Maintenance Manager
IDj-1228
Job TypeDirect Hire
A leading North American retail organization operating thousands of locations nationwide alongside a major e-commerce platform. The company manages an extensive product catalog across hundreds of well-known and emerging brands, supported by a large-scale distribution and fulfillment network.
Role Summary:
The Distribution Manager will oversee engineering and facilities operations at a high-volume distribution center, taking ownership of building systems maintenance, equipment reliability, and facilities management. This role demands a hands-on leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is committed to continuous improvement, safety, and operational excellence.
Key Responsibilities:
- Serve as the distribution center's main point of contact for all building maintenance, equipment upkeep, and vendor coordination; manage day-to-day resource allocation for maintenance operations
- Manage a team responsible for maintaining the full range of material handling equipment, including conveyors, sorters, and specialized automation systems; oversee a preventive maintenance schedule that maximizes uptime
- Monitor and manage departmental KPIs; analyze underperforming areas and implement corrective actions to meet or exceed targets
- Partner with the Operations Manager on coordinating all security, maintenance, and housekeeping activities; ensure compliance with corporate standards
- Lead efforts to ensure all fire and safety equipment, pest control, and exterior/interior conditions meet company and regulatory standards within established budgets
- Generate and deliver regular performance reports (weekly/monthly) on a variety of facility and equipment metrics, including trends and improvement areas
- Manage vendor and contractor relationships; oversee capital projects, renovations, and infrastructure upgrades for the facility
- Support sustainability and loss-prevention initiatives, contributing to continuous improvement efforts across the distribution network
- Maintain compliance with all regulatory requirements including OSHA, fire codes, building codes, and environmental standards
- Participate in cross-functional teams to support broader organizational goals and distribution network strategy
- Provide after-hours support and situational leadership during peak periods, planned shutdowns, or emergency situations
People Leadership:
- Serve as a collaborative business partner across the distribution and supply chain team; build strong cross-functional relationships including with corporate, field leadership, and outside vendors
- Attract, develop, and retain high-performing associates through coaching, mentorship, and talent planning
- Demonstrate high standards of inclusivity, associate engagement, customer service orientation, and results-driven leadership
- Drive accountability and continuous improvement through regular feedback, team meetings, and performance management processes
- Ensure compliance with all company policies, attendance standards, and safety protocols; partner with HR on associate-relations matters
- Provide training and development opportunities for staff, supporting career pathing and internal promotions
Process & Operational Excellence:
- Develop strategic maintenance plans to ensure compliance with facility codes, building safety standards, and corporate guidelines
- Implement preventive and predictive maintenance programs; leverage data analysis for continuous improvement
- Manage standards for HVAC, plumbing, electrical, fire and life safety, dock equipment, and automated material handling systems
- Maintain accurate records and documentation of all maintenance activities, inspections, and capital project progress
- Support budgeting, financial planning, and cost management processes; track expenses against forecasts and optimize spend
- Ensure the facility is always audit-ready and that corrective actions from prior audits are addressed promptly
Education:
- Bachelor's degree required, preferably in Engineering or a related technical discipline, OR a combination of relevant education and equivalent work experience
Experience:
- 5+ years of experience in a distribution center, manufacturing plant, centrally located building/systems, or industrial/facilities environment
- 2+ years in a people-leadership or supervisory role encompassing reporting, contracting, and budgeting (preferred experience with an annual budget in excess of $2M+)
- Familiarity with industrial equipment and systems such as conveyors, sortation, automated storage/retrieval systems, and related material handling technologies
- Experience managing building systems including HVAC, fire/life safety, plumbing, electrical, and dock/loading equipment at scale
Required Skills:
- Strong leadership and team management abilities
- Excellent communication (oral and written) skills
- Expertise in reading and interpreting blueprints, schematics, and operational drawings
- Operational experience in CMMS, equipment management, and asset-based engineering; exposure to predictive analytics, industrial automation, and material-handling equipment management
- Experience in managing, planning, and executing capital projects related to maintenance and facility improvement
- Proficiency in leveraging performance metrics and KPIs for data-driven decision-making
- Ability to interact at all organizational levels — from front-line associates to senior leadership, in a collaborative manner
- Demonstrated talent management skills including coaching, talent reviews, and succession planning
- Strong problem-solving and root-cause analysis capabilities
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (or equivalent); familiarity with facilities/maintenance management software
Nice-to-Haves:
- Familiarity with vendor management for contracted services (security, janitorial, pest control, landscaping, etc.)
- Knowledge of OSHA, EPA, and other relevant regulatory frameworks
- Certifications in facilities management (CFM), project management (PMP), or similar credentials
- Experience in a high-volume retail distribution or e-commerce fulfillment environment
Special Position Requirements:
- Ability to stand and/or walk extensively, including in the warehouse environment
- Ability to work additional shifts with little or no notice
- Occasional travel to other distribution centers in the network
Working Conditions:
- Exposure to a distribution center or warehouse environment, including but not limited to dust, noise, variable temperatures, and heavy equipment operations
Benefits/Perks:
- Competitive salary with bonus opportunity for eligible associates
- Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid time off including vacation, personal days, and holidays
- Associate discount programs
- Career development resources and internal mobility opportunities
