Manager of Reliability & Improvement

About U.S. Sugar

U.S. Sugar considers its employees as its greatest asset. The company's success translates into opportunities and ownership stakes for employees through its Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). U.S. Sugar continually expands by hiring knowledgeable, energetic professionals committed to maintaining industry leadership. The company offers challenging roles, growth opportunities, competitive pay, a full benefits package, and a safety-first, supportive workplace.

Position Overview

Reporting directly to the VP of Raw Sugar Manufacturing, the Reliability Excellence Manager ensures the enhancement of equipment, operation, and process reliability. This is achieved by eliminating recurring failures, supporting maintenance teams technically, and managing preventive and predictive maintenance programs. The manager provides leadership, guidance, accountability, and expertise necessary for optimal reliability, maintainability, and longevity of sugar manufacturing assets.

Key Responsibilities

• Strictly follow all company, safety, health, and environmental protocols and regulations.
• Create and execute thorough maintenance plans for plant machinery, focusing on operational priorities and machine criticality.
• Lead and supervise teams comprising Reliability Engineers, Reliability Technicians, Vibration Analysts, and Non-Destructive Testing Technicians; delegate tasks, deliver training, and assess performance to build an effective team.
• Formulate and implement reliability strategies supporting continuous operations and product development.
• Ensure all reliability efforts comply with safety, regulatory, and environmental standards; regularly conduct safety audits and enforce compliance.
• Investigate failures and execute corrective and preventive actions addressing customer complaints.
• Coordinate and conduct reliability analyses, including life data studies on relevant equipment.
• Oversee required reliability testing and its interpretation.
• Collaborate with engineering teams and other personnel to identify and mitigate asset reliability risks affecting plant or business operations.
• Develop engineering solutions to repetitive failures and other operational issues negatively impacting plant performance.
• Guarantee all maintenance procedures are safe, efficient, and effective.
• Maintain detailed records of maintenance activities, repairs, inspections, and associated costs; prepare and present reports on equipment and maintenance status to senior management.
• Promote open communication with employees to foster a positive workplace and ensure adherence to company policies and procedures.
• Utilize the SAP Maintenance Module daily, managing, recording, and tracking maintenance tasks and personnel via the Work Order System.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the company.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Maintenance, or related fields preferred; supervisory maintenance experience may substitute for degree requirements.
• Minimum of 5 years' experience in reliability supervision, particularly in industrial settings.
• Strong expertise in mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic systems, alongside predictive and preventive maintenance approaches.
• Demonstrated leadership skills with ability to motivate and develop team members.
• Knowledge of industrial safety and environmental regulations is essential.
• Proficiency with maintenance management systems and computer applications.
• Must successfully pass pre-employment drug testing, background checks, and complete necessary trainings or orientation.
• Excellent organizational and time management capabilities for multitasking and meeting deadlines.
• Effective communication and interpersonal abilities for collaboration across departments and management levels.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to tackle maintenance challenges and identify cost-efficient solutions.

Working Environment

• Approximately 80% of work performed indoors in a production setting with exposure to heights, extreme temperatures, loud noise, low lighting, and required PPE usage; work involves physical activities such as climbing, crouching, kneeling, and navigating slippery or uneven surfaces with potential hazards like caustic chemicals, magnets, and pressurized steam.
• Around 20% of time spent seated in controlled buildings using computers, involving repetitive mouse and keyboard use, verbal communication, and occasional high-stress emergency response coordination.

Equal Employment Opportunity

U.S. Sugar maintains an equal opportunity policy that prohibits discrimination or harassment based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, genetics, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other protected category. This policy covers all employment processes, including hiring, promotion, compensation, and training.