Engineering and Maintenance Manager, Kapua Orchards

About the role

The is a pivotal leadership position focused on the seamless execution of orchard operations engineering. This role provides strategic oversight for plant and orchard operations, ensuring that food-grade agricultural production and nut harvesting infrastructure function at the highest level of reliability and safety. You will manage complex site capital projects, coordinate with a diverse range of contractors, and maintain vigilant oversight of critical utility systems that support the agricultural lifecycle. Our organization operates as a Hawai'i-based entity with a significant global reach, serving markets that span over 23 countries with products ranging from flavored macadamia nuts to premium chocolate treats. You will translate the collective vision of sharing the Spirit of Hawai'i into tangible, operational excellence on the ground. Close collaboration with the site Plant Manager, the company's Head of Engineering, and the broader leadership team is essential to drive continuous improvement and performance. Success in this role means you directly contribute to the social and environmental initiatives that define our operational character, supported by entities like our Takitani foundation and our solar investments on the Big Island.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Execute the preventative and corrective maintenance strategies necessary to uphold the reliability of all orchard and plant equipment.
• Lead the development and implementation of multi-year plans that direct orchard expansion, facility uptime, and operational resilience.
• Coordinate intake workflows meticulously to ensure smooth material flow and adherence to food safety mandates across all production lines.
• Design and oversee build strategies for equipment installs, ensuring strict compliance with regulatory standards and operational best practices.
• Own the scheduling and execution of ship routines to maintain packaging line momentum and minimize operational downtime.
• Establish partner playbooks that streamline supplier and contractor workflows, fostering accountability and efficiency across the supply chain.
• Champion data-driven decisions by analyzing utility performance metrics to optimize resource consumption and operational costs.
• Guide continuous improvement initiatives that synchronize throughput, cost, and quality across the entire agricultural and packaging environment.
• Lead review sessions that align maintenance schedules with aggressive production targets, balancing reliability with throughput demands.
• Ensure the integration of human safety into all operational decisions, cultivating a culture where safety, quality, and regulatory alignment are paramount.
• Partner closely with operations, quality, safety, and supply chain teams to resolve complex issues and drive holistic solutions.
• Leverage experience in high-speed manufacturing settings to apply best practices within the unique context of large-scale agricultural operations.

Requirements

• Possess a specific background in food processing or agriculture, demonstrating a clear understanding of the sector's unique challenges.
• Bring 3-5 years of proven experience managing engineering and maintenance functions in a demanding operational environment.
• Demonstrate the ability to direct site-level capital projects from initial concept through successful completion and commissioning.
• Show a history of effectively managing external contractors and third-party vendors to ensure timely and high-quality execution.
• Have a comprehensive understanding of packaging and processing equipment, including its application in agricultural settings.
• Possess a strong knowledge of facility utility infrastructure, including power, water, and compressed air systems.
• Consistently integrate human safety into all operational decisions, adhering to the highest standards of conduct and compliance.
• Exhibit a commitment to production efficiency, quality control, and strict adherence to regulatory alignment in all activities.
• Excel in partnering with operations, quality, safety, and supply chain departments to achieve unified operational goals.
• Have direct experience with large scale agricultural operations, providing context and empathy for the complexities of the environment.
• Hold experience in high-speed manufacturing settings, which is valued for its relevance to optimizing throughput and reliability.
• Understand that specific tools for this role are not prescribed, but a willingness to learn and adapt is essential.
• Be prepared to confirm all information and requirements found in the official source documentation before proceeding with any professional commitments.

Nice to have

• Experience within the macadamia nut or broader tree nut processing industry.
• Familiarity with sustainable agriculture practices and renewable energy integration on a commercial scale.
• Background in managing teams within a unionized environment.
• Prior involvement in projects involving the Takitani foundation or similar educational scholarship initiatives.
• Knowledge of the specific brands under the Hawaiian Host Group umbrella, including Mauna Loa and MacFarms.

Practical notes

This position is based in Captain Cook, Hawaii, and operates as a full-time salaried role. The successful candidate will be expected to work on-site at the Kapua Orchards facility, with potential for limited travel within the Hawaiian islands as required by operational needs. No specific visa sponsorship information is provided in the source material; candidates must confirm their eligibility to work in the United States. The role reports directly to the General Manager of Agricultural Operations and requires close collaboration with the company's Head of Engineering.