Maintenance Manager, MI at Pero Family Farms Food Company LLC – Benton Harbor, Michigan

Title: Maintenance Manager

Reports To: General Manager

Location: Benton Harbor, MI

Type: Full-Time | Onsite | Exempt

COMPANY SUMMARY

Pero Family Farms is a market share leader with over a century of dedication, commitment and integrity. Operating since 1908, Pero is the farm trusted by retailers and consumers alike. We are a fully integrated farming operation, with departments that specialize in organic farming, logistics, global supply chain management, national sales operations, food processing operations, and strategic marketing functions. Our operation includes over 35,000 acres spanning across the East Coast of the United States from Florida to New York, with distribution and production facilities in several different states. We pride ourselves in maintaining a strong family heritage and tradition that has been dedicated to quality, innovation, and excellent customer service that has been feeding America’s families for over a century. Our family’s passion for farming remains unwavering, with a vision to continue the tradition for many generations to come, whilst maintaining the reverence and trust it has established with the American consumer. As we expand our offering to include an assortment of organic vegetable options; we have become one of the largest organic vegetable growers in the country and we are looking to grow our workforce family. Join us in continuing and strengthening our position as a market share leader dedicated and trusted by retailers and consumers alike.

JOB SUMMARY

The Maintenance Manager is responsible for overseeing all aspects of equipment maintenance, facility upkeep, and compliance within the food manufacturing environment. This position requires a strong understanding of mechanical systems, electrical systems, and regulatory requirements governing food production facilities.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Monitor the condition of equipment/facilities and identify maintenance needs.
• Develop and implement a schedule for regular maintenance of equipment and facilities to minimize downtime.
• Develop and implement preventive maintenance programs for all machinery and equipment used in food production.
• Coordinate with production managers and supervisors to schedule downtime for maintenance activities while minimizing disruptions to production schedules.
• Troubleshoot equipment malfunctions and coordinate repairs to ensure minimal downtime.
• Establish and maintain safe work procedures and practices and monitor maintenance staff to ensure compliance.
• Supervise maintenance staff in performing routine facility upkeep tasks, including HVAC systems, plumbing, lighting, and structural repairs.
• Oversee the maintenance of sanitation and cleanliness standards in accordance with food safety regulations.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulatory standards, including FDA, USDA, OSHA, and other local and federal regulations governing food manufacturing facilities.
• Maintain accurate records of maintenance activities, equipment inspections, and regulatory compliance documentation.
• Develop and manage the maintenance department budget, including forecasting expenses for repairs, supplies, and personnel.
• Evaluate and select external contractors and vendors for specialized maintenance services.
• Develop, implement, and monitor strategies for continuous improvement in equipment reliability and effectiveness.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement and cost optimization within the maintenance department.
• Apply knowledge of industry trends and technologies to develop and implement best practices for equipment reliability, energy efficiency, and safety enhancements.
• Provide leadership and guidance to maintenance staff, fostering a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous learning.
• Manage the performance of the maintenance staff including evaluations, training, development, coaching and feedback.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Maintenance, or related field preferred.
• Previous experience in maintenance management within the food manufacturing industry highly desirable.
• Strong knowledge of mechanical systems, electrical systems, and automation technologies.
• Familiarity with food safety regulations and HACCP principles.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Maintains planning and organizational skills
• Team oriented
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Problem analysis and resolution skills
• Superior decision-making skills

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Primarily on-site at food production or processing facilities
• Combination of office-based work (scheduling, reporting, planning) and production floor work (equipment inspection, troubleshooting, supervising technicians)
• Regular exposure to industrial environments, including:
• Machinery and production lines
• Electrical systems
• Refrigeration, heating, and ventilation equipment
• Warehouse, storage, and loading dock areas
• Exposure to environmental conditions such as heat, cold, humidity, and wet conditions depending on production area
• Exposure to noise from machinery, dust, chemical cleaners, and food particles
• Use of required personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, goggles, hard hats, and hearing protection
• May require extended work hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays for:
• Emergency maintenance or equipment breakdowns
• Preventive maintenance scheduled outside of normal production hours
• On-call availability is often required to address urgent production or equipment issues

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods while inspecting facilities and equipment
• Frequent bending, stooping, reaching, and climbing ladders or stairs
• Manual dexterity required to operate tools, equipment, and machinery controls
• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull moderate to heavy objects such as tools, parts, and equipment components
• Ability to work safely in close proximity to moving machinery and electrical systems
• Visual acuity sufficient to inspect equipment, read gauges, and review technical documentation

COMPANY BENEFITS/PERKS

• 401(k)
• Health, Dental, Vision Insurance and more
• Paid Time Off (PTO)

The company (Pero) reserves the right to alter, amend, expand or contract these duties and responsibilities as the companies needs evolve.