Utilities & Maintenance Manager

Role Overview

Reporting to the Sr. Manager, Facilities, as the Utilities & Maintenance Manager you will lead and manage maintenance (maintenance-related operational activities) and utility (RO water, WWT, compressed air, chilled water and bulk raw material processes) functions to ensure equipment availability, infrastructure reliability, regulatory compliance, and minimal downtime – supporting overall business operations and production goals.

At Kao, we offer amazing benefits available from the first day including healthcare, a 401(k) plan with company match, 36 total days off (vacation + holidays + sick), and a reasonable salary range of $100,000 – $120,000.

• Maintenance & Utilities Leadership: supervise a team performing preventative, predictive, and corrective maintenance on production equipment and facilities; ensure timely repairs and minimize equipment downtime; manage CMMS; supervise the operation/maintenance of utility systems, including boilers, chillers, air compressors, electrical distribution, RO water, and WWT operations.
• Reliability & Efficiency: drive equipment reliability through root‑cause analysis and continuous improvement; monitor KPIs such as MTBF and MTTR.
• Team Development & Safety: lead teams of skilled trades personnel, technicians, and shift leads; foster a culture of safety, accountability, and training; enforce safety policies and compliance.
• Planning & Budgeting: manage maintenance and utility budgets, spare parts inventories, and capital projects; lead and participate in annual shutdowns, facility upgrades, and expansions.
• Strategic Contribution: ensure business continuity by keeping utilities and production assets in optimal condition; support sustainability and energy‑efficiency initiatives; reduce costs and risks through proactive maintenance and utility optimization.

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline or Facilities Management (preferred); associate’s degree acceptable.
• 5+ years of maintenance management experience with proven leadership.
• 3+ years of maintenance planning experience.
• 5+ years of effective project management experience.
• Utilities system knowledge, e.g., boilers, steam, HVAC, chillers, refrigeration, compressed air, electrical, water/WWT.
• Technical training or certifications in electrical, mechanical, and general construction trades.
• Strong knowledge of engineering concepts, including electrical, hydraulic, and mechanical systems.
• Knowledge of regulations and requirements from governing agencies such as OSHA, MSD, EPA.

Kao USA is an equal opportunity employer, including disability/vets.