The Maintenance Manager oversees all facility, equipment, and automation maintenance operations for A.F.W., ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable plant performance. This role leads preventive maintenance programs, manages PLC and automation systems, supervises internal technicians and external subcontractors, and maintains compliance with safety regulations. The position is both managerial and hands-on, requiring active involvement in mechanical troubleshooting, equipment repair, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Maintenance & Operations

· Oversee daily, weekly, monthly, bi-annual, and annual preventive maintenance programs; create and manage PM schedules in Epicor.

· Perform hands-on mechanical troubleshooting and repair of industrial equipment and machinery as needed.

· Develop and improve maintenance procedures to increase equipment reliability and minimize downtime.

· Maintain building infrastructure, grounds, and office facilities.

Automation & Technical Oversight

· Manage PLC automation systems and oversee PLC Automation Technicians.

· Diagnose equipment failures and implement corrective actions.

· Coordinate machine builders and automation contractors for new installations or upgrades.

Safety & Compliance

· Serve as Safety Manager, ensuring compliance with OSHA and company safety standards.

· Schedule and coordinate required training programs, including CPR, crane/hoist certification, and hearing conservation.

· Train and certify forklift operators (Train-the-Trainer).

· Promote and enforce a culture of safety throughout the facility.

Leadership & Vendor Management

· Supervise maintenance personnel and assign work schedules.

· Manage subcontractors including plumbers, electricians, machine builders, and automation specialists.

· Evaluate vendor performance and ensure quality and timely completion of work.

Administrative & Budget Responsibilities

· Track maintenance expenses and manage departmental budget.

· Create and manage purchase orders for maintenance-related materials and equipment.

· Report maintenance performance, project progress, and operational updates to leadership.

Skills and Competencies:

Technical

· Strong mechanical troubleshooting and repair skills.

· Knowledge of industrial equipment, electrical systems, hydraulics, pneumatics, and automation systems.

· Experience with PLC systems and industrial controls.

· Proficiency in CMMS systems (Epicor preferred).

Leadership

· Ability to supervise, develop, and hold staff accountable.

· Strong organizational and scheduling skills.

· Effective vendor and contractor management.

· Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Safety & Compliance

· Knowledge of OSHA regulations and workplace safety standards.

· Experience leading safety programs and compliance initiatives.

· Ability to conduct and coordinate required safety training.

Administrative

· Budget tracking and cost control.

· Purchase order management.

· Strong documentation, reporting, and communication skills.

Qualifications: (Minimum & Preferred)

Education High school diploma or GED required.)

Experience and/or Training 

 5–10 years of industrial maintenance experience, preferably in a manufacturing or production environment.

· 3+ years of leadership or supervisory experience in a maintenance or technical role.

· Strong hands-on experience with mechanical systems, equipment repair, and troubleshooting.

· Experience with preventive maintenance programs and CMMS systems (Epicor preferred).

· Working knowledge of PLC-controlled equipment and industrial automation systems.

· Experience coordinating contractors, vendors, and subcontractors.

· Experience managing maintenance budgets, purchase orders, and repair planning.

· Familiarity with workplace safety programs and OSHA standards

Licenses/Certificates 

· Valid driver’s license.

· Forklift certification or ability to obtain certification.

· CPR / First Aid certification or ability to obtain.

· OSHA safety training (OSHA 10 or OSHA 30) preferred.

Technology/Equipment (if applicable, the proficiencies required to perform the job)

Physical and Mental Demands:

Intermittent (less than 15%), Occasional (15-45%), Frequent (50-75%), and Continuous (over 75%)

The mental and physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.

· Frequent lifting items over 45 lbs. to chest height

· Ability to change tasks with little notice

·  Has reliable transportation and can adjust work hours as needed

Working Environment:

· This position will require a person to be able to adapt to and work within the seasonal weather changes Wisconsin is known for.

· Working in manufacturing areas where exposure to loud machinery, moving equipment, and varying temperatures (hot or cold) may occur

· Adherence to safety protocols when working in production areas with use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety glasses, hearing protection, and steel-toe shoes is required in production areas

· Adherence to other company safety protocols during deliveries and pick-ups

· Noise levels range from low in office settings to moderate or high in manufacturing zones, depending on operations underway