- Senior
- Office in Harrisonburg
Who We Are and What We Do
Farmer Focus’s mission is to promote and protect generational family farms by shifting farm-level decision-making and chicken ownership back to farmers and empowering them to farm the way they know is best. We are committed to consistently producing 100% organic and humanely raised chicken that is better for people, the planet, and animals. Our culture is rooted in servant leadership, and we live by our Farmer Focus CARES values: Community, Accountability, Respect, Excellence, and Stewardship.
Who We Are
At Farmer Focus, our mission is to promote and protect generational family farms by empowering farmers to make decisions that are best for their land, animals, and communities. We produce 100% organic, humanely raised chicken with a commitment to sustainability, transparency and excellence. Our culture is rooted in servant leadership and guided by our CARES values: Community, Accountability, Respect, Excellence, and Stewardship.
Position Overview
The Head of Maintenance will lead the strategic direction, planning, and execution of maintenance operations across Farmer Focus’s production facilities. This role is responsible for ensuring optimal equipment reliability, safety and efficiency while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and technical excellence. The ideal candidate will be a visionary leader with deep expertise in maintenance strategy, capital project management and team development in a food manufacturing environment.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Planning
Develop and implement long-term maintenance strategies aligned with organizational goals.
Lead cross-functional initiatives to improve equipment reliability, reduce downtime and optimize asset performance.
Oversee capital planning, budgeting and execution of major maintenance and infrastructure projects.
Team Development & Oversight
Directly manage Maintenance Managers and other senior technical staff.
Build and mentor a high-performing maintenance team through training, coaching and succession planning.
Foster a culture of safety, accountability and continuous improvement.
Operational Excellence
Ensure consistent execution of preventive and predictive maintenance programs.
Monitor and analyze maintenance KPIs to drive performance improvements.
Collaborate with Plant Managers and Operations leadership to align maintenance priorities with production goals.
Compliance & Safety
Ensure compliance with OSHA, EPA and other regulatory standards.
Champion safety programs including Lock-out Tag-out, Hot Work, Confined Space Entry and PPE protocols.
Lead audits and inspections to maintain a safe and compliant work environment.
Resource & Budget Management
Manage maintenance budgets, including R&M and operating supplies.
Oversee procurement of parts, equipment and services to support maintenance operations.
Evaluate and implement CMMS and other technology solutions to enhance maintenance tracking and reporting.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical or Industrial Engineering preferred, but not required.
10+ years of progressive maintenance leadership experience, preferably in food or beverage manufacturing.
Proven success in managing multi-site maintenance operations and capital projects.
Expertise in TPM, Reliability Work Processes and CMMS systems.
Strong analytical, organizational and communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to lead change, develop talent and drive operational excellence.
Work Environment
Exposure to varying temperatures (28°F to 100°F) and humidity levels.
May handle chilled product and work in noisy environments (50lb to 110lb).
Required to wear protective equipment including hair/beard nets, hearing and eye protection.
Farmer Focus is committed to the principles of equal employment and to complying with all federal, state, and local laws providing equal employment opportunities, and all other employment laws and regulations. It is our intent to maintain a work environment that is inclusive and equitable, free of harassment, discrimination, or retaliation based upon an individual's age, race (including traits historically associated with race, which includes hair texture, hair type, and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists), color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation (including transgender status, gender identity, or expression), pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation, and related medical conditions), physical or mental disability, genetic information (including testing and characteristics), military status (including status as a uniformed servicemember, a veteran, or dependent of a servicemember), or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws. Farmer Focus is dedicated to the fulfillment of this policy regarding all aspects of employment, including but not limited to recruiting, hiring, placement, transfer, training, promotion, rates of pay and other compensation, termination, and all other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment.
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