Plant Maintenance Manager – Protein / Food Manufacturing

Maintenance Manager – Manufacturing | Protein Processing | Cherokee, IA Location: Cherokee, IA (Onsite) Salary: $135K–$200K + 0–17% Bonus (up to $225K for top talent) Shift: Primarily 1st shift (7 AM–5 PM, M–F), with occasional weekends About the Role: We are seeking a hands-on Maintenance Manager to lead plant maintenance operations for a high-volume protein processing facility. You will oversee equipment, building, and process maintenance, coordinate plant layout changes, and manage capital and expense projects—all while ensuring compliance with OSHA and safety regulations . Key Responsibilities: Lead maintenance team to ensure efficient plant operations and equipment reliability Develop and implement maintenance practices for production lines, facilities, and grounds Manage capital projects, expense budgets, and vendor/contractor relationships Ensure compliance with safety and regulatory requirements, including OSHA standards Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, refrigeration, and PLC systems Collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve operational issues Requirements: Minimum 5 years of management experience in manufacturing maintenance, ideally in breeder/batter protein or food processing Hands-on experience with ammonia refrigeration, protein production, electrical & mechanical systems Knowledge of CAD and PLC equipment Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills Ability to work in temperatures from -40F to 110F and noisy manufacturing environments Computer literacy with Excel and MS Word Preferred Certifications: RETA CIRO or IIAR ARM (Ammonia Refrigeration) OSHA 30-Hour or Process Safety Management (PSM) NCCER Electrical Technician or Industrial Maintenance Mechanic Why Join Us: Competitive salary with bonus potential Opportunity to lead a skilled maintenance team in a growing facility Career growth in the food manufacturing/protein industry