Maintenance and Technical Services Manager

Grow with Welch's!

Welch's is on a journey towards our bold ambition of being the global-leader of convenient, good for you fruit-based food and beverages. To turn this goal into a reality we need you and other exceptionally talented, agile, and innovative individuals who are eager to contribute to something extraordinary!

Position Summary:

We're looking for a Maintenance and Technical Services Manager that will oversee equipment maintenance, facility upkeep, and reliability initiatives. This role will help create a continuous improvement environment and maintain a safe, efficient workspace. Responsibilities will include developing/delivering strategic capital, and production supporting short-term and long-term initiatives. The Technical Service Manager will lead and mentor a team of Maintenance Supervisors, Buyers, Planners, Controls Engineers, and technicians. Ensuring full compliance with company policies, customer satisfaction standards, and SQF (Safe Quality Foods) principles is key to this role. Associates are also responsible for reporting any food safety or quality issues.

The Position will become the technical leader counted on to drive plant operational goals, design technical strategies for utilities and infrastructure, as well as ensuring plant environmental compliance for various programs.

Where You'll Work

This role will report to the Plant Director and be based out of our Lawton, MI, a 24/7 manufacturing facility where you will be immersed in a dynamic workplace where innovation thrives, and collaboration is key and key member of the leadership team.

What You'll Do:

• Support, coach, and work closely with the maintenance and technical team in a 24/7 operation to ensure asset sustainability, standardization, troubleshooting, and overall best practices are being followed.
• Responsible for hiring, performance management, and career development of direct reports.
• Develop training plans for employees to build technical capability and adherence to plant safety and quality goals.
• Implementing and improving TPM-based Continuous Improvement (CI) tools, such as Root Cause Analysis, Reliability-Centered Maintenance (RCM), and Failure Modes Effects Analysis (FMEA) and ensuring the use of a formal Maintenance Planning Process centered on CMMS.
• Managing site parts inventories, overseeing parts management, and fostering vendor relationships.
• Managing and achieving maintenance budget goals, ensuring efficient use of resources.
• Evaluating and enhancing maintenance practices through data and performance metrics.
• Planning and establishing work schedules and production sequences to align with performance standards.
• Using standard work processes to ensure repeatable performance.
• Participation in the understanding and analyzing of plant metrics like Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) and using data to help improve processes.
• Responsible for the review and approval of equipment purchase orders, contract service orders and plant service agreements.
• Maintain plant engineering library (drawings, functional descriptions, GA's, etc.)
• Lead the development and execution of multiyear capital plan including the engagement of related Plant and Corporate functions such as Safety, Sanitation, Quality, Environmental, Operations, Maintenance, and Finance.
• Participating in formal processes for project execution and integrating them into daily operations.
• Prepare plants' annual capital, engineering and startup budgets with supporting cash flow projections.
• Coordinate engineering resources (internal, corporate and third party) and plant staff to ensure the capital plan execution.
• Drive cost-savings projects and other projects as assigned to accomplish company strategies.
• Ensure that all project planning, deliverables, reporting, cash flow and spending forecasts are managed and that all projects are delivered within cost, schedule, and performance success criteria.
• Lead and coach formal risk mitigation efforts (FMEA) on all critical capital projects facility during design, construction and during plant operation; implement mitigation strategies cross-functionally with other project team members.
• Direct ownership and management of various Environmental Compliance programs (Wastewater, SPCC, Air Permitting, PSM and Stormwater management) in collaboration with the Environmental, Health, & Safety Manager.
• Oversee plant utilities including steam generation, power distribution, electrical power, glycol, ammonia, cooling towers, water, plant HVAC systems, water distribution systems, wastewater, buildings, grounds, and fire suppression, etc.
• Direct the environmental activities associated with areas such as air, water, ammonia, and wastewater, to comply with appropriate governmental agencies.
• Ensuring safety, quality, and environmental policies are integrated into daily work and maintenance systems.
• Leading sustainability initiatives and energy-reduction efforts.
• Support the Plant in conducting internal systems and external audit while overseeing facility inspections, repairs, and maintenance to ensure timely action.
• External interaction will include, however, is not limited to, equipment vendors, construction contractors, engineering services contractors, and local / state / federal government agencies.
• Collaborate with corporate and other plant resources to leverage continuous improvement thinking in support of Supply Chain Excellence and support various efforts to develop and execute productivity pipeline.

Who You Are:

• Hold safety and quality as a core value.
• Must have a general working knowledge of all site operations; including, but not limited to, processing, packaging, warehousing, chilling, waste treatment and handling, environmental regulations and operations, boiler operations, purchasing, etc. as well as the impact of each of these areas of overall Factory performance.
• You should also have hands-on experience in the manufacturing industry and a strong understanding of safety, engineering, operations, and related regulatory programs.
• Partner with plant leadership to drive a robust culture of safety & quality based on recognition and accountability.

What You'll Need:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related degree preferred or an equivalent combination of education and experience that proves competence may be considered.
• Eight (8) years of experience in manufacturing with exposure and understanding of environmental compliance with demonstrated project and process management skills and at least 3 years supervisory experience.
• Risk management experience with an ammonia refrigeration system preferred.
• Food Manufacturing in juice processing, pasteurization, blending, and consumer packaging preferred or related industry experience. Will consider other technical plant backgrounds in lieu of this experience.
• Strong communication (written and verbal), interpersonal skills and negotiation skills required.
• Ability to analyze and problem solve various technical related issues.
• Flexibility with schedule to accommodate off shift and weekend requirements when needed.
• Strategic leadership competencies (execution, people development, accountability, prioritization techniques).
• Maintenance/Reliability experience beneficial.
• Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma principles, TPM RCA, CQV, PSM a plus.

At Welch's we value diversity, a passion for what you do, and a commitment to continuous learning. Even if you do not feel you meet every requirement listed, but this role aligns with your strengths and goals we encourage you to apply. Join us and contribute to something extraordinary.

Welch's is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We recognize the importance of diversity in hiring and building a dynamic, strong workforce. We are committed to the prevention of employment discrimination based on race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, disability and/or military or veteran status, sexual orientation or any other action covered by federal or applicable state/local laws.

What You'll Enjoy:

• Organization with a bold, clear purpose & vision for the future
• Inclusive Culture: Be a part of an inclusive workplace where you not only belong but also have the opportunity to be the best version of yourself
• Passionate Community: You are encouraged to have a voice, share your opinions, and have individual impact on the success of the business
• Paid Time Off and Holidays: Available immediately for you to enjoy time away from the office to rest and recharge
• Paid Volunteer Time Off: 40 hours of paid volunteer time for all non-union employees
• Development & Advancement: Access to LinkedIn Learning as well as both formal and informal opportunities to develop and grow your career
• Compensation Package Consisting of Competitive Base Salary and Annual Incentive Plan (Bonus)
• 401K plan with Generous Company Match
• Flexible Benefits from your first day: Choose the benefits that meet your needs and preferences
  • Health, Dental & Vision Insurance
  • Health Savings Accounts
  • Life and accident insurance
  • Employee Assistance Programs
  • Tuition reimbursement program
  • Additional benefits available through Perks at Work

• Paid parental (and adoption) leave - Available after 12 months of employment

Welch's offers more than just a job - it's an opportunity to grow, innovate, and make a global impact with a passionate community.