Job Description
Compensation: $115K–$135K base + bonus + full benefits package
Company Description
Van Holten’s is a family-owned company based in Waterloo, WI, and the inventor of the Pickle-In-A-Pouch. For 128 years, we’ve built a stable, growing business by pairing bold ideas with strong execution. We like to have fun and don’t take ourselves too seriously - but we take our results seriously.
The Role
The Maintenance Manager owns equipment reliability and uptime across production, packaging, and facility systems. You’ll lead a team of 6 technicians, set priorities, and drive execution on the floor. This is a hands-on role with real ownership - you’re expected to make an impact, improve how maintenance is done, and deliver results. Success is measured by uptime, reduced downtime, strong PM execution, and a team that performs.
What You’ll Own
Maintenance Leadership & Execution
- Own day-to-day maintenance across all shifts
- Manage and prioritize work through the CMMS (work orders, PMs, repairs)
- Set priorities based on urgency, production impact, and reliability
- Lead response to breakdowns and unplanned downtime
- Stay close to the floor and step in hands-on when needed
- Hold the team accountable for execution, urgency, and follow-through
Reliability & Continuous Improvement
- Improve uptime and reduce unplanned downtime
- Strengthen PM programs so they actually drive reliability
- Identify repeat issues and lead root cause problem solving
- Reduce reactive work and improve how maintenance is planned
Team Leadership
- Lead, coach, and develop a team of 6 maintenance technicians
- Build troubleshooting capability and technical depth across the team
- Set expectations and hold people accountable to performance standards
Operations & Systems
- Partner with Production to minimize downtime and disruption
- Coordinate work around production and sanitation schedules
- Use CMMS and maintenance data to drive decisions, not just track work
- Manage parts, contractors, and resources to support uptime
Safety & Food Safety
- Maintain strong safety practices across all maintenance work
- Ensure equipment is ready for startup following maintenance and sanitation
- Prevent contamination risks and support SQF/GMP standards
What You Bring
- Proven ability to lead and hold a maintenance team accountable
- Strong hands-on technical skills across mechanical, electrical, and equipment systems
- Experience running maintenance operations, including PMs and reliability
- Ability to prioritize and make decisions in a fast-paced environment
- Experience using CMMS to manage and drive work
- Clear, direct communicator who works well across teams
- Mindset to improve systems, not just maintain them
Work Schedule & Environment
- Typical schedule: Monday–Friday, approximately 5:30 AM–2:30 PM
- Flexibility required to support off-shifts and unplanned issues
- Based on the production floor in a fast-paced environment
- Hands-on involvement is expected