Plant Maintenance Manager

Job Duties: Lead, supervise, and develop the maintenance team, including hiring, training, coaching, scheduling, and performance management Oversee preventive, corrective, and emergency maintenance programs to maximize uptime and equipment reliability Serve as escalation point for critical equipment failures and downtime events Ensure safe operation and maintenance of ammonia refrigeration systems, boilers, and plant utilities Drive root cause analysis and continuous improvement initiatives to reduce repeat failures and improve KPI performance Manage CMMS system usage for work orders, maintenance tracking, and reporting Oversee maintenance planning, scheduling, and prioritization of workload to reduce downtime and unnecessary overtime Manage spare parts inventory and maintenance supplies to ensure operational readiness Ensure compliance with OSHA regulations, GMP standards, and company safety policies Partner with engineering, production, and leadership teams to improve equipment performance and facility reliability Support capital improvement planning, equipment evaluation, and cost-reduction initiatives Maintain effective communication with leadership on equipment performance, risks, and improvement opportunities Qualifications:5-8+ years of maintenance, mechanical, or industrial engineering experience in a manufacturing environment 1+ year of leadership or supervisory experience required (maintenance management experience preferred) Strong hands-on knowledge of industrial equipment, facility systems, and production maintenance practices Required experience with ammonia refrigeration systems and boiler systems Experience in preventive and corrective maintenance programs in a production environment Strong troubleshooting, analytical thinking, and root cause problem-solving skills Experience with CMMS systems and maintenance KPI tracking Knowledge of OSHA regulations and industrial safety standards Experience managing maintenance schedules, budgets, and spare parts inventory Strong leadership, communication, and team development skills Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with changing operational needs Food, beverage, or dairy manufacturing experience preferred but not required Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information. Meet Your RecruiterAlicia Alexander Technical Recruiter & Team Mentor Alicia Alexander is a Technical Recruiter and Team Mentor at Sterling Engineering with four years of recruiting experience and nearly three years with Sterling. She specializes in engineering, manufacturing, and technical recruiting, supporting roles across maintenance, reliability, operations, engineering, and industrial environments, including food and life sciences. Alicia is passionate about helping people find careers where they feel genuinely happy, supported, and positioned for long-term growth. She enjoys building meaningful relationships with candidates, helping them take the next step in their careers, and supporting companies as they build strong, high-performing teams. With a background in psychology and human resources from North Central College, Alicia brings a people-focused approach to recruiting. Her understanding of relationship building, communication, and candidate motivation helps her create successful matches between talent and opportunity. Alicia is known for developing strong partnerships with both candidates and hiring managers, with a focus on creating long-term placements that benefit both the individual and the organization. 630-360-4533 aalexander@sterling-engineering.com Connect on LinkedIn 630-360-4533 aalexander@sterling-engineering.com Connect on LinkedIn About Garden City, KSExplore exciting job opportunities in the vibrant area surrounding Garden City, Kansas! Known for its warm community spirit and endless growth potential, Garden City is the perfect place to advance your career. Located in the heart of southwest Kansas, this region offers a unique blend of Midwestern charm and modern amenities. From the iconic Lee Richardson Zoo to the stunning works at the Finney County Historical Museum, there's something for everyone to enjoy here. Indulge in the local favorite, authentic Mexican cuisine, and take in a show at the charming Historic Windsor Theater. With easy access to outdoor adventures at the beautiful Finnup Park and the lively local sports scene, Garden City is truly a gem waiting to be discovered by ambitious job seekers like you. Don't miss out on the chance to thrive in this dynamic community - start your job search today!