Lead Maintenance - Irvine Plant

Northgate Gonzalez Markets•Irvine, CA

13d

About The Position

The Lead Maintenance assists the Plant Maintenance Manager with the plant’s preventive maintenance program and infrastructure. The role oversees operation, installation, repair, and maintenance of utility systems, including hot and cold water, gas, steam, condensate return, wastewater, compressed air, and electrical systems. Under the Maintenance Manager’s guidance, the Lead Maintenance executes scheduled preventive maintenance for plant equipment and keeps detailed records of the work performed. The role also assists with department budgeting, payroll, and parts procurement; maintains equipment and spare-parts inventory; and monitors department KPIs. The Lead Maintenance leads mechanical and electrical staff, supports timely maintenance and repairs to meet production needs, and works with Production, Quality Assurance, and Sanitation to troubleshoot equipment and protect it from water and operator damage. The position supports staff recruiting, training, coaching, evaluation, development, and cross-training. It monitors personnel activities for performance and compliance with company standards, food safety, sanitation, and productivity requirements. The role supports plant safety and loss-prevention activities, including training, enforcing safety procedures, investigating accidents, and implementing repairs and improvements. It helps ensure compliance with safety rules, HACCP, SSOPs, GMPs, and food-safety guidelines, and assists with inspections and corrective actions in conjunction with the QA Director. The Lead Maintenance also works with management and operational departments to resolve maintenance issues and improve equipment performance and operations. The position is expected to lead by example and promote the company’s values and a positive, fair work environment.

Requirements

High school diploma.
At least 2 years of experience in a food manufacturing setting.
Basic mechanical skills.
Strong knowledge of inventory and supply-chain processes.
Basic computer skills, particularly with Excel, Word, and Outlook.
Strong organizational and analytical skills.
Ability to think strategically and constructively in a team setting.
Basic written, verbal, communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills.
Outstanding attendance record.
Forklift certification.
Food Handler certification.

Responsibilities

Assist the Plant Maintenance Manager in managing the preventive maintenance program and plant infrastructure.
Oversee operation, installation, repair, and maintenance of plant utility systems, including water, gas, steam, condensate return, wastewater, compressed air, and electrical systems.
Execute daily, weekly, monthly, and quarterly preventive maintenance of plant equipment and maintain detailed records.
Assist with department budgeting, payroll, and parts procurement.
Lead mechanical and electrical staff to ensure maintenance and repairs are completed promptly and the plant is prepared for production requirements.
Troubleshoot plant processing equipment with Production, QA, and Sanitation teams, and maintain equipment according to operating manuals.
Assist the Maintenance Manager with recruiting, training, coaching, and evaluating staff.
Maintain an adequate inventory of spare parts and supplies to support reliable equipment operation.
Ensure equipment complies with safety and operational requirements.
Support safety and loss-prevention activities, including employee training, safety-procedure enforcement, accident investigations, and implementation of repairs and improvements.
Ensure compliance with facility and department safety rules, HACCP, SSOPs, GMPs, and company food-safety guidelines.
Monitor and document maintenance personnel performance and compliance with quality, safety, sanitation, and productivity standards.
Lead, coach, develop, and cross-train team members.
Assist with fire, FDA, USDA, U.S. Agriculture, and Orange County Health Department inspections, and work with the QA Director on responses and corrective actions.
Maintain equipment in optimum operational condition and lead utility-system maintenance to provide continuous supplies of heat, steam, electricity, gas, or air.
Inspect operating machinery and equipment for conformance with operational standards.
Assist in planning, developing, and implementing methods and procedures to improve operations, reduce costs, and better use labor and materials.
Consult with management, Production, Warehouse, and Quality Assurance personnel to resolve maintenance problems and recommend improvements.
Monitor daily department KPIs.
Perform special projects and other duties as assigned.