Essential Functions and Role:

Meeting USDA, HACCP, GMPF, and Company standards, and under the supervision of the Maintenance Manager, the functions of this hands on Maintenance Lead position are to play a critical role in keeping our plant equipment safe, reliable, and efficient. Reporting to the Maintenance Manager, this role is responsible for leading a maintenance team in the execution of preventive maintenance, advanced troubleshooting, and continuous improvement of electrical and control systems within a food manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities Include and Accountable For:

Maintenance Execution, Team Leadership & Troubleshooting:
- Lead and direct daily maintenance activities to ensure safe, timely, and effective execution of preventive maintenance, corrective repairs, rebuilds, and planned work in compliance with USDA, HACCP, GMP, and company standards.
- Assign work, coordinate labor, and provide on-shift leadership to ensure work orders are executed efficiently and equipment reliability targets are met.
- Serve as the senior technical resource for electrical and controls troubleshooting for PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, and plant control systems.
- Actively participate in hands-on maintenance repairs, complex troubleshooting, and emergency response as needed to support the team.
- Support operations during equipment upsets by coordinating rapid response and effective troubleshooting.
Reliability, Continuous Improvement & Root Cause Analysis:
- Lead and participate in root cause analysis for recurring equipment and automation failures and ensure corrective actions are implemented by the team.
- Identify reliability improvement opportunities related to automation, electrical systems, and PM effectiveness.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives that reduce downtime, improve equipment performance, and enhance safety.
- Reinforce disciplined startup, shutdown, and troubleshooting practices to protect equipment health.
Daily Planning, Work Order Execution & Accountability:
- Execute the daily maintenance plan by leading start-of-shift huddles, assigning work orders, and ensuring clear expectations for the team.
- Hold the team accountable for work order completion, documentation accuracy, and shift handoff communication.
- Partner with Maintenance Managers to identify gaps and barriers impacting execution (labor, materials, access, scheduling).
- Support PM compliance and ensure preventive work is completed effectively and on time.
Training, Coaching & Team Development:
- Provide on-the-job technical training and mentorship to maintenance technicians.
- Identify skill gaps and training needs within the team and communicate needs to maintenance leadership.
- Promote safe work habits, proper troubleshooting techniques, and continuous learning within the crew.
Safety & Regulatory Compliance:
- Enforce compliance with electrical codes, OSHA standards, LOTO, arc flash requirements, and company safety policies.
- Lead by example with safe work practices and active involvement in safety observations and hazard mitigation.
- Support audits, inspections, and regulatory compliance activities as required.
Documentation, Reporting & Communication:
- Ensure accurate documentation of work orders, troubleshooting actions, equipment changes, and PM findings.
- Communicate equipment status, downtime drivers, and maintenance risks to managers and operations leadership.
- Provide input on equipment reliability trends and performance metrics.
Perform other tasks as assigned by management

Key Measurable Results:

Safety Performance:
- Zero lost-time incidents.
- Proactive identification and resolution of electrical safety risks.
- Corrective Maintenance work to address safety risks are planned within 24 hours and completed within 48 hours
Quality Performance:
- Reviewing quality incidents and near misses to determine if procedures or training need to be updated
- Corrective Maintenance work to address quality risks are planned within 24 hours and completed within 72 hours
Equipment Uptime:
- Maintain high uptime through effective troubleshooting and preventative maintenance. Effectively communicating anticipated time to repair equipment to Maintenance and Operations leadership
- Reviewing mechanical downtime events in reference to PM/CM completion and reporting any findings to Maintenance leadership.
- Utilize continuous improvement to advance current Preventative Maintenance procedures and practices
- Track and report out WO completion performance with Preventative Maintenance Completion > 90% and Corrective Maintenance Completion > 80%

Qualifications:

Education & Experience:
- High School Diploma or equivalent (required)
- Minimum of 5–8 years of industrial maintenance experience in a food manufacturing or similarly regulated production environment.
- Prior experience leading, coaching, or directing maintenance personnel in a shift-based or production support environment strongly preferred.
Skills & Abilities:
- Strong knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic systems.
- Proficiency in maintenance management software and tools.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Strong problem-solving abilities with a hands-on approach.
- Capacity to work well independently and as part of a team.

Ability to coordinate daily maintenance work, prioritize urgent repairs, and ensure PMs and work orders are completed effectively.
Skill set to analyze equipment failures, participate in root cause analysis, and help implement corrective and preventive actions.

Additional Information:
- Flexibility in hours may be necessary to support business needs, which will be planned out in advance.
- Weekend work may be required to support production, projects, or maintenance needs.
- A valid driver’s license is required.

Physical Qualifications:

The physical demands listed below represent those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.

Must be able to perform all essential job functions safely and effectively.
Must be able to lift and torque equipment weighing up to 70 pounds.
Must be able to work at heights up to 17 feet for inspection or repair of equipment.
Must be able to work in wet, cold, and uneven environments, including sloped or pitched flooring and steps throughout work areas.
Must be able to stand, bend, twist, reach, and move continuously for 10–12 hours or for the full duration of the shift.
Must be able to work underneath, on, or around equipment, including in confined spaces as small as 2 feet by 2 feet.
Must be able to perform repairs efficiently in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
Must be able to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), which includes:
- Ear plugs
- Hard hat
- Hair net
- Protective coat or smock
- Forearm protection
- Plastic gloves
- Cotton gloves
Ability to work in standard office conditions when needed.
Ability to operate office equipment such as a computer, phone, copier, labeler, and laminator.
Ability to clearly hear and understand verbal instructions, alarms, and emergency signals, and to respond quickly and appropriately to emergency situations.
Ability to read and comprehend written and printed materials, including computer screens and written instructions.
Ability to communicate clearly and professionally in both oral and written form.
Must be able to read, write, and understand English.