Utility Operations Manager Jobs in Albany, OR (NOW HIRING)

Mission
The mission of this position is to provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for all maintenance, refrigeration, utilities, and facility systems across the plant. The Maintenance Manager works closely and collaboratively with Operations, Quality Assurance, Engineering, Shipping/Receiving, Safety, Sanitation, and Fabrication teams to maximize equipment reliability, plant efficiency, food safety, and employee safety. This role is responsible for developing a world-class maintenance organization that supports continuous improvement, operational excellence, and business growth while leading a 24/7 maintenance operation.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Team Development

• Provide leadership, direction, and accountability for all maintenance, electrical, millwright, fabrication, and utility personnel.
• Recruit, develop, train, coach, and retain a highly skilled maintenance workforce, including tradespeople, technicians, apprentices, and supervisors.
• Foster a culture of safety, teamwork, continuous improvement, accountability, and operational excellence.
• Conduct performance evaluations, establish development plans, and identify succession planning opportunities.
• Promote employee engagement and professional growth through ongoing training and certification programs.

Maintenance & Reliability Management

• Develop, implement, and continuously improve preventive, predictive, and reliability-centered maintenance programs.
• Lead maintenance planning and scheduling activities to maximize equipment uptime and production efficiency.
• Manage work order, asset management, and computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS).
• Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) related to uptime, downtime, maintenance costs, equipment reliability, and workforce productivity.
• Drive root cause analysis and corrective actions for equipment failures and recurring operational issues.
• Ensure optimal operation of all plant systems, including production equipment, refrigeration systems, utilities, electrical systems, motors, pumps, conveyors, and facility infrastructure.

Operational Excellence

• Partner with Operations, Engineering, Quality, and Manufacturing leadership to support production goals and strategic initiatives.
• Lead continuous improvement projects that enhance efficiency, equipment reliability, product quality, and cost performance.
• Support capital improvement projects from concept through implementation, including budgeting, equipment selection, installation, and startup.
• Coordinate plant shutdowns, major repairs, and maintenance projects to minimize production disruption.
• Utilize data and performance metrics to identify opportunities for improvement and implement sustainable solutions.

Budget & Financial Management

• Develop, manage, and control annual maintenance operating and capital budgets.
• Monitor maintenance expenditures and drive cost-effective solutions while maintaining equipment reliability.
• Oversee purchasing activities for maintenance materials, spare parts, equipment, and contracted services.
• Identify opportunities for cost savings through process improvements, inventory optimization, and vendor management.

Vendor & Contractor Management

• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with vendors, contractors, equipment manufacturers, and service providers.
• Negotiate contracts and service agreements to ensure quality service and competitive pricing.
• Manage contractor performance and ensure compliance with plant safety and food safety requirements.

Inventory & Asset Management

• Oversee spare parts inventory programs to ensure critical components are available while optimizing inventory costs.
• Implement asset management strategies to maximize equipment lifecycle and reliability.
• Maintain accurate maintenance records, equipment histories, and regulatory documentation.

Safety, Compliance & Food Safety

• Ensure compliance with OSHA, EPA, PSM, GMP, HACCP, SQF, and all applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
• Lead plant maintenance safety initiatives and maintain a strong safety culture throughout the organization.
• Support and participate in safety audits, risk assessments, and incident investigations.
• Ensure all maintenance activities support food safety, product quality, and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices, Standard Operating Procedures, and Safety Regulations consistently.

Communication & Collaboration

• Communicate regularly and effectively with Operations, Engineering, Safety, Sanitation, Quality Assurance, and executive leadership teams.
• Provide routine updates regarding maintenance performance, capital projects, equipment reliability, and operational risks.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve production challenges and implement process improvements.

Additional Responsibilities

• Serve as the technical leader for maintenance and facility operations.
• Respond to critical plant issues and emergencies as required.
• On call 24/7.
• Establishes PM’s
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Food Safety & Quality Responsibilities

• This position has been identified as holding responsibility for food safety and quality of the company. This responsibility extends across all shifts.
• Ensure maintenance practices support product quality, food safety, and regulatory compliance.
• Participate in food safety audits and continuous improvement initiatives.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Industrial Technology, Maintenance Management, or related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive industrial maintenance experience in a manufacturing or food processing environment.
• Minimum 5 years of maintenance leadership or management experience overseeing multi-disciplinary maintenance teams.
• Strong knowledge of maintenance management systems (CMMS), reliability programs, and asset management principles.
• Demonstrated experience managing maintenance budgets, capital projects, and contractor relationships.
• Knowledge of mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, refrigeration, and utility systems.
• Strong understanding of engineering principles, industrial controls, and PLC troubleshooting.
• Proven leadership, team-building, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to lead a 24/7 maintenance operation in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, or Manufacturing Engineering.
• Food processing or frozen food manufacturing experience.
• Licensed Electrician or equivalent electrical certification.
• RETA Certification, CARO, CIRO, or equivalent ammonia refrigeration certification.
• Experience with Process Safety Management (PSM) and ammonia refrigeration systems.
• Experience implementing Reliability-Centered Maintenance (RCM), TPM, Lean Manufacturing, or Six Sigma methodologies.
• Advanced knowledge of PLC programming and industrial automation systems.
• Experience managing maintenance teams in union and non-union environments.
• Professional certifications such as Certified Maintenance & Reliability Professional (CMRP) preferred.

Reporting Structure
Reports To: Director of Operations
Direct Reports: Refrigeration Supervisor, Maintenance Supervisors, Electrical Technicians, Millwrights, Mechanics, and Maintenance Planners
Coverage During Absence: Director of Operations or designated Operations LeaderSuccess Measures

• Improved equipment uptime and Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).
• Reduced unplanned downtime and maintenance costs.
• Strong safety and food safety performance.
• Successful execution of preventive and predictive maintenance programs.
• Effective workforce development and retention.
• Delivery of capital projects on schedule and within budget.
• Continuous improvement in plant reliability, efficiency, and productivity.

The statements made in any and all of the position postings are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed, as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

Stahlbush Island Farms, Inc is an equal opportunity employer, focused on the employment and advancement of all applicants and colleagues for employment and promotion without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, gender, pregnancy/childbirth, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic information, citizenship, veteran or military status, marital or domestic partner status, or any other category protected by federal, state and/or local laws.

Stahlbush Island Farms is an equal opportunity employer, program auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.

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