Are you a hands-on, results-driven leader who thrives on fixing broken systems and bringing struggling plants back to life? We are looking for an experienced Technical Operations Manager to take ownership of a manufacturing facility that needs strong leadership, sharp technical skills, and the determination to get it back on track. This is not a “keep the lights on” role—it’s an opportunity for a proven leader to make a measurable impact by stabilizing operations, driving reliability, and building a high-performance culture.
COMPANY & CULTURE: Our client believes in creating healthier lives, healthier communities, and a healthier planet. A rich and proud legacy that goes back well over 100 years, and today, they are a global team across 21 countries. The company believes that investing in their associates is vital--they are empowering their teams to embrace diversity of thought, solve problems faster, and create innovative solutions that meet their customers' needs now and into the future. They also engage in community initiatives. A diverse organization made up of 13K+ extraordinary associates, welcoming every race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, and background. Additionally, recruiting and supporting veterans is a priority. The culture is built on a core value of respect — respect for each other, customers, business partners, communities, and our planet.
LOCATION: The Technical Operations Manager will work at our client’s Denver, CO facility (80239). Relocation assistance is available for strong candidates.
POSITION IMPACT: Opportunity to step into a challenging and rewarding role where your technical expertise and leadership will directly transform a facility’s future. If you are energized by turnaround work, hands-on problem solving, and leading teams through change, this role offers you the platform to leave a lasting impact.
OFFERED: Comprehensive Benefits & Financial Stability - Highly competitive salary, bonus, 401(k) match, employee stock purchase plan and excellent benefits! Additional rewards for high performance. They also provide employee discounts, professional development support (such as education assistance), anniversary recognition, team-building events, and more
WHAT YOU WILL DO
Reporting to the Factory Manager, the Technical Operations Manager will be responsible for the overall leadership and supervision of the Operations and Technical Department and will serve as the point of contact for 5 mechanics. The role will have a key responsibility for leading the factory in developing and executing the preventative maintenance methodologies and company’s maintenance strategy implementation plans. Plant is planning to increase headcount by 33% in the coming months, to a total of 100 people.
- Lead the turnaround of daily plant operations, with a strong focus on technical performance, asset reliability, and efficiency.
- Take ownership of resource allocation (equipment, people, systems, and materials) to meet and exceed operational targets safely, cost-effectively, and sustainably.
- Identify weaknesses in current processes and implement corrective actions that drive long-term stability and improvement.
- Develop strategies and visions that can achieve optimal results for the organization.
- Drive accountability on the shop floor through daily reviews of production, maintenance, and quality targets—escalating and addressing variances quickly.
- Coach and mentor technical and operations staff, building a strong pipeline of future leaders while instilling a culture of discipline, urgency, and continuous improvement.
- Partner with maintenance and engineering teams to ensure preventive, predictive, and reliability-centered maintenance programs are executed to maximize uptime.
- Prioritize, schedule, and ensure maintenance and repairs are completed to maximize efficiency
- Lead root-cause problem solving for breakdowns, implement sustainable fixes, and prevent repeat failures.
- Reinforce compliance with Lean manufacturing principles and food safety regulations, while raising the bar on product quality, safety, and housekeeping standards.
- Ensure internal and external regulations, procedures and policies are applied fairly and consistently
- Develop and execute action plans that deliver measurable improvements in OEE, cost reduction, and workforce engagement.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with suppliers, internal customers, and support teams to drive alignment and accelerate plant recovery.
IDEAL PROFILE
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, or Process preferred).
- 7+ years of progressive TECHNICAL LEADERSHIP experience in manufacturing (food, beverage, or consumer goods preferred), including several years as leader of the MAINTENANCE FUNCTION or the FACTORY ENGINEER in a plant.
- Proven success in plant turnarounds, maintenance, or operations leadership.
- Strong command of TPM (Total Performance Management) / Maintenance Excellence programs, including Asset Management, FMEA, Breakdown Analysis, Reliability Centered Maintenance, and Predictive Maintenance.
- Demonstrated ability to lead technical teams through cultural and operational change, delivering improved performance and reliability.
- In-depth knowledge of TPM (Total Performance Management) / PM Pillar Systems and Tools Asset Management Software (SAP Preferred)
- Proficient with advanced PM (predictive maintenance) optimization and tools/technologies (infrared, vibration, ultrasonic, etc.).
- A proven track record of driving operational stability in complex, underperforming environments.
- Resilient, action-oriented leadership style with the ability to rally teams, challenge the status quo, and deliver results.
- Knowledge of food safety and regulatory compliance standards.
- Local to Denver, CO area preferred (80239) or willing to relocate with company support.