Utilities Manager Jobs in Delaware (NOW HIRING)

Perdue Foods has a goal of becoming the most trusted name in premium proteins by creating products for consumers and for retail and foodservice customers around the globe while changing the way animals are raised for food. It is part of Perdue Farms, a fourth-generation, family-owned food and agricultural business deeply rooted in tradition yet with a forward-thinking mindset. We believe that success starts with our people, and our culture is built on a foundation of teamwork, integrity, and respect, where every voice matters and everyone is encouraged to contribute to our shared goals. We are dedicated to creating a supportive, inclusive environment where associates feel valued and inspired to make an impact, both within the company and in the communities we serve. From promoting growth and development to prioritizing work-life balance, we’re committed to helping our team members thrive. That's Perdue.

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Summary

Drive process safety excellence and utility reliability across a complex manufacturing environment. As a Process Safety Management Coordinator, you will lead the facility’s Process Safety Management (PSM) program while supporting the safe and efficient operation of critical utility systems, including ammonia refrigeration, boilers, HVAC, and compressed air. You will partner with plant leadership, maintenance, production, and corporate teams to drive regulatory compliance, preventive maintenance, continuous improvement, and operational performance. This role is ideal for a technically skilled and safety-focused professional who thrives on solving complex challenges, leading critical initiatives, developing teams, and ensuring the highest standards of safety, reliability, and environmental stewardship.

This position is eligible for a $7,000 hiring bonus payable in installments over your first 12 months of employment. Terms and Conditions do apply.

Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm

Principal Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Manage the Plant PSM (Process Safety Management) program.
• Operate, maintain, and upgrade Ammonia Refrigeration Systems, CFC Refrigeration Systems, Steam Generating System, Plant Compressed Air System, and Plant HVAC systems.
• Manage ODS (Ozone Depleting Substance) usage, recovery procedures, and log.
• Assist with Boiler and Pressure Vessel inspections and certificates.
• Manage emergency response processes for environmental issues related to the Ammonia Refrigeration System.
• Assist the Utilities Manager in providing leadership across all shifts to establish, organize, plan, and implement utilities programs and initiatives.
• Lead internal PSM audits of the 14 elements of PSM.
• Support Preventive Maintenance, Corrective Maintenance, Continuous Improvement, Predictive Maintenance, Equipment Overhauls, and Equipment Upgrades of ammonia control systems and Utility equipment.
• Assist with development, training, and certification needs of Hourly Utility Operators and Analysts.
• Develop and manage the plant PSM program.
• Assist with identification and execution of capital projects in the Utility area.
• Coordinate ammonia best practices across the plant and facilitate continuous improvement in the Utility group.
• Interface frequently with the Corporate Refrigeration Manager to align with shared information and direction across ammonia refrigeration facilities.
• Share ideas and practices with other facilities to support safe and efficient operations.
• Develop short- and long-range planning for the Boiler and Refrigeration Department.
• Review and screen work requests for completeness, accuracy, and necessity.
• Examine jobs to determine the best way to accomplish work, consulting with requestors and managers as appropriate.
• Visit job sites and analyze jobs in the field.
• Use equipment history to determine if jobs have been previously performed.
• Detail and phase job requirements during planning.
• Select and describe the best way to perform jobs.
• Determine and sequence jobs by specific and logical tasks or steps.
• Determine required skill sets for each task.
• Establish required crew size and man-hours for each task.
• List materials, parts, and special tools required.
• Determine equipment and external resource needs.
• Estimate total costs in terms of labor, material, and external charges.
• Assemble planned job packages for review with the Maintenance Superintendent/Manager and requestor.
• Prepare detailed work orders and labor deployment plans by craft and skill.
• Purchase materials requiring direct procurement, obtain competitive bids, and monitor delivery dates.
• Coordinate schedules with the Superintendent to ensure preventive/predictive routines occur at predetermined frequencies.
• Schedule follow-ups to determine compliance and reasons for shortfalls.
• Maintain computerized backlog file of work orders awaiting scheduling.
• Coordinate Production to prioritize jobs and negotiate downtime windows.
• Perform all duties needed to maintain proper and efficient Maintenance Planning.
• Operate computers and programs to manage PSM, AutoCAD, CMMS (Maximo), Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other Utility-related programs.
• Operate steam boilers, ammonia refrigeration equipment, air compressors, cooling towers, HVAC equipment, and powered industrial vehicles (pallet jacks, forklifts, manlifts, etc.).
• Ensure equipment is in safe operable condition.
• Operate equipment safely following all PSM guidelines.
• Handle materials valued at $500.00 or greater.

Minimum Education and Experience

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Demonstrate strong working and technical knowledge of refrigeration, steam generation, compressed air generation, Utility equipment, maintenance systems, equipment installation/startups, and plant utility equipment.
• Work effectively with vendors and contractors.
• Learn and apply company policies and procedures.
• Demonstrate interpersonal and team skills to function as a team member and leader.
• Be proficient in Process Safety Management (PSM).
• Possess electrical troubleshooting skills related to refrigeration and HVAC controls.
• Provide technical direction in troubleshooting and repair of pneumatic and direct digital controls (DDC) on HVAC equipment.
• Possess strong working knowledge of water treatment associated with boiler feed water, cooling towers, and condensers.

Preferred Education and Experience

• 5 years of experience with PSM, refrigeration, and boiler operation.

Physical Requirements and Environmental Factors

• Lift maximum weight permissible by OSHA.
• Work in high heat, extreme cold, outside in all seasons, and inside buildings.
• Work in confined spaces and restricted areas.
• Wear protective equipment including respirators or SCBA.
• Perform physical tasks such as climbing ladders and working on roofs.

Perdue Farms Inc. is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.