Maintenance Manager

The Maintenance Manager, under the direction of the Vermont Creamery Director of Operations, is responsible for all aspects of Vermont Creamery’s strategic and tactical maintenance plans in support of the overall company strategy. This position provides leadership and tactical engineering expertise to the overall Vermont Creamery maintenance program, ensuring alignment with Land O’Lakes corporate standards. This includes a focus on planning and implementation of maintenance enhancements that will improve productivity while assuring the highest levels of safety, quality, sanitation, and regulatory compliance.

This role is responsible for the day‑to‑day operation and reliability of the plant production including corrective, preventative, and predictive maintenance. The Maintenance Manager works collaboratively with the Vermont Creamery Operations, Quality, Logistics, and Safety teams to deliver value for all departments and employees. This role requires a strong leadership presence to support the needs of the maintenance department and the growing organization.

The Maintenance Manager will be both a tactical and strategic role requiring hands‑on focused improvement project execution, as well as strategic preventative maintenance program implementation.

• High School degree or GED required. Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or related field preferred.
• Minimum of 5+ years experience in maintenance. Preferably in a high-volume manufacturing environment.
• Proven experience with applied mechanical systems and controls/programming.
• Experience leading a team, and managing direct reports.

• Demonstrated/applied technical background in PLC, controls/programming, and electrical aptitudes.
• Demonstrated/applied technical background in mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and heating/cooling systems.
• Welding, fabrication skills and millwright proficiency to support projects and repairs of the equipment/facility.
• Advanced troubleshooting skills with proven judgment and group facilitation and presentation skills.
• Familiar with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and safety practices.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes, and regulatory requirements, including the ability to translate internal company requirements to broad internal and external audiences.
• Inspiring leader committed to developing a high performing, cohesive, and overachieving team.
• Ability to link operation and supply chain goals with broader corporate mission goals and B Corp certification.
• Excellent communicator, influencer, and negotiator, to work cross-functionally with multiple departments and leadership levels.
• Intelligent, fast-learner, strategic and innovative thinker, agile, and comfortable with continuous change.
• Ability to think strategically and act tactically and quickly for maximum results.
• Proficiency in computer and software use, including Microsoft Suite.
• Capable of leading change in a diverse business environment.
• Highly driven and self-directed.

• Manages site assets, including facility maintenance and improvement modifications of equipment.
• Utilizes focused improvement methodologies to eliminate top machine related losses (breakdowns and minor stoppages) through root cause analysis and corrective action improvements.
• Works with the Creamery Manager and Materials Manager to ensure that corrective actions, preventive maintenance, and predictive maintenance work is completed in a timely fashion to improve plant operation including regular report out of PM and workorder completion rates.
• Assists in carrying out routine maintenance work and responds to equipment faults.
• Utilizes technician skill-set to educate and train direct reports on proper maintenance techniques including breakdown and root cause analysis necessary to prevent re-occurrence.
• Oversees proper implementation and installment of new company assets.
• Diagnoses problems and manages project plans, with an aptitude for adapting to operational needs.
• Coordinates specialists from company vendors for procurement of fixtures, fittings, or components.
• Acts as liaison and…