Crewleader Cookroom

Del Monte Foods; Town of Plover (WI); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. is seeking a Cookroom Crew Leader to oversee and maintain cookroom operations in our processing facility in Wisconsin. You will lead maintenance activities, troubleshoot equipment, and support seasonal staff to ensure safe, compliant production of sterile canned products.

The role requires mechanical aptitude, experience in food manufacturing, and the ability to train seasonal workers while coordinating with maintenance, production, quality, and safety teams.

Qualifications

• Mechanical aptitude required for maintenance and tune-ups.
• Welding and torch cutting experience is required.
• Basic knowledge of electricity, hydraulics, and steam systems.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Valid driver's license is required.
• Ability to lead and train seasonal employees.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to use a variety of hand tools and maintenance equipment.
• Ability to work all shifts and overtime as needed.

Responsibilities

• Maintain, troubleshoot, repair, and operate cookroom equipment and conveyors.
• Diagnose equipment failures and minimize downtime to support production.
• Perform preventative maintenance, inspections, and lubrication.
• Assist with changeovers, startup/shutdown activities, and line prep.
• Support parts installation, upgrades, and process improvements.
• Coordinate with maintenance and production to prioritize repairs.
• Document labor hours, repairs, and maintenance actions accurately.
• Train seasonal employees on equipment, safety, and procedures.
• Enforce safety, quality, attendance, and housekeeping standards.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Welding & torch cutting

Electrical & hydraulics

Communication skills

Valid driver's license

Leadership & training

Problem solving

Hand tool proficiency

Shift flexibility

Education

Post-high school mechanical maintenance training or technical education

Tools

Shop tools

Job description

Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. is a global leader in the production, distribution, and marketing of fresh, value-added, and shelf-stable fruits and vegetables under our Fresh and Foods divisions. Our diverse product portfolio proudly bears the Del Monte brand and also includes prepared fruits and vegetables, juices, beverages, snacks, and desserts - available in over 80 countries worldwide. With operations spanning more than 35 countries, we've proudly been nourishing families for over 135 years.

Purpose of Position:

Del Monte Foods is the Foods Division of Fresh Del Monte, a global grower, producer and marketer of fresh, value-added, and shelf-stable produce. Del Monte Foods has a powerful portfolio of brands, including the iconic Del Monte, Contadina and S&W. We are currently seeking a Cookroom Crew Leader. The Cookroom Crew Leader is responsible for maintaining, troubleshooting, repairing, and operating cookroom equipment used in root crop and green bean processing operations. This role supports safe, efficient, and compliant production of commercially sterile canned products that meet company quality, food safety, and productivity standards.

The Cookroom Crew Leader works closely with production, maintenance, quality, sanitation, and operations teams to maintain cookroom performance, minimize downtime, and support seasonal employee training. This role functions primarily as a skilled maintenance mechanic within the cookroom area while also providing day-to-day guidance to seasonal employees during processing season. The position does not have direct reports but is expected to support work coordination, training, and maintenance documentation within the department.

Accountabilities:

Equipment Maintenance and Troubleshooting

• Maintain, troubleshoot, repair, and operate cookroom equipment, conveyors, can tracks, and related systems.
• Diagnose equipment failures and complete repairs to minimize downtime and support production schedules.
• Perform preventative maintenance activities, equipment inspections, lubrication, and minor fabrication work.
• Assist with equipment changeovers, startup activities, shutdowns, and seasonal line preparation.
• Support installation of replacement parts, equipment upgrades, and process improvements.
• Work closely with maintenance and production teams to prioritize repairs and maintain operational readiness.
• Track maintenance work performed and complete required labor hour, repair, and maintenance documentation accurately.

Cookroom Operations and Product Certification

• Operate cookroom equipment in a manner that maintains compliance with established procedures, product specifications, and sterilization requirements.
• Complete required documentation accurately and maintain product certification records.
• Review cookroom logs, temperature records, weight checks, seam integrity records, and other production documentation for accuracy.
• Support internal audits, inspections, and verification activities related to food safety and product quality.
• Maintain compliance with Better Processing School requirements and cookroom certification standards.

• Assist with corrective actions, deviation reviews, and documentation updates as needed.

Employee Support and Training

• Train and guide seasonal employees on cookroom equipment, procedures, food safety, and work expectations.
• Provide day-to-day direction to seasonal employees within the cookroom area during production season.
• Reinforce safety, quality, attendance, productivity, and housekeeping expectations.
• Support onboarding and training of new employees within the department.
• Promote teamwork, communication, accountability, and cross-functional support across the facility.

Safety, Food Safety, and Quality

• Follow all company safety policies, GMPs, food safety requirements, and quality standards.
• Maintain safe operation of cookroom equipment and work areas.
• Support lockout/tagout, confined space, hot work, and chemical handling procedures.
• Report unsafe conditions, equipment issues, injuries, and product quality concerns promptly.
• Maintain clean and organized work areas within the cookroom department.
• Support compliance with product certification requirements and commercially sterile food processing standards.

Minimum Skills Required:

• Mechanical aptitude required.
• Welding and torch cutting experience required.
• Basic knowledge of electricity, hydraulics, and steam systems required.
• Good verbal and written communication skills required.
• Basic computer skills required.
• Valid driver's license required.
• Ability to lead and train employees effectively.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to use a variety of hand tools and maintenance equipment.
• Ability to provide personal tools needed to perform assigned duties.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to work all shifts and overtime as needed.
• Ability to crawl, squat, kneel, bend, twist, reach, climb, and work overhead.
• Ability to work in hot, humid, and changing plant environments.
• Ability to maintain strong attendance and follow all company policies
• Post-high school mechanical maintenance training or technical education.
• 3-5 years of maintenance, production, or cookroom experience.
• Experience working in a food manufacturing or canning environment.
• Experience leading seasonal employees or training new employees.
• Experience with product certification programs and documentation requirements.
• Experience with Better Processing School or commercially sterile food production requirements.
• Experience with continuous improvement, process improvement, or equipment reliability initiatives.
• Equivalent combinations of education, mechanical experience, maintenance experience, production experience, leadership experience, and food manufacturing experience that provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be considered.

***Please note: This position does not qualify for relocation expenses.***

Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. is a global leader in the production, distribution, and marketing of fresh and fresh cut fruits and vegetables. Our diverse product portfolio also includes prepared fruits and vegetables, juices, beverages, snacks, and desserts-available in over 80 countries worldwide. With operations spanning more than 35 countries, we've proudly been nourishing families for over 135 years.

We are committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace and are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Fresh Del Monte and its affiliates do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, gender, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We also participate in E-Verify* where applicable, to ensure employment authorization eligibility. Driven by our core values-Excellence, Care, Passion, Trust, and Creativity-we invite you to explore our career opportunities and join our FRESH team.