Lead Maintenance Mechanic A

Kerry Group; Melrose Park (IL); On-site; USD 47,000 - 67,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

401(k) plan with company contribution

Paid time off

Employee Share Plan

Job summary

Kerry, located in Melrose Park just outside Chicago, is seeking a maintenance-focused professional to support and lead maintenance activities in our Meat division. The role involves coordinating maintenance tasks, repairing and installing equipment, and guiding a team to ensure safