Senior Manager, Technical Operations

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 the Senior Manager of Technical Operations, you will be responsible for overseeing the planning, execution, and optimization of technical processes and systems that support operational excellence. In this role, you will ensure the reliability, efficiency, and safety of engineering and maintenance activities, while driving continuous improvement and innovation across facilities and infrastructure.

What you will be doing…

• Lead and manage technical teams responsible for engineering, maintenance, and operational support.
• Develop and implement strategies for equipment reliability, preventive maintenance, and asset lifecycle management.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align technical strategies with operational needs. Building a best-in-class maintenance program.
• Manage company-wide maintenance budgets, KPIs, and workforce planning
• Lead the engineering team in developing innovative solutions to improve plant performance. Providing technical guidance on equipment upgrades, automation, and process optimization.
• Drive a safety first mindset. Ensuring compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.

When visiting the plants, you will be expected to….

• 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 communication skills and the ability to speak, read, and write English fluently, with or without an accommodation.

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.