Utilities & Maintenance Manager

The role:

Reporting to the Sr. Manager, Facilities, as the Utilities & Maintenance Manager you will lead and manage maintenance(maintenance-related operational activities) and utility(RO water, WWT, compressed air, chilled water and bulk raw material processes) functions to ensure equipment availability, infrastructure reliability, regulatory compliance, and minimal downtime—supporting overall business operations and production goals.

At Kao, we offer amazing benefits that are available to you on your first day of employment (healthcare, 401(k) plus company match), 36 total days off (vacation + holidays + sick) and a reasonable salary range of $100,000 - $120,000. What you will do:

• Maintenance & Utilities Leadership – supervise team performing preventative, predictive and corrective maintenance on production equipment & facilities; ensure timely repairs & minimize equipment downtime; manage CMMS; supervise team and operation/ maintenance of utility systems, including boilers, chillers, air compressors, electrical distribution system, RO water & WWT operations.

• Reliability & Efficiency – drive equipment reliability through root cause analysis and continuous improvement; monitor KPIs such as MTBF and MTTR.

• Team Development & Safety – lead teams of skilled trades personnel, technicians and team/shift leads; foster culture of safety, accountability and training; enforce safety policies and compliance as they relate to safety protocols.

• Planning & Budgeting – manage maintenance and utility budgets, spare parts inventories & capital projects; lead and participate in annual shutdowns, facility upgrades and expansions.

• Strategic Contribution – ensure business continuity by keeping utilities and production assets in optimal condition; support sustainability and energy efficiency initiatives; reduce costs and risks through proactive maintenance and utility optimization.

What you will need:

• Bachelor's degree in Technical discipline or Facilities Management, preferred. Associates degree in Facilities Management or Technical discipline.

• 5+ years maintenance management experience with proven excellent leadership.

• 3+ years experience in maintenance planning.

• 5+ years effective project management experience.

• Utilities system knowledge, e.g. boilers, steam, HVAC, chillers and refrigeration, compressed air, electrical, water/WWT.

• Technical training/certifications in electrical, mechanical and general construction trades.

• Strong knowledge & understanding of engineering concepts, including electrical, hydraulic and mechanical systems.