Compare your current skills to what this opportunity needs—we'll show you what you already have and what could strengthen your application.
Job Description
Maintenance Manager -
Dairy Manufacturing Location:
Defiance, Ohio (43512)
Employment Type:
Full-Time Build Something Exceptional:
We are seeking an experienced Maintenance Manager to lead equipment reliability, preventive maintenance strategy, and maintenance operations at a growing dairy manufacturing facility in Defiance, Ohio. This is a unique opportunity to play a critical role in a major plant rebuild while helping shape a world-class maintenance organization from the ground up. You'll partner closely with Operations, Quality, Engineering, OEMs, and automation contractors during commissioning and startup, then lead the long-term maintenance strategy for a modernized manufacturing operation. Reporting directly to plant leadership, this role offers significant visibility, autonomy, and influence within an organization investing heavily in future growth.
Position Overview:
The Maintenance Manager will be responsible for: Plant equipment reliability and uptime Preventive and predictive maintenance programs Maintenance team leadership and development CMMS implementation and optimization Contractor and OEM coordination during commissioning Continuous improvement initiatives Maintenance budgeting and resource planning Supporting a safe, efficient, and high-performing manufacturing environment This is a hands-on leadership role requiring a strong presence on the production floor and active engagement with equipment, processes, and team members.
Key Responsibilities:
Maintenance & Reliability Leadership Develop, implement, and continuously improve preventive maintenance programs Drive equipment reliability and minimize unplanned downtime Lead maintenance planning, scheduling, and execution activities Establish best practices for maintenance operations and asset management Monitor equipment performance and identify opportunities for improvement Plant Rebuild & Commissioning Support Partner with construction, engineering, automation, and OEM teams during facility upgrades and equipment installations Support startup, commissioning, and validation activities Read and interpret P&IDs, technical drawings, and equipment specifications Ensure maintenance readiness for new equipment and systems
Team Development & Leadership:
Lead, mentor, and develop maintenance personnel Foster a culture focused on safety, accountability, reliability, and continuous improvement Support employee training and technical development initiatives Drive performance management and succession planning efforts Continuous Improvement Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reliability, and maintenance effectiveness Support Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives Utilize maintenance metrics and KPIs to drive decision-making and operational excellence
Requirements:
7+ years of industrial maintenance experience 3+ years of maintenance leadership or management experience 5+ years of plant operations experience Strong preventive maintenance program development experience Experience leading maintenance teams in a manufacturing environment Ability to work effectively with contractors, OEMs, engineers, and operations teams Hands-on leadership style with a strong floor presence Dairy Manufacturing Beverage Processing Pharmaceutical Manufacturing (Nice to have) Experience with: PLCs and automation systems Ammonia or glycol refrigeration systems CIP (Clean-In-Place) systems Pasteurization equipment CMMS implementation and administration Ability to read and interpret: P&IDs Technical drawings Equipment documentation Additional Preferred Experience 3+ years of dairy manufacturing experience 2+ years facilitating continuous improvement initiatives
Compensation & Benefits:
Financial Rewards Competitive base salary Annual performance bonus Equity participation in a publicly traded company Relocation Assistance $15,000 Lump-Sum Relocation Package Professional Growth Direct exposure to executive leadership Opportunity to design and implement maintenance programs from the ground up Significant influence on facility performance and future growth initiatives Stability & Investment Established brand with more than 50 years of history Strong public-company backing and investment Modern equipment and facility improvements Why Defiance, Ohio? Defiance offers an outstanding quality of life with a significantly lower cost of living compared to many major metropolitan areas. Median home prices approximately $175,000-$225,000 Cost of living roughly 11% below the U.S. average Family-friendly community with excellent access to outdoor recreation and regional amenities Why This Opportunity Stands Out? Few maintenance leadership opportunities provide the chance to help build a maintenance organization from the ground up while working with new equipment, modern automation, and strong executive support. If you're a hands-on maintenance leader who enjoys improving reliability, developing teams, and driving operational excellence, we'd welcome the opportunity to speak with you. Apply today to learn more about this exciting Maintenance Manager opportunity.
