JOB DESCRIPTION:
The Brewery Maintenance Manager will be responsible for overseeing the maintenance and repair of equipment, machinery, and systems within a brewery to ensure smooth, efficient, and safe production operations. This role requires a strong understanding of both mechanical and electrical systems, as well as knowledge of the brewing process. The Brewery Maintenance Manager works to minimize downtime, prevent equipment failure, and optimize production efficiency.
Key Responsibilities:
- Maintenance Planning & Execution:
- Develop and implement comprehensive preventive maintenance schedules for brewing equipment, packaging lines, refrigeration systems, and facility infrastructure.
- Coordinate routine inspections, lubrication, and cleaning of equipment to ensure operational readiness.
- Plan and oversee major repairs or upgrades to brewery equipment and systems, including steam system, pumps, fermenters, bottling/canning lines, and pasteurization units.
- Troubleshooting & Repairs:
- Lead the troubleshooting and resolution of mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic issues that arise during production.
- Respond promptly to emergency breakdowns or system failures, minimizing downtime and production disruptions.
- Supervise and support the maintenance team during troubleshooting and repair activities.
- Team Leadership & Supervision:
- Manage and lead the maintenance team and other support staff.
- Provide hands-on leadership, training, and development opportunities to team members.
- Assign daily tasks and ensure effective resource allocation based on production schedules and equipment status.
- Inventory & Parts Management:
- Oversee the maintenance inventory, ensuring that spare parts and critical equipment are always available.
- Manage relationships with suppliers and vendors to purchase parts, tools, and equipment as needed.
- Monitor inventory levels and keep detailed records of parts usage, ensuring efficient use of resources.
- Safety & Compliance:
- Ensure compliance with all relevant health and safety regulations, environmental standards, and quality control guidelines.
- Lead and enforce safe work practices for the maintenance team, including lockout/tagout procedures and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Conduct regular safety audits and risk assessments, addressing potential hazards promptly.
- Process Improvement & Continuous Improvement:
- Identify opportunities to improve maintenance processes, reduce downtime, and increase overall equipment efficiency (OEE).
- Collaborate with production and operations teams to implement reliability improvements and troubleshoot recurring issues.
- Stay up to date with new brewing technologies and industry trends to recommend process optimizations or equipment upgrades.
- Budget & Cost Control:
- Prepare and manage the maintenance department budget, ensuring cost-effective maintenance operations.
- Track maintenance expenditures and analyze trends to identify opportunities for cost-saving.
- Monitor and control the maintenance team's overtime and ensure efficient use of labor resources.
- Documentation & Reporting:
- Maintain accurate and detailed records of all maintenance activities, including repairs, inspections, and inventory.
- Report on equipment performance, downtime statistics, and maintenance costs to senior management.
- Prepare monthly or quarterly reports on equipment condition, performance improvements, and upcoming maintenance needs.
- Collaboration with Other Departments:
- Work closely with production, quality control, and engineering teams to ensure smooth operations and identify maintenance needs proactively.
- Support new product launches, plant expansions, or production line changes with input on equipment needs and maintenance planning.
Required Skills & Qualifications:
- Technical Expertise: Deep knowledge of brewing equipment (fermenters, mash tuns, bottling/canning lines, pasteurizers, etc.), electrical and mechanical systems, and refrigeration.
- Leadership Skills: Experience managing a maintenance team, including scheduling, task delegation, and performance management.
- Problem-Solving: Strong diagnostic skills for troubleshooting mechanical, electrical, and process issues.
- Project Management: Ability to manage multiple maintenance projects, prioritize tasks, and stay on schedule.
- Knowledge of Brewing Process: Familiarity with the brewing process and how equipment supports production.
- Safety & Compliance Awareness: Knowledge of OSHA, food safety, and environmental regulations relevant to a brewery setting.
- Communication Skills: Strong communication skills to coordinate with staff, vendors, and other departments.
- Mechanical Aptitude: Proficiency in mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems, with hands-on troubleshooting skills.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in the Brewing Industry: Previous experience in a brewery setting is highly beneficial.
- Relevant Certifications: Maintenance-related certifications such as Certified Maintenance Manager (CMM), Certified Reliability Leader (CRL), or similar.
- Degree or Diploma in Engineering/Mechanical Technology or equivalent relevant experience.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
- Shifts: Maintenance teams may work shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays, depending on production schedules.
- Environment: The role requires working in an industrial environment, often near heavy machinery, equipment, and production areas.
- Physical Demands: The position may involve lifting, bending, and working in confined spaces. Safety protocols must always be followed.
- Lift 50-60 lbs, must regularly lift and/or move up to 10lbs throughout shift
- Climb ladders up to 20 feet and operate a scissor lift.
- Safely bend at knees to lift objects and stoop, kneel, and crouch.
- Frequently duck under conveyors/equipment.
- Climb stairs multiple times during a shift.
- Wear required Personal Protective Equipment.
- Close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, the ability to adjust focus and the ability to see color; either with or without accommodation.
- The ability to work in loud, wet, cold, hot, indoor and outdoor environments frequently.
Benefits and Extras:
- Healthcare, Dental, and Vision following 60 days of employment
- 401(k) following 1 year of employment
- PTO Package
- Employee discounts on food, drink and gear
- Employee only events
- Competitive wages
- Awesome working environment where initiative and ownership is rewarded
- Industry education allowances