Maintenance Manager

This is a rare opportunity to join a highly regarded beverage manufacturer with an outstanding reputation for quality, consistency, and operational excellence. Since launching its Canadian business in 2019, the company has grown through word of mouth, product quality, and reliability in the market.With the opening of a new location in Columbia, SC, the organization is seeking a strong Maintenance Manager to lead the maintenance function in a high-precision aseptic manufacturing environment. This role is ideal for a hands-on leader with the technical depth and leadership presence to build structure, improve reliability, and support long-term operational growth.The company offers direct exposure to ownership, a strong culture, extremely low turnover, and meaningful upside for the right individual.Position OverviewThe Maintenance Manager is responsible for ensuring the safe, reliable, and efficient performance of aseptic processing and packaging equipment, with a strong focus on food safety, equipment uptime, and regulatory compliance.This role leads the maintenance function across sterile processing and high-speed packaging operations, moving the team from reactive repair to a disciplined preventive and predictive maintenance model. Success in this position requires strong technical expertise in aseptic systems, automation, and controls, paired with the ability to lead teams, drive accountability, and build a culture of continuous improvement.This is not a firefighting role. It is a leadership role centered on structure, execution, food safety, and long-term reliability.Key ResponsibilitiesAseptic System IntegrityOversee maintenance of sterile boundaries, aseptic holding systems, and pasteurization equipment to ensure product safety and prevent contaminationSupport the reliable operation of aseptic filling and packaging lines, including Tetra Pak and similar systemsEnsure proper execution and integrity of CIP/SIP sequences and sterilization processesMaintain critical systems tied to product safety, thermal processing, and sterile transferPreventive & Predictive MaintenanceLead and execute a robust preventive and predictive maintenance program designed to minimize unplanned downtimeImprove the reliability and lifecycle performance of critical assets such as valves, homogenizers, pumps, fillers, and thermal control unitsDrive root cause analysis and corrective actions for recurring equipment failuresShift maintenance execution from reactive troubleshooting to planned, disciplined maintenance activityRegulatory Compliance & Food SafetyEnsure all maintenance activities are performed in compliance with HACCP, GMP, FDA, PMO, and internal food safety standardsMaintain audit readiness through disciplined maintenance documentation, sanitation alignment, and execution of sterilization protocolsPartner with Quality and Operations to protect food safety and process integrity at all timesAutomation & ControlsCollaborate with automation and production teams to troubleshoot PLC-related issues, process instrumentation, and controls performanceSupport equipment tied to temperature control, flow regulation, sensors, RTDs, and related process systemsHelp improve machine performance through stronger controls reliability and system standardizationTeam LeadershipLead, train, and mentor maintenance technicians and maintenance support personnel in a high-speed manufacturing environmentEstablish clear expectations, accountability, and execution discipline across the teamBalance hands-on technical support with leadership responsibility and planningBuild a proactive maintenance culture focused on reliability, ownership, and follow-throughQualificationsRequired5–10+ years of maintenance experience in manufacturing, preferably within food, beverage, dairy, or aseptic processing environmentsPrevious leadership experience in a supervisor or manager capacityStrong knowledge of preventive and predictive maintenance systems and best practiceStrong mechanical and electrical troubleshooting capabilitiesWorking knowledge of food safety and regulatory requirements including HACCP and GMPPreferredDirect experience with Tetra Pak or similar aseptic packaging and processing systemsExperience supporting aseptic filling lines, pasteurization systems, or sterile process environmentsTechnical knowledge of PLCs, instrumentation, VFDs, and automation systemsBachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Industrial Engineering, or equivalent practical experienceExposure to TPM, Lean, Six Sigma, or other reliability-focused improvement methodologiesWhat We’re Looking ForA plan-driven leader who builds structure instead of reacting to crisisStrong technical credibility in aseptic systems and maintenance operationsA leader who can balance urgent repairs with long-term reliability improvementHigh accountability, strong communication, and follow-throughSomeone who can influence cross-functional teams and work effectively with vendors and partnersA hands-on leader who can develop people while improving systemsKey Metrics for SuccessReduction in unplanned downtime, especially on critical aseptic and packaging systemsImproved preventive maintenance compliance and maintenance execution disciplineStrong OEE performance across production linesAudit readiness and adherence to sanitation and sterilization standardsImproved equipment reliability and reduced repeat failuresEffective control of maintenance spending, spare parts, and budget performanceWhy This Role Stands OutOpportunity to lead maintenance in a technically advanced aseptic manufacturing environmentHigh visibility role with direct exposure to ownership and leadershipStrong culture and exceptionally low turnoverBusiness growth driven by reputation, quality, and executionCompetitive compensation and long-term upsideThis is an excellent opportunity for a maintenance leader who wants to make a real impact, build a world-class maintenance function, and grow within a business known for quality and operational excellence.