Engineering and Maintenance Reliability Manager

At Russell Stover, not only do we love chocolate, but we love our jobs! Every day we go to work exhibiting our values of excellence, innovation, entrepreneurship, responsibility, and collaboration. Working at Russell Stover you'll be part of the leading manufacturer of boxed, seasonal, and sugar-free chocolates. For over 100 years, Russell Stover Chocolates, Whitman's, and Pangburn's have been crafted with the finest ingredients to bring happiness to generations. Today, we produce over 55 million pounds of chocolate annually, and our legacy brands can be found in 13 company-owned stores and over 9,000 wholesale accounts. Join our team and let's continue making chocolate lovers happy!

A day in the life...

As Manager of Engineering and Maintenance Reliability, you will lead our Engineering and Maintenance functions across multiple sites while driving execution of large-scale capital and strategic projects. You will be responsible for developing and implementing long-term strategies that enhance equipment reliability, operational efficiency, and technical innovation across the facilities. You will need to possess a strong background in engineering, maintenance management, and project execution, with proven leadership capabilities.

What you will be doing...

• Driving innovative engineering and maintenance strategies to achieve transformative outcomes.
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to align technical strategies with operational needs. Building a best-in-class maintenance program.
• Driving a safety first mindset. Ensuring compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.
• Overseeing vendor relationships, contracts, and procurement of maintenance services and supplies.
• Managing maintenance budgets, KPIs, and workforce planning
• Leading the engineering team in developing innovative solutions to improve plant performance. Providing technical guidance on equipment upgrades, automation, and process optimization.
• Managing complex capital projects from concept through commissioning.
• Developing project scopes, budgets, timelines, and resource plans.
• Managing capital planning process within our Investment Management System (IMS).

• Ensure adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) guidelines during plant visits to support product quality and uphold food safety standards.
• Complete and follow FSQA training and programs to comply with regulatory requirements, ensure consumer safety, and support the company's food safety and quality objectives.
• Promptly report any observed or suspected issues that may impact food safety, quality, or compliance to the designated plant personnel, to support timely corrective actions and maintain compliance.
• Actively contribute to the continuous improvement of the company's Food Safety Culture through engagement and actions aligned with your role.

This job posting is not all inclusive and other duties may be assigned.

Do you have what it takes?

(Basic Qualifications)

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, or related field).
• 5+ years of experience in engineering and maintenance leadership roles.
• Proven track record of managing large-scale projects in a manufacturing or industrial setting.
• Strong knowledge of CMMS systems, reliability engineering, and lean methodologies.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to speak, read, and write English fluently, with or without an accommodation.
• Ability to reside in the Kansas City or surrounding area
• Ability to travel to our manufacturing plants up to 25%

Do you stand above the rest?

(Preferred Qualifications)

• PMP or equivalent project management certification.
• Experience with automation, controls, and digital transformation initiatives.
• Familiarity with regulatory compliance (OSHA, EPA, etc.).
• Certified Maintenance & Reliability Professional (CMRP)
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence at all levels.

At Russell Stover Chocolates, we don't just accept difference - we celebrate it, we support it, and we thrive on it for the benefit of our employees, our products, and our community. Russell Stover Chocolates is proud to be an equal-opportunity workplace.

We provide equal employment opportunities to all people without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, religion, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, protected medical condition, genetic information, military service, veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.

Employment by Russell Stover Chocolates is contingent upon I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification, passing the urinalysis drug screen, education verification, and satisfactory reference and background checks.

Make Happy. Work Happy.

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