Talent.com
Maintenance Operations Manager

Maintenance Operations Manager

Middlebury Cheese CompanyMiddlebury, Indiana, United States
job_description.job_card.variable_days_ago
serp_jobs.job_preview.job_type
  • serp_jobs.job_card.permanent
job_description.job_card.job_description

We seeking an experienced Maintenance Manager to lead the team at our Middlebury, IN cheese-making facility. This hands-on role is critical to ensuring operating efficiency and equipment reliability, fostering team engagement, and prioritizing maintenance efforts effectively. The ideal candidate will support continuous improvement initiatives, manage operations staffing and scheduling to meet customer demand, manage contractors, and develop and execute capital projects to maintain and enhance the plant's infrastructure.

The Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA), established in 1916, is a dairy farmer-owned cooperative and processor, serving farmers across Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio, and Indiana. Our Middlebury, IN facility, the Middlebury Cheese Company, produces cheddar, Monterey Jack, pepper jack, and an Amish creamy line in barrel and longhorn formats. We are seeking a dynamic Maintenance Manager to lead our maintenance team, drive continuous improvement, and manage capital projects to support our plant's growth and reliability.

Why you'll love working here :

  • Competitive salary
  • health and wellness benefits with medical coverage through Blue Cross Blue Shield, including mental health benefits
  • Disability insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Retirement including 401k with employer contributions
  • Personal and professional growth opportunities
  • Employee appreciation events and recognition awards
  • Employee wellness initiatives
  • Employees feedback and suggestion forums

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership & Team Management

  • Lead and manage the maintenance and operations team across a 3-shift schedule, building a culture of safety, customer service, ownership, and urgency.
  • Set clear performance goals, inspire team engagement, and enforce disciplined prioritization to transform a disengaged workforce into a high-performing unit.
  • Develop training programs to boost technical skills and empower rapid troubleshooting of mechanical and electrical systems.
  • Prepare annual operating budgets and track actual results versus budget focusing on labor efficiency, minimizing product shrink and downgrades and a focus on continuous improvement.
  • Provide decisive, hands-on leadership to resolve complex issues and model accountability.
  • Work with Human Resources to ensure staffing levels meet production needs

    • Process & Reliability Management

  • Ensure equipment readiness for milk reception and production startups, minimizing delays.
  • Oversee Reliability-Centered Maintenance (RCM) programs to reduce unplanned downtime.
  • Implement Preventive (PM) and Predictive (PdM) maintenance strategies, prioritizing tasks that maximize plant uptime.
  • Implement and monitor KPIs (e.g., OEE, downtime reduction) tied directly to plant performance, holding the team accountable for measurable outcomes.
  • Lead root cause analysis for failures, driving swift and effective corrective actions.

    • Quality Control / Sanitation

  • Work with Quality / Sanitation to ensure all products are produced in compliance with company standards and regulatory requirements.
  • Implement and enforce quality control processes, including sampling and testing procedures.
  • Investigate any product quality issues and implement corrective actions.
  • Maintain and manage documentation for quality assurance purposes.
  • Work to achieve excellent ratings for SQF and other customers and regulatory inspections.

    • Health and Safety :

  • Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and environmental regulations.
  • Monitor plant safety protocols and conduct regular safety meetings and drills.
  • Address any safety concerns or violations in a timely manner.
  • Ensure maintenance activities meet PMO, OSHA, FDA, and other regulatory standards.
  • Promote a safe working environment per IOSHA standards.

    • Continuous Improvement

  • Identify and implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance plant efficiency, reduce waste, and optimize maintenance processes.
  • Foster a culture of proactive problem-solving and innovation within the maintenance team.

    • Contractor Management

  • Select, oversee, and coordinate contractors for outsourced maintenance and project work, ensuring quality, timeliness, and adherence to budget.
  • Manage contractor relationships to support the plant's needs while maintaining cost efficiency.

