, accountability, respect, and productivity

Food manufacturing experience is a plus, but candidates with strong industrial/manufacturing maintenance leadership experience are encouraged to apply.

Physical Requirements

This is a hands-on manufacturing environment. Candidates must be able to lift up to 100 lbs. and be comfortable working around processing equipment and within a production facility.

The Bottom Line

If you’re an experienced maintenance professional who enjoys figuring out why something isn't working, preventing the next breakdown, leading a team, and making an operation better, this could be an excellent opportunity to step into a key leadership role.

Apply today! We are representing our client in this confidential search and will provide additional company information to qualified candidates.

Interested? Contact Lori: lori.deitz@expresspros.com

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