We’re looking for a hands-on, forward-thinking Maintenance Manager to join our team at our fluid milk and cream plant in Cedarburg, WI. In this 1st shift role, you’ll collaborate closely with our Plant Engineer to drive innovation and performance—leveraging automation and smart technologies to improve safety, enhance equipment reliability, and elevate product quality. With a strong focus on Continuous Improvement, automation strategies, and our Management Operating Structure (MOS), you’ll help maximize overall equipment effectiveness while shaping the future of our plant operations. This role reports to the Sr. Manager, Engineering, and offers the opportunity to lead with purpose in a high-impact manufacturing environment.
Kemps is a farmer-owned brand of Dairy Farmers of America (DFA), a dairy marketing cooperative owned by more than 12,500 family farmers. Since 1914, Kemps has provided families with fresh, delicious dairy products, fresh milk, frozen yogurt, sour cream, cottage cheese, and frozen novelty treats. By joining Kemps, you can help us continue to make a difference that matters. We care deeply about the well-being of our neighbors and friends, and we celebrate the diversity of our company and our world. It takes an incredible team to deliver the goodness of dairy and enrich our communities – come join us!
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Utilize mechanical and electrical expertise to maintain dairy processing production equipment.
- Lead and manage maintenance team members directly or through supervisors to ensure effective staffing, training, and retention.
- Proficient in maintaining and troubleshooting HVAC, 480V 3-phase motor control circuits, boilers, and related utility systems.
- Experience with PLC troubleshooting, automation systems, and control technologies to support efficient and reliable plant operations.
- Utilize the CMMS to optimize asset utilization through scheduled preventative maintenance.
- Implement corrective actions identified by key maintenance performance indicators to create overall equipment effectiveness.
- Stay informed with the latest and emerging industry regulations and codes relative to mechanical and electrical systems design and operation.
- Ensure corporate policies and standards are followed in both capital project implementation as well as daily maintenance.
- Adhere to Company policies, OSHA regulations, and applicable laws.
- High school diploma or equivalent is required. An associate degree or some college is preferred.
- A minimum of 5 years’ experience in maintenance supervision in a food manufacturing environmentis required.
- A minimum of 3 years’ supervisory experience with maintenance technicians is required.
- Experience working with food manufacturing equipment i.e., high-speed rotary fillers. Blow mold machines, pneumatics and hydraulics a plus.
- PLC experience to include reading ladder logic and editing. (Allen Bradley platform a plus).
- Experience working with ammonia refrigeration systems is a plus.
- Working knowledge of fabrication, welding, and machining techniques; ability to support or oversee complex mechanical repairs is a plus.
- Strong computer skills, including MS Excel and maintenance-related software (CMMS), to support reporting, planning, and performance tracking.
- Experience with HTST (high-temperature short-time pasteurization) experience is a plus.
- Ability to adapt to changing organizational and operational needs, with the ability to lead others through change.
- Familiarity with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). Union, Safety, and Workers Compensation experience preferred.
- Experience leading and following Safety/Security Policies and Procedures.
- Ability to follow all Sanitation and Quality policies and procedures, and report and follow through on any deficiencies.
- Proven ability to leverage Continuous Improvement (CI tools and align with the Management Operating Structure (MOS) to enhance safety, quality, and equipment performance.
- Proficient in MS Office Suite and other computer-based applications.
Benefits:
- Comprehensive Benefits Package available 1st 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
