Technical Manager

Technical Manager

Peace River Citrus Products, Inc. – Bartow Packaging Clower Facility

SUMMARY:

This position holds responsibility for overseeing the entire maintenance department, providing strategic planning, high-level cross-department coordination, and overall direction to ensure the proper management of all installation, repair, and upkeep of our company’s facilities. The Technical Manager's duties include maintaining the operation of critical systems, encompassing maintenance, IT infrastructure, and automation processes. This role demands a unique blend of technical expertise, managerial skills, and industry-specific knowledge to uphold high standards of efficiency, quality, and safety throughout the production facility. Moreover, this role plays a crucial part in directing the maintenance department's overall strategy, including automation, which significantly impacts the mechanical health of the production facility. Reporting directly to the General Manager, the Technical Manager receives guidance from the Operations Manager. Both the General Manager and the Maintenance Manager serve as backups for this position.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and implement strategic plans for the maintenance department, aligning with company objectives and industry best practices.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and cost optimization in maintenance, IT, and automation functions.
• Foster collaboration and communication between the maintenance, IT, and automation teams to ensure seamless integration of systems and processes.
• Coordinate with production, engineering, and quality assurance departments to prioritize maintenance activities and minimize disruptions to operations.
• Provide overall direction and leadership to the maintenance department, setting clear objectives and performance metrics.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory standards and safety protocols in all maintenance, IT, and automation activities.
• Oversee the maintenance of critical systems, including machinery, equipment, IT infrastructure, and automation systems.
• Develop and implement preventive maintenance schedules to minimize downtime and maximize operational efficiency.
• Apply technical expertise in mechanical, electrical, and automation engineering to troubleshoot complex issues and optimize system performance.
• Stay abreast of advancements in technology and industry trends to drive innovation and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Lead and mentor a multidisciplinary team of maintenance technicians, IT specialists, and automation engineers, fostering a culture of collaboration and professional development.
• Allocate resources effectively and prioritize tasks to meet production targets and customer demands.
• Ensure compliance with food safety regulations and quality standards, such as Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP).
• Collaborate with regulatory agencies and auditors to maintain certifications and accreditations relevant to the food manufacturing industry.
• Report directly to the General Manager on departmental performance, key initiatives, and strategic objectives.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives through the adoption of advanced maintenance technologies, IT solutions, and automation strategies.
• Analyze performance data and metrics to identify areas for optimization and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Performs other related duties as assigned by management.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field. A Master's degree is a plus.
• 5 years of experience in a technical leadership role within the food manufacturing industry, with a focus on maintenance, IT infrastructure, and automation processes.
• Proven track record of successfully managing multidisciplinary teams and driving continuous improvement initiatives.
• Experience with PLC programming, HMI configuration, and troubleshooting of automation systems.
• Familiarity with food safety regulations and quality standards, such as GMP, HACCP, FDA, and USDA requirements.
• Strong technical knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and automation engineering principles.
• Proficiency in diagnosing and repairing production line equipment, including mechanical and electrical components.
• Experience with preventive maintenance practices, reliability-centered maintenance (RCM), and predictive maintenance techniques.
• Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to motivate and develop a high-performing team.
• Proven ability to plan and manage repair and installation activities, allocate resources effectively, and prioritize tasks to meet production targets.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to effectively liaise with internal stakeholders, external vendors, and regulatory authorities.
• Exceptional problem-solving and troubleshooting skills, with the ability to identify root causes of equipment failures and implement corrective actions.
• Strategic thinking and decision-making abilities to address complex technical challenges and optimize operational processes.
• Commitment to driving continuous improvement initiatives through the adoption of advanced maintenance technologies, IT solutions, and automation strategies.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing principles, Six Sigma methodologies, or other Continuous Improvement methodologies is desirable.
• Understanding of food safety regulations and quality standards relevant to the food manufacturing industry.
• Experience in ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, conducting audits, and maintaining certifications and accreditations.
• Experience in tracking expenses and overseeing budgets for maintenance operations, including labor, supplies, and equipment procurement.
• Ability to maintain costs within budgetary constraints while ensuring optimal performance and reliability of production equipment.
• Proven ability to foster collaboration and teamwork across departments, promoting cross-functional collaboration and knowledge sharing.
• Experience in building relationships with internal and external stakeholders to understand their requirements and address issues effectively.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and adapt to changing priorities and business needs.
• Demonstrated flexibility and willingness to take on additional responsibilities as required by the role.
• Proficiency in MS Excel, Power Point, Access and Word applications.