Position Overview

The Vice President of Maintenance is responsible for overseeing all maintenance operations across production facilities, ensuring optimal performance of equipment, infrastructure, and systems vital to the company’s operations. This leadership role is critical to achieving operational efficiency, minimizing downtime, safeguarding product quality, and maintaining compliance with stringent industry and regulatory standards. The Vice President (VP) of Maintenance acts as a strategic partner to other leaders, drives continuous improvement initiatives, and fosters a culture of safety and technical excellence throughout the organization.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Planning

• Develop and implement the overall maintenance strategy aligned with organizational goals, growth targets, and production schedules.
• Lead long-term planning for asset management, facility upgrades, and technology integration to sustain and enhance operational capabilities.
• Collaborate with COO to forecast capital expenditures, resource needs, and future maintenance requirements.

Maintenance Operations Management

• Oversee preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance programs to maximize equipment uptime and life span.
• Ensure the effective functioning of all mechanical, electrical, refrigeration, and HVAC systems integral to processing and storage.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for facility maintenance, including response times, completion rates, and cost efficiency.
• Oversee the scheduling and execution of maintenance activities to minimize disruption to production lines and product flow.

Team Leadership and Talent Development

• Direct and mentor a team of maintenance directors, managers, supervisors, technicians, and support staff across multiple locations.
• Promote a high-performance culture by fostering skill development, providing coaching, and encouraging innovation.
• Ensure workforce planning, recruitment, training, and succession strategies are in place to support ongoing operational needs.
• Drive team engagement through clear communication, goal-setting, and recognition of achievements.

Budget and Resource Management

• Develop, manage, and control the annual maintenance budget, ensuring cost-effective allocation and utilization of resources.
• Monitor expenditures related to repairs, parts, equipment, and outside services, identifying opportunities for savings and efficiency gains.
• Negotiate contracts with vendors and service providers for equipment procurement, installations, and specialized maintenance tasks.

Regulatory Compliance and Safety

• Ensure all facilities and operations comply with federal, state, and local regulations, including USDA,  OSHA, and EPA guidelines for food safety and worker protection.
• Lead the development and enforcement of safety policies, procedures, and training programs.
• Champion a culture of safety by conducting regular audits, risk assessments, and incident investigations.

Continuous Improvement and Innovation

• Identify and implement best practices, emerging technologies, and automation solutions to enhance maintenance outcomes and operational efficiency.
• Lead root cause analysis and problem-solving initiatives for recurring issues and high-impact events.
• Support sustainability initiatives by improving energy efficiency, waste reduction, and environmental compliance within maintenance operations.

Stakeholder Relations and Communication

• Serve as the primary liaison between maintenance and other departments, including production, quality assurance, engineering, and supply chain.
• Report regularly to the executive team on maintenance performance, key projects, and risk mitigation efforts.
• Represent the company with external stakeholders, such as regulatory agencies, industry groups, and equipment suppliers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Industrial Technology, Facilities Management, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years’ progressive maintenance management experience in the poultry, food processing, or related manufacturing industry.
• Proven track record of leading large, multi-site operations with complex equipment and automation systems.
• Strong knowledge of regulatory requirements, food safety standards, and industry best practices.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop high-performing teams.
• Exceptional strategic planning, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building abilities.
• Experience with budgeting, project management, and capital planning.
• Proficiency with Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS), data analytics, and process improvement methodologies.

Key Competencies

• Leadership: Inspires trust, sets clear direction, and drives results through empowerment and motivation.
• Technical Acumen: Deep understanding of mechanical, electrical, and automation systems specific to poultry production facilities.
• Analytical Thinking: Skilled at interpreting data, forecasting trends, and making data-driven decisions.
• Communication: Articulate and persuasive, able to convey complex information to diverse audiences.
• Adaptability: Responds effectively to changing priorities, challenges, and technologies in a fast-paced environment.
• Safety Orientation: Maintains an unwavering commitment to employee safety and regulatory compliance.
• Collaboration: Works cross-functionally to accomplish organizational objectives and build consensus.