Position Summary
The Maintenance Lead is responsible for supervising and coordinating the daily activities of Maintenance Technicians to ensure the optimal performance, safety, and operational readiness of facility infrastructure and production machinery. Reporting to the Maintenance Supervisor, the Lead oversees shift schedules, allocates personnel to priority work orders, and ensures strict adherence to safety and food safety protocols. This role combines advanced technical expertise with administrative oversight, requiring the Lead to perform complex repairs while developing the technical skills of the team.
General Responsibilities
Personnel & Shift Management
- Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of Maintenance Technicians within the department.
- Manage technician attendance and scheduling; execute disciplinary actions in accordance with company policy.
- Determine work sequences and assign tasks based on work priority, equipment availability, and technician skill levels.
- Coordinate lunch and break schedules to ensure continuous maintenance coverage for production.
- Participate in the hiring process by reviewing credentials, conducting interviews, and making hiring recommendations.
- Counsel employees regarding work performance, personal growth, and career development.
- Identify high-potential employees for cross-training and assist in developing their technical potential.
- Provide coverage by performing technician duties in the event of absence, vacation, or emergency needs.
Safety, Quality, and Compliance Oversight
- Ensure all employees consistently follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Work Instructions (WIs), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), and safety rules.
- Inspect work areas and equipment to prevent, detect, and correct unsafe conditions or regulatory violations.
- Strictly enforce Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures and the proper use of company-specified Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
- Support audits by regulatory agencies to ensure food production compliance and audit readiness.
- Monitor work practices to maintain sanitary conditions and prevent cross-contamination during repairs.
- Provide employee safety training and ensure all technicians are current on compliance requirements. Technical & Operational Leadership
- Oversee the performance of predictive, preventative (PM), and corrective maintenance on all facility and production systems.
- Perform highly skilled repairs and lead the most complex technical projects requiring advanced trade knowledge.
- Interpret blueprints, technical specifications, and job orders to guide the team in installations or repairs.
- Support the installation of new equipment and lead training efforts for technical staff on new machinery.
- Provide ongoing supervision and technical guidance during the repair of machinery and utility systems.
- Identify and recommend advanced tools, technologies, and management systems to improve efficiency.
- Develop and implement communication tools (electronic, written, and verbal) to improve information flow within and outside the department. Maintenance Administration & Logistics
- Maintain comprehensive maintenance reports and detailed records of all repair work conducted.
- Verify that equipment maintenance checklists are completed accurately and documented in the CMMS.
- Monitor parts inventory to ensure adequate supply levels are maintained to support uninterrupted production.
- Initiate supply orders to replenish standard stock levels and stage materials for upcoming maintenance windows.
- Coordinate with Production, QA, and Warehouse leadership to ensure the most efficient use of maintenance resources.
- Monitor and supervise external contractors working on-site to ensure compliance with safety and quality standards.
Required Minimum Education and Experience
- Education: High School Diploma or GED required.
- Experience: 3+ years of formal trades experience in a manufacturing environment.
- Technical Knowledge: Strong proficiency in OSHA regulations, safety protocols, and foundational mechanical/electrical systems.
- Computer Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
- Availability: Willingly support emergency maintenance needs and, when able, offer flexibility for after hours or weekend assistance.
Preferred Qualifications
- 3+ years of experience in a specific trade and/or a formal leadership role.
- Previous experience working within an FDA-regulated food manufacturing facility.
- Proven experience in technical training, welding, insulation, or complex electrical repairs.
Job Skills & Competencies
- Accuracy and Detail: Precision in diagnostics and meticulous record-keeping.
- Judgment: Sound decision-making under pressure and the ability to prioritize competing demands.
- Communication: High proficiency in English (verbal and written) and the ability to handle confidential information.
- Customer Service: Demonstration of the highest level of service toward internal stakeholders (Production, QA, Warehouse).
- Adaptability: Ability to multitask and pivot between administrative tasks and hands-on technical repairs.
- Management Directly supervises shift activities. Manages technician attendance, daily scheduling, and shift-level disciplinary actions.
- Support Participates in the hiring process (interviews/recommendations). Resolves immediate personnel grievances or escalates as needed.
- Coordination Partners with Production, QA, and Warehouse leadership to prioritize work orders and manage technician break schedules.
- Audit Support Supports the Maintenance Supervisor during regulatory audits (FDA/SQF). Ensures all documentation is audit-ready and GMPs are followed.
- Compliance Conducts safety inspections of work areas to detect and correct unsafe conditions or SOP violations.
- Administrative Verifies parts stock and requests supply orders for Supervisor approval. Maintains shift-level maintenance reports.
- Experience 2–5 years of trade experience with 1+ years in a leadership role. Strong knowledge of OSHA and plant safety rules.
Pay: $30.50 - $33.50 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Referral program
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
