Maintenance Team Lead

Winland Foods•Elk Grove, IL

1d•$40 - $42•Onsite

About The Position

At Winland Foods, our success starts with people who live our values of Excellence, Quality, Integrity, Respect, and Collaboration every day. As a Maintenance Team Member, you’ll play a vital role in ensuring the reliability, safety, and efficiency of our operations. From entry-level tasks like stocking spare parts and assisting with basic repairs to advanced responsibilities such as troubleshooting complex systems, performing fabrication, and leading preventative maintenance programs, every level of this team contributes to keeping production running smoothly. This is more than maintaining equipment—it’s about problem-solving, teamwork, and continuous improvement. Whether you’re learning foundational skills or leading major projects, you’ll help minimize downtime, optimize performance, and uphold the highest standards of safety and quality. By leveraging your technical expertise and commitment to excellence, you’ll make a direct impact on operational success and the experience we deliver to our customers.

Requirements

Strong mechanical aptitude and ability to troubleshoot complex systems.
Commitment to safety and compliance with GMPs and OSHA standards.
Effective communication and teamwork skills.
Problem-solving ability and attention to detail in fast-paced environments.
Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and learn new technologies.
High School Diploma or GED required.
Minimum 1 year of work experience, preferably in manufacturing or food production.
18+ years of age.
Ability to follow verbal and written instruction as well as perform accurate math functions.
Understands and abides by Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and Good Manufacturing Principles (GMPs).
Experience working with manufacturing equipment preferred.
Demonstrate mechanical aptitude.
Knowledge of GMPs, SQF, HACCP, FSMA, and other food safety regulations.
Commitment to following all company safety policies and procedures.
Must wear all required personal protection equipment (PPE) associated with specific manufacturing work environment and job duties as stated in the Employee Handbook, posted policies, or as assigned by leadership personnel. To include, wearing Blue Nitrile Gloves in production Zone 1 areas.
Follows all safety policies and procedures, such as lock out/tag out, safe lifting techniques, and all others as instructed.
Assumes leadership role and sets a positive example for team members.
Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
Demonstrated accountability for work quality, attendance, and continuous improvement.
Must be dependable, reliable, and handle equipment safely and sensibly.
Able to work mandatory overtime, including Saturdays/Sundays as determined by business needs.
Employees must be able to stand and walk for extended periods of time.
Tasks may involve frequent climbing, pulling, pushing, carrying, grasping, reaching, twisting, turning, and stooping.
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs frequently.
Must have good hand-eye coordination, motor skills, and 20/20 corrected vision.
Must have normal hearing and vision (with correction if needed), including the ability to distinguish colors for color-coded containers in production areas.
Employees must wear all required PPE according to the specific manufacturing environment, as outlined in the Employee Handbook, posted policies, or as directed by leadership.
Must adhere to all safety policies, including lock-out/tag-out, safe lifting techniques, and others as instructed.
Must maintain a clean and safe work environment and report any food safety or quality issues immediately to management.

Nice To Haves

Forklift certification preferred (required for Advanced Level); willingness to obtain certification if not already held.

Responsibilities

Troubleshoot, repair, and perform preventative maintenance on mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems.
Assist with machine setup, equipment modifications, and rebuilds to ensure optimal performance.
Maintain accurate documentation and update records in CMMS systems.
Follow all safety protocols and uphold GMPs and food safety standards.
Collaborate with team members and leadership to resolve equipment issues and minimize downtime.
Perform and oversee complex troubleshooting, repair, and maintenance of mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems.
Lead preventative maintenance, equipment rebuilds, and new installations, ensuring reliability and efficiency.
Utilize advanced knowledge of blueprints, schematics, and wiring diagrams to diagnose and resolve equipment issues.
Proactively identify and address safety hazards, adhering to OSHA standards, GMPs, and company safety policies.
Maintain a clean, safe work environment, ensuring compliance with all safety procedures, including LOTO and confined space entry.
Lead by example in upholding food safety and quality standards.
Guide and assign maintenance tasks, coordinate line calls, and oversee preventative maintenance functions with the Maintenance Scheduler/Planner.
Act as a liaison between supervisors and maintenance teams, ensuring communication of priorities and efficient task execution.
Mentor and train mechanics, technicians, and production employees, fostering a positive team environment and upholding company values.
Partner with Training Leads to develop training programs and participate in ongoing education, including CBT and technical certifications.
Work collaboratively with contractors, specialists, and other departments to address equipment repairs, line changeovers, and production needs.
Drive innovation by generating ideas to improve safety, processes, and team performance.
Manage CMMS updates, including work orders, equipment history, and spare parts inventory, ensuring accuracy and efficiency.
Complete required documentation for audits, cleaning, and maintenance tasks while maintaining clear communication across departments.
Actively support continuous improvement initiatives in safety, quality, and production efficiency.