Maintenance and Reliability Manager

Gay Lea Foods; Toronto; On-site; CAD 95,000 - 146,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Canadian dairy co-operative is hiring for a Maintenance role in Toronto, Ontario. This full-time position involves leading maintenance staff, ensuring efficient operations of plant equipment, and implementing continuous improvement practices. Minimum five years of experience in the food industry and relevant educational background are required. Competitive salary plus bonuses and benefits are offered. Join a company committed to community and quality.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits

Retirement savings plan

Paid vacation

Bonus opportunities

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years of experience in the food/beverage industry.
• Ability to prioritize and schedule work effectively in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Maintenance team in scheduling and preventative maintenance.
• Safely maintain all mechanical and electrical systems.
• Coordinate with outside contractors to ensure safety compliance.

Skills

Leadership

Technical troubleshooting

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Computer skills (CMMS, MS Office)

Education

Diploma or degree in mechanical or engineering technology

Millwright or Electrician license

Tools

Computerized Maintenance Management Software (CMMS)

MS Office

Job description

180 Ormont Dr, North York, ON M9L 1N7, Canada

Job Description

Posted Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at 5:00 AM

Department: Maintenance
Reports to: Operations Manager
Status: Full-time

Food & Safety Quality Level: 1

The pay range for the role is $95,300 to $145,300, plus bonus, comprehensive benefits, retirement savings plan, paid vacation, and other perks and opportunities.

Job Scope:

Reporting to the Operations Manager, the scope of this position involves the responsibility of safe and efficient operation and electromechanical repairs of all plant equipment in a 24 x 7 facility, as well as the maintenance of the plant & building infrastructure. This position is responsible for leading and supporting the maintenance staff with a special focus on reliability, building a predictive maintenance culture, continuously improving processes and efficiencies.

Key Accountabilities:

• Provide leadership to the Skilled Trades employees, and programs to support safe and efficient operations
• Train and develop maintenance staff using continuous improvement methods, including effective troubleshooting and equipment repairs.
• Safely maintain all mechanical and electrical systems, all plant processing and packaging machinery, boilers, air compressors and refrigeration systems
• Working directly with outside third parties such as the City of Toronto, ESA, TSSA etc.
• Direct and lead the Maintenance team in scheduling, preventative maintenance, and repair of all production equipment, including building maintenance.
• Oversee the planning and coordination of all skilled trades within the plant on a 24/7 basis (this includes Chief Operating Engineer, Operating Engineers, Millwrights and Electricians)
• Monitor, support and maintain the Quality, Food Safety and SQF systems.
• Food Safety & Quality responsibility as outlined in SOPs and other training materials provided and accurate record keeping
• Partner with our Corporate Engineering Team to develop, plan, and execute Capital Projects, including R&M Projects.
• Oversee the safe and efficient operation of all utilities (Steam Boilers, Refrigeration, Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP), Cooling Tower, Air Compressors, HVAC, etc.) within the facility, working with the Chief Operating Engineer and Operating Engineers who are responsible for maintaining on a daily basis.
• Coordinate with all outside contractors and ensure that work is completed in a safe manner that complies with all necessary manufacturing codes, regulations and standards i.e. H&SE, GMPs, HACCP, WHMIS, SDS
• Improve and maintain existing preventative maintenance systems
• Identify opportunities and make recommendations to continuously improve maintenance operations efficiencies and building systems
• Assist Operations Manager and senior management with establishing and implementing operating and capital budgets; ensure maintenance operates within budget parameters
• Attend prescribed courses and training as required
• Perform other duties as assigned by management

Qualifications & Competencies:

• Educational background in mechanical or engineering technology (diploma or degree), coupled with a Millwright and/or Electrician license (or equivalent), knowledge of automation, is considered an asset
• Minimum of five (5) years’ experience leading a team in a related position within the food/ beverage industry
• Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills
• Solid technical troubleshooting and problem-solving skills (Mechanical, Electrical, Controls, automation etc.)
• Progressive approach to maintenance and process improvement driven
• Computer skills – experience with a Computerized Maintenance Management Software (CMMS) and MS Office (Excel, Word, Outlook, etc.)
• Ability to prioritize, plan and schedule work effectively with a production team in a fast paced and values driven environment

Gay Lea Foods is a leading Canadian dairy co-operative renowned for producing high-quality, nutritious dairy products that Canadian families love and trust. From farm to table, our 1,200 farmer members in Ontario and Manitoba, and more than 1,200 employees across four provinces, work together to nourish communities through award-winning brands including Gay Lea, Nordica, Salerno, Bothwell Cheese, and more. As part of its deeply rooted, balanced commitment to people, profit, and planet, Gay Lea Foods proudly invests one percent of pre-tax earnings back into Canadian communities through a national food security partnership with Second Harvest, and the community-building efforts of the Gay Lea Foundation. To learn more, visit gayleafoods.com .

Gay Lea Foods is an equal-opportunity employer and values diversity in our workplace.

Reasonable accommodation is available upon request throughout our recruitment and selection process.

Gay Lea Foods may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support aspects of the recruitment process, including screening and assessment.

We are currently accepting applications for this open position.

Thank you for your interest in Gay Lea Foods.

Wishing you all the best with your career search!

180 Ormont Dr, North York, ON M9L 1N7, Canada