Area Manager

Position Details:

Title: Area Manager-Maintenance & Capital Projects

Location: Mishawaka, IN

Shift: Monday – Friday, daytime

Compensation: $75k-$90k

Benefits: competitive compensation, benefits, and a supportive work environment where your skills are valued.

Position Description:

The Area Manager – Maintenance & Capital (CapEx) is responsible for leading all maintenance operations and capital project execution across the facility. This role ensures equipment reliability, minimizes downtime, and drives the successful planning and implementation of capital investments that support plant performance and growth.

Reporting directly to the Director of Plant Operations, this position combines hands-on maintenance leadership with ownership of the full lifecycle of capital projects. The Area Manager ensures all maintenance and engineering activities are executed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with food safety and regulatory standards.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Maintenance Leadership & Reliability

• Lead and support maintenance technicians to ensure safe and efficient execution of all maintenance activities.
• Develop and manage preventive and predictive maintenance programs.
• Oversee troubleshooting and root cause analysis for equipment failures.
• Ensure mechanical, electrical, and utility systems support a 24/7 operation.
• Maintain maintenance shop organization and spare parts inventory.

Capital Projects (CapEx)

• Lead planning and execution of capital projects including installations and upgrades.
• Manage project lifecycle: scope, budget, schedule, execution, and closeout.
• Develop and manage CapEx budgets and ROI analysis.
• Coordinate with vendors, contractors, and engineering resources.
• Prepare capital requests and business justifications.

Continuous Improvement & Performance

• Drive initiatives focused on reliability, OEE, and efficiency.
• Analyze KPIs and implement corrective actions.
• Support Lean Manufacturing and waste reduction efforts.
• Improve maintenance planning and scheduling processes.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Operations, Quality, Safety, and Procurement.
• Support production by resolving maintenance issues.
• Collaborate on long-term asset and infrastructure planning.
• Serve as technical point of contact for equipment needs.

Compliance, Safety & Food Safety

• Ensure compliance with GMP, HACCP, BRC, OSHA standards.
• Promote a safety-first culture.
• Lead incident investigations.
• Maintain audit readiness and documentation.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field preferred.
• 5–8 years of relevant experience.
• Experience managing CapEx projects required.
• Strong knowledge of mechanical and electrical systems.
• Experience with CMMS and maintenance metrics.
• Strong leadership and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and ERP systems.