Sr. Maintenance Manager

This role is part of our Purina Animal Nutrition business helping our network of local cooperatives, independent dealers and other large retailers serve producers, and animal owners throughout the United States. Through industry -leading R&D and committed partnerships, we innovate the nutrition products and practices that unlock the full potential of every animal for a healthier, more productive life. 

The Senior Maintenance Manager provides leadership across the Denver, CO animal nutrition facility and the Commerce City bulk operation. This role is responsible for ensuring the reliability, performance, and continuous improvement of all plant assets, while maintaining the highest standards in safety, quality, and regulatory compliance. 

This position leads the execution of maintenance strategies that drive uptime, reduce cost, and improve overall equipment effectiveness (OEE), while building a high-performing, technically capable maintenance team. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Lead all aspects of maintenance operations across two facilities, including asset reliability, utilities, buildings, and grounds  

• Develop and execute preventive and predictive maintenance strategies to reduce unplanned downtime  

• Own and manage maintenance and capital budgets, ensuring effective allocation of resources  

• Oversee parts inventory and storeroom management to support operational readiness  

• Partner cross-functionally with Operations, Quality, and Safety to support production goals and continuous improvement initiatives  

• Lead CAPEX projects from scope development through execution and closeout  

• Utilize CMMS to drive planning, scheduling, and work order discipline  

TECHNICAL LEADERSHIP EXPECTATIONS 

• Provide technical guidance and support in troubleshooting:  

• 480V / 3-phase electrical systems, motors, VFDs, and control circuits  

• PLC-controlled equipment (Allen-Bradley preferred)  

• Mechanical systems including gearboxes, conveyors, bearings, and drive systems  

• Ensure the team is capable of diagnosing and resolving issues across electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems  

• Establish and reinforce standards for root cause analysis and long-term corrective actions  

• Drive continuous improvement in PM completion, work quality, and equipment reliability  

TEAM LEADERSHIP & PERFORMANCE 

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of maintenance technicians across multiple shifts and facilities  

• Establish clear expectations for execution, follow-through, and quality of work, ensuring consistency across shifts  

• Build team capability through training, skill development, and knowledge sharing  

• Create an environment where issues are identified early, communicated effectively, and resolved with urgency  

• Reinforce a culture of ownership, accountability, and continuous improvement through consistent leadership presence and engagement  

Required Education/Experience: 

• High School Diploma with 7+ years of progressive maintenance leadership experience in a high-volume manufacturing environment OR Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Project Management, or related field with 3–5 years of maintenance leadership experience a high-volume manufacturing environment 

• Industrial maintenance leadership (manufacturing, feed, grain, or similar environment)  

• Managing CAPEX projects from concept to completion  

• Driving performance through KPIs (downtime, PM completion, cost, reliability)  

• Implementing and sustaining CMMS systems and maintenance best practices  

TECHNICAL SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE 

• Strong working knowledge of:  

• PLC systems (Allen-Bradley preferred)  

• Industrial electrical systems (480V / 3-phase)  

• Mechanical systems and power transmission  

• Familiarity with GMPs and food/feed safety requirements  

• Understanding of Lean / Continuous Improvement methodologies  

• Knowledge of health, safety, and environmental regulations  

CORE COMPETENCIES 

• Ability to lead through change and drive alignment across teams  

• Strong planning, prioritization, and organizational skills  

• Effective communicator with the ability to influence at all levels of the organization  

• Data-driven decision making with a focus on sustainable results, not short-term fixes  

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS 

• Ability to support off-shift, weekend, and holiday coverage as needed  

Salary: $93,360 - $140,040

In most cases, candidates offered employment can expect to be hired at a pay rate near the middle of our salary ranges