Utilities Manager

Position Summary

The Utilities Manager is responsible for managing, strategic planning and directing the day-to-day operation of the plant utilities systems as well as the building facility’s needs. This role will also provide technical support and troubleshooting as needed for 24/7 plant operations.

This position reports to the Plant Engineering Manager and works in tandem with the Maintenance Manager, Reliability Engineering Manager, the Wastewater Pretreatment Manager, and their corresponding teams to ensure the reliability and performance of the plantwide utility systems.

Location and Travel Requirements

There will be a need for 50-75% travel to other Daisy facilities for onboarding for the first 6-9 months. Once onboarding is complete the ongoing travel expectation is up to 25% until plant startup. Post plant startup travel is as needed.

For Boone, IA location: The position is currently located at a temporary office in Ames, IA. Expected in 2028, upon completion of construction, the position will be moving to be onsite at our new manufacturing plant in Boone, IA.

Work Schedule

Typically, Monday-Friday, with the expectation and flexibility to be on call or on site as needed to support 24/7 operations. Also, the flexibility to manage project execution, as needed, after hours or weekends as systems availability or deadlines dictate.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership Responsibilities

• Oversite and development of all direct reports
• PTO coverage plan for technicians
• Collaborating with Engineering, Maintenance, Processing & Plant Leadership in steering priorities through planning meetings

Utilities Systems Management

• Strategic planning and budgeting for the operation
• Schedules all Critical PM’s (Boiler/Steam, Ammonia Refrigeration, Compressed Air & City Water processes)
• Annual Boiler Inspections/Permitting
• Annual backflow preventer audits and city reporting compliance
• Process Safety Management Key Role of compliance and program updates
• Ensure Appropriate Documentation and Training Needs are administered
• Month end water and electricity reporting

Building Facilities Systems Management

• Tier II, Form R, Storm Water and any air compliance as directed by Plant Engineering Manager
• Strategic planning and budgeting for the operation
• HVAC systems
• Roofing systems, flooring systems, Floor drains, people facilities plumbing and fixtures
• Lawn Care Management
• Annual Factory Mutual Facility Assessment
• Facility Fire Systems Management
• Assist Facility Key and locker assignment program

Construction Management Responsibilities

• As needed assist in Project Management of;
  • Ammonia Refrigeration system changes
  • Utilities changes, Water, Steam, Compressed Air & HVAC Systems

Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Requirements

Education and Experience

• S. / M.S. degree in a field of Related Engineering or industry experience will be considered in lieu of a degree
• Five to ten years of industry experience in the Food & Beverage industry, preferably with Dairy background.
• Proven ability and expertise as it relates to the Principal duties described above.
• Excellent Formal and Informal Communication Skills, Professional Attitude, and Professional Appearance.
• Strong Computer Skills (Word, Excel, MS Project, One Note)
• Experience Installation and Commissioning of Utilities, waste treatment and Facilities Equipment
• Experience with 480 Volt distribution and motor controls.
• Experience with Variable Frequency Drive set up and automation
• Experience with a wide variety of control and instrumentation set up and calibration.
• Auto CAD Proficiency is beneficial
• Job requires bending, lifting, twisting, and periods of walking and standing.
• Work will be in a variety of manufacturing conditions including noise requiring hearing protection and varying temperatures.
• Ability to lift up to 50lb occasionally.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong analytical & applied problem-solving skills.
• Passion and aptitude as it relates to continuous improvement, process control.
• Proven record of working with teams and providing organizational influence and direction.
• Ability to take initiative and work independently.
• Ability to balance multiple priorities.
• Strong organizational, prioritization and multi-tasking abilities.
• Experience with setting up and developing standards and SOP’s, preventative maintenance practices for associated utilities, waste treatment and building facilities systems.
• Familiar with Rockwell ladder logic Micro Logix 5000, Archestra, MES, Flow transmitters, all pressure & temperature transmitters.

Company Overview

Daisy Brand is the market leader in two billion-dollar categories – sour cream and cottage cheese. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, we’ve earned the trust of Americans through consistency and quality across five generations as a family-owned company. Our success has been guided by a simple belief: good food, much like good work, starts with integrity. That mindset continues to shape how we make our products, run our business, and support the people behind the brand.

At Daisy Brand, tradition and innovation go hand in hand. We invest thoughtfully in advancements that strengthen our products and operations, supporting responsible, long-term growth. In 2025, we broke ground on a new manufacturing facility in Boone, Iowa, further strengthening our supply chain alongside our established plants in Garland, Texas; Casa Grande, Arizona; and Wooster, Ohio. Looking ahead, our state-of-the-art Innovation Center, opening in 2026, will bring together research, food science, culinary, and technology teams to shape the future of our products. Recent work from these teams includes the development of the squeeze pouch and new line of dips, reflecting an intentional approach to modernization while staying true to the quality our consumers expect.

At the heart of Daisy Brand is its people. The company is intentionally structured to be collaborative and accessible, with an entrepreneurial mindset encouraged at every level. We hire with the goal of building long-term careers and provide an environment where employees are trusted to think critically, take initiative, and continue learning. Growth here isn’t accidental; it’s actively supported and shared.

To support our employees and their families, Daisy Brand offers a people-first benefits package that includes:

• A no deductible, $0 premium option for employee only medical coverage
• Access to virtual healthcare and wellness programs
• A 401(k) program with company match, plus weekly safe harbor and annual profit-sharing contributions
• Company paid short and long-term disability coverage and 2x annual salary in life and AD&D insurance
• Four weeks of paid time off, plus 20 hours of floating holidays in your first full year of employment
• Annual rollover and payout options for any unused paid time off
• Paid time for volunteering and community involvement
• Tuition reimbursement and ongoing professional development opportunities
• Fitness and wellness incentives
• And more.

Daisy Brand is a nicotine-free company. Daisy Brand is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Veterans and disabled encouraged to apply.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.