    • Capital Project Development

  • Develop and maintain a list of smaller capital projects to address immediate and future infrastructure needs, ensuring the plant's long-term reliability and performance.
  • Assess the plant's condition to identify both current repair and maintenance needs and future requirements, prioritizing projects based on impact and urgency.
  • Plan, execute, and manage capital projects under a defined complexity threshold, including budgeting, scheduling, and coordination with internal and external stakeholders.

    • Budget & Resource Management

  • Manage the operating budget, controlling costs and approving purchase orders.
  • Prioritize resource allocation to high-impact maintenance and capital project areas, delivering cost savings and efficiency gains.
  • Oversee stock room operations to maintain critical spare parts inventory.
  • Negotiate with vendors to secure timely delivery of materials.

    • Strategic Collaboration

  • Work with MMPA leadership to develop strategies that enhance operational efficiency.
  • Champion maintenance and capital project priorities across departments, aligning efforts with plant performance goals.
  • Collaborate with engineering to integrate control systems with operations.

    • Technical Oversight

  • Troubleshoot electrical control systems, focusing on industrial automation (e.g., Allen-Bradley).
  • Analyze system performance and provide technical recommendations.
  • Train staff on critical equipment maintenance.

    • EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE

    Required

  • 5+ years in a plant operations / industrial maintenance leadership role, ideally in food processing or dairy manufacturing.
  • Knowledge of industrial automation (e.g., Allen-Bradley), high-pressure steam, boilers, and pumps.
  • Ability to interpret electrical and mechanical drawings and troubleshoot systems.
  • Experience in continuous improvement initiatives and contractor management.
  • Proven ability to develop and execute capital projects, including budgeting and project management.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Excel, Word, and Project.
  • Willingness to be on call.

    • Preferred

  • Experience with Lean Six Sigma or Continuous Improvement methodologies (e.g., PDCA, DMAIC, Kaizen).
  • Familiarity with dairy processing equipment (e.g., pasteurizers, cheese vats).
  • Advanced certifications in maintenance management or leadership.

    • Personal Attributes

  • Strong leadership and team-building skills to motivate and unify a diverse team.
  • Excellent communication, problem-solving, and organizational abilities.
  • Decisive, tenacious, and results-oriented, with a track record of driving rapid performance improvements.
  • Strategic thinker with the ability to anticipate future plant needs and prioritize accordingly.
  • Committed to safety and compliance.

    • Why Join Us : At MMPA, you'll be joining a company with a strong legacy in the dairy industry, and a forward-thinking culture that values growth, wellness, and teamwork. We're excited to welcome a passionate individual to our team who is eager to contribute to our success while growing their own career. If you're ready to make a meaningful impact and work with a dynamic group of people, we want to hear from you!

    Ready to join our team, Apply today We look forward to hearing from you!

    We are a drug-free facility , and maintaining a safe, healthy, and productive work environment is a top priority. As part of our commitment to your well-being, all applicants will undergo a drug screening as part of the hiring process.

    MMPA is an equal-opportunity employer and values diversity in our workforce.

    This job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive list of responsibilities that are required of the role. Responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice.

    MMPA provides the opportunity for meaningful work that makes a difference in the dairy industry and in our communities. The diverse talents and perspectives of our employees help us to meet the needs of our member farms and the customers we serve.

    Please Note : We are not accepting unsolicited resumes or inquiries from third-party recruiters at this time. Thank you for your understanding.

    PIa01cf2f75a25-2839

    serp_jobs.job_alerts.create_a_job

    Operation Manager • Middlebury, Indiana, United States

    Job_description.internal_linking.related_jobs
    • serp_jobs.job_card.promoted
    Assistant Maintenance Manager

    Assistant Maintenance Manager

    Pine Manor, Inc.Orland, IN, United States
    serp_jobs.job_card.full_time
    High School (GED) Required; Bachelors in industrial maintenance / Engineering Preferred.Reasonable Accommodations Statement. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform eac...serp_jobs.internal_linking.show_moreserp_jobs.last_updated.last_updated_30
    • serp_jobs.job_card.promoted
    Financial Center Manager Associate

    Financial Center Manager Associate

    Fifth Third BankDowagiac, MI, United States
    serp_jobs.job_card.full_time
    Make banking a Fifth Third better.We connect great people to great opportunities.Are you ready to take the next step? Discover a career in banking at Fifth Third Bank. The Financial Center Manager w...serp_jobs.internal_linking.show_moreserp_jobs.last_updated.last_updated_30
    • serp_jobs.job_card.promoted
    Purchasing Manager

    Purchasing Manager

    JAG Mobile SolutionsHowe, Indiana, United States
    serp_jobs.job_card.full_time
    Purchasing Manager Join the team at JAG Mobile Solutions, a leading supplier in the specialty trailer industry located in Howe, Indiana. As a Purchasing Manager, you will play a crucial role in our ...serp_jobs.internal_linking.show_moreserp_jobs.last_updated.last_updated_variable_days
    • serp_jobs.job_card.promoted
    Execution Specialist

    Execution Specialist

    ReeledgeDowagiac, MI, US
    serp_jobs.job_card.full_time
    Candidates for this work-from-home position must be 21 or older, have an SSN, own a.Pennsylvania, Michigan and West Virginia. We are a gambling technology company seeking talented and motivated indi...serp_jobs.internal_linking.show_moreserp_jobs.last_updated.last_updated_30
    • serp_jobs.job_card.promoted
    Manager, Systems Engineer (Spacecraft Bus Group Lead)

    Manager, Systems Engineer (Spacecraft Bus Group Lead)

    L3Harris TechnologiesLAOTTO, Indiana, United States
    serp_jobs.job_card.full_time
    L3Harris is dedicated to recruiting and developing high-performing talent who are passionate about what they do.Our employees are unified in a shared dedication to our customers’ mission and quest ...serp_jobs.internal_linking.show_moreserp_jobs.last_updated.last_updated_variable_days
    • serp_jobs.job_card.promoted
    RETAIL DISTRICT MANAGER UNASSIGNED for Three Rivers and Surrounding Areas

    RETAIL DISTRICT MANAGER UNASSIGNED for Three Rivers and Surrounding Areas

    Dollar GeneralThree Rivers, MI, US
    serp_jobs.job_card.full_time
    At Dollar General, our mission is serving others! We value each and every one of our employees.Whether you are looking to launch a new career in one of our many convenient store locations, distribu...serp_jobs.internal_linking.show_moreserp_jobs.last_updated.last_updated_variable_days
    • serp_jobs.job_card.promoted
    Remote AI Task Reviewer – Flexible Hours, No Experience Needed

    Remote AI Task Reviewer – Flexible Hours, No Experience Needed

    RLDGMendon, Michigan, United States
    serp_jobs.filters.remote
    serp_jobs.job_card.full_time
    Join our distributed team as a Remote AI Task Reviewer and help improve AI systems by completing short, style online tasks. This is an easy-to-learn role with full training and ongoing support.No pr...serp_jobs.internal_linking.show_moreserp_jobs.last_updated.last_updated_30
    • serp_jobs.job_card.promoted
    2nd Shift Machine Shop Supervisor

    2nd Shift Machine Shop Supervisor

    K & M Machine-Fabricating, IncCassopolis, Michigan, United States
    serp_jobs.job_card.full_time
    We specialize in large capacity bridge mill and boring mill work for the Mining, Defense, Oil and Gas, Power Generation, and Machine Tool industries. Experience with low volume highly engineered pro...serp_jobs.internal_linking.show_moreserp_jobs.last_updated.last_updated_variable_days
    • serp_jobs.job_card.promoted
    Maintenance Technician

    Maintenance Technician

    K & M Machine-Fabricating, IncCassopolis, Michigan, United States
    serp_jobs.job_card.full_time
    Primary responsibilities in providing preventive maintenance and repair maintenance on CNC horizontal boring mills and performing other general facilities maintenance services.Must have strong hydr...serp_jobs.internal_linking.show_moreserp_jobs.last_updated.last_updated_30
    • serp_jobs.job_card.promoted
    Maintenance Repairer

    Maintenance Repairer

    Middlebury Cheese CompanyMiddlebury, IN, United States
    serp_jobs.job_card.full_time
    Middlebury, IN cheese-making facility.This hands-on role is critical to ensuring operating efficiency and equipment reliability, fostering team engagement, and prioritizing maintenance efforts effe...serp_jobs.internal_linking.show_moreserp_jobs.last_updated.last_updated_30
    • serp_jobs.job_card.promoted
    Manager In Training

    Manager In Training

    Gays Hops-N-SchappsLagrange, IN, US
    serp_jobs.job_card.full_time
    Gays Hops-N-Schnapps has been serving Northeast Indiana for over 83 years! We seek to offer incredible selection, vast product knowledge and superior customer service as a resource in the communiti...serp_jobs.internal_linking.show_moreserp_jobs.last_updated.last_updated_30
    • serp_jobs.job_card.promoted
    Materials Manager

    Materials Manager

    ShyftBristol, IN, US
    serp_jobs.job_card.full_time
    As the Materials Manager for Utilimaster (A Shyft Brand) based at our facility in Bristol, IN, you will enjoy providing input for day-to-day planning operations and spearheading "lean business proc...serp_jobs.internal_linking.show_moreserp_jobs.last_updated.last_updated_variable_days
    • serp_jobs.job_card.promoted
    Assistant Maintenance Manager

    Assistant Maintenance Manager

    Pine Manor IncOrland, IN, US
    serp_jobs.job_card.full_time
    High School (GED) Required; Bachelor’s in industrial.Amount of Travel Required : .Positions Supervised : .Reasonable Accommodations Statement . To perform this job successf...serp_jobs.internal_linking.show_moreserp_jobs.last_updated.last_updated_30
    • serp_jobs.job_card.promoted
    Engineering & Maintenance Manager - General AssemblyWarsaw, IN

    Engineering & Maintenance Manager - General AssemblyWarsaw, IN

    SlateWarsaw, IN, US
    serp_jobs.job_card.full_time
    Engineering & Maintenance Manager.At Slate, we've got one job : building a vehicle you'll fall in love with, right here in the USA. We believe that car buyers not car companies should call the shot...serp_jobs.internal_linking.show_moreserp_jobs.last_updated.last_updated_30
    • serp_jobs.job_card.promoted
    2nd Shift Plant Manager

    2nd Shift Plant Manager

    Career Transitions, LLCElkhart, IN, US
    serp_jobs.job_card.full_time
    serp_jobs.filters_job_card.quick_apply
    We are seeking an experienced, hands-on.Director of Operations and lead the launch and day-to-day execution of our second shift at the Elkhart, IN facility. Hours are 3pm – 11 : 30pm Monday – Friday.T...serp_jobs.internal_linking.show_moreserp_jobs.last_updated.last_updated_variable_days
    • serp_jobs.job_card.promoted
    Technician, Maintenance III

    Technician, Maintenance III

    Southwire Company, LLCBremen, IN, United States
    serp_jobs.job_card.full_time
    A leader in technology and innovation, Southwire Company, LLC is one of North America's largest wire and cable producers. Southwire and its subsidiaries manufacture building wire and cable, utility ...serp_jobs.internal_linking.show_moreserp_jobs.last_updated.last_updated_30
    • serp_jobs.job_card.promoted
    Life Sciences Facility Project Manager

    Life Sciences Facility Project Manager

    CBRE GroupWarsaw, IN, US
    serp_jobs.job_card.full_time
    Life Sciences Facility Project Manager.As a Project Manager, you will be responsible for providing consulting services to a dedicated Life Sciences client account in Warsaw, IN to help achieve the ...serp_jobs.internal_linking.show_moreserp_jobs.last_updated.last_updated_30
    • serp_jobs.job_card.promoted
    Production Manager

    Production Manager

    Satellite SheltersBristol, IN, US
    serp_jobs.job_card.full_time
    Satellite Suites, a division of Satellite Industries, Inc.Production Manager who prioritizes our Customers and Team Members. This role will oversee our manufacturing operations and foster a high-per...serp_jobs.internal_linking.show_moreserp_jobs.last_updated.last_updated_variable_days