Position Summary

The Director of Maintenance is responsible for overseeing all maintenance operations across multiple frozen food warehouse facilities totaling approximately 280,000 square feet. This role ensures the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of all equipment, systems, and infrastructure, including ammonia and Freon refrigeration systems. The position manages a team of maintenance technicians and is accountable for minimizing downtime, controlling costs, and maintaining regulatory compliance across all sites.

Key Responsibilities

Maintenance & Operations Management

  • Oversee all maintenance activities across multiple warehouse facilities within a 50-mile radius
  • Develop and implement preventive and predictive maintenance programs
  • Ensure maximum uptime and operational efficiency of all building systems and equipment
  • Maintain all forklifts, material handling equipment, and facility assets

Refrigeration Systems Management

  • Lead operation, maintenance, and compliance of Ammonia and Freon refrigeration systems
  • Ensure adherence to OSHA, EPA, and all applicable safety and environmental regulations
  • Maintain documentation, inspections, and emergency response procedures for refrigeration systems

Team Leadership

  • Supervise, train, and develop a team of maintenance technicians (minimum of 3 mechanics)
  • Assign daily tasks, manage schedules, and evaluate performance
  • Promote a strong safety culture and ensure proper training certifications

Facilities & Equipment Oversight

  • Manage building systems including electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and structural components
  • Oversee repairs, upgrades, and capital improvement projects
  • Coordinate with contractors and vendors as needed

Forklift & Equipment Management

  • Oversee maintenance, inspection, and repair of all forklifts and powered industrial trucks
  • Ensure compliance with safety standards and certification requirements

Budget & Cost Control

  • Develop and manage maintenance budgets
  • Track expenses, reduce downtime costs, and improve operational efficiency
  • Source parts, negotiate vendor contracts, and control inventory

Compliance & Safety

  • Ensure compliance with OSHA, FDA, USDA, and local/state regulations
  • Maintain all safety programs, audits, and inspections
  • Lead incident investigations and corrective actions

Qualifications

  • Minimum 5–10 years of maintenance leadership experience in industrial or food manufacturing/warehouse environments
  • Strong experience with ammonia refrigeration systems (REQUIRED)
  • Knowledge of Freon-based systems and cold storage operations
  • Experience managing multiple facilities or sites preferred
  • Proven leadership and team management skills
  • Strong understanding of preventive maintenance systems (CMMS preferred)
  • Knowledge of OSHA, EPA, and refrigeration safety standards (Process Safety Management experience a plus)
  • Electrical, mechanical, and HVAC troubleshooting expertise
  • Forklift maintenance and operations knowledge

Education & Certifications

  • High school diploma or GED required; technical degree or certifications preferred
  • RETA Certification (CARO/CIRO) or equivalent strongly preferred
  • OSHA safety certifications preferred

Work Environment

  • Cold storage/freezer environments (-10°F to refrigerated conditions)
  • Combination of office and hands-on mechanical work
  • On-call availability for emergency situations