Maintenance Manager

Kemps , a farmer-owned brand of Dairy Farmers of America (DFA), is seeking a hands-on, forward-thinking Maintenance Manager to join our fluid milk and cream manufacturing facility in Cedarburg, Wisconsin . In this highly visible leadership role, you will partner closely with the Plant Engineer to drive safety, reliability, automation, and continuous improvement initiatives that enhance plant performance and product quality.

Reporting to the Sr. Manager, Engineering , this position offers the opportunity to lead a skilled maintenance team while leveraging technology, automation, and preventive maintenance strategies to maximize equipment effectiveness and operational excellence.

Responsibilities

Lead and develop a unionized maintenance team to support safe, efficient, and reliable plant operations. Manage preventive maintenance programs and asset reliability through CMMS utilization. Drive Continuous Improvement initiatives and align maintenance activities with the Management Operating Structure (MOS). Maintain and troubleshoot production equipment, HVAC systems, boilers, utility systems, and 480V three-phase motor controls.

Support and optimize automation systems, PLCs, and plant control technologies. Monitor maintenance KPIs and implement corrective actions to improve equipment reliability and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE). Ensure compliance with OSHA regulations, company policies, food safety standards, and applicable industry codes.

Support capital projects and maintenance programs that improve safety, quality, and productivity. High school diploma or equivalent required; associate degree or technical coursework preferred. Minimum of 5 years of maintenance leadership experience in dairy manufacturing preferred, with demonstrated success in food and beverage manufacturing environments also highly valued.

3+ years of supervisory experience leading and developing maintenance technicians. Strong knowledge of industrial mechanical and electrical systems, including PLC troubleshooting and automation. Experience with CMMS, preventive maintenance programs, and equipment reliability strategies. Proficiency with Microsoft Office and maintenance management software.

Proven ability to lead change and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with dairy or food processing equipment, including fillers, blow mold machines, pneumatic and hydraulic systems. Allen-Bradley PLC experience, including ladder logic troubleshooting and editing. Ammonia refrigeration, HTST pasteurization, fabrication, welding, and machining experience. Knowledge of GMPs, union environments, workers’ compensation, and safety programs.

Benefits

Comprehensive Benefits Package available 1 st of the month after start date 401(k) with company contribution Competitive pay Paid vacation and holidays Career growth opportunities – we promote from within! Service recognition and employee rewards Employee referral program Tuition reimbursement Work for dairy farm families An Equal Opportunity Employer