VP of Maintenance

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the overall maintenance strategy aligned with organizational goals, growth targets, and production schedules.
• Lead long-term planning for asset management, facility upgrades, and technology integration to sustain and enhance operational capabilities.
• Collaborate with COO to forecast capital expenditures, resource needs, and future maintenance requirements.
• Oversee preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance programs to maximize equipment uptime and life span.
• Ensure the effective functioning of all mechanical, electrical, refrigeration, and HVAC systems integral to processing and storage.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for facility maintenance, including response times, completion rates, and cost efficiency.
• Oversee the scheduling and execution of maintenance activities to minimize disruption to production lines and product flow.
• Direct and mentor a team of maintenance directors, managers, supervisors, technicians, and support staff across multiple locations.
• Promote a high-performance culture by fostering skill development, providing coaching, and encouraging innovation.
• Ensure workforce planning, recruitment, training, and succession strategies are in place to support ongoing operational needs.
• Drive team engagement through clear communication, goal-setting, and recognition of achievements.
• Develop, manage, and control the annual maintenance budget, ensuring cost-effective allocation and utilization of resources.
• Monitor expenditures related to repairs, parts, equipment, and outside services, identifying opportunities for savings and efficiency gains.
• Negotiate contracts with vendors and service providers for equipment procurement, installations, and specialized maintenance tasks.
• Ensure all facilities and operations comply with federal, state, and local regulations, including USDA, OSHA, and EPA guidelines for food safety and worker protection.
• Lead the development and enforcement of safety policies, procedures, and training programs.
• Champion a culture of safety by conducting regular audits, risk assessments, and incident investigations.
• Identify and implement best practices, emerging technologies, and automation solutions to enhance maintenance outcomes and operational efficiency.
• Lead root cause analysis and problem-solving initiatives for recurring issues and high-impact events.
• Support sustainability initiatives by improving energy efficiency, waste reduction, and environmental compliance within maintenance operations.
• Serve as the primary liaison between maintenance and other departments, including production, quality assurance, engineering, and supply chain.
• Report regularly to the executive team on maintenance performance, key projects, and risk mitigation efforts.
• Represent the company with external stakeholders, such as regulatory agencies, industry groups, and equipment suppliers.

  Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Industrial Technology, Facilities Management, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
  • Minimum of 10 years’ progressive maintenance management experience in the poultry, food processing, or related manufacturing industry.
  • Proven track record of leading large, multi-site operations with complex equipment and automation systems.
  • Strong knowledge of regulatory requirements, food safety standards, and industry best practices.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead and develop high-performing teams.
  • Exceptional strategic planning, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building abilities.
  • Experience with budgeting, project management, and capital planning.
  • Proficiency with Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS), data analytics, and process improvement methodologies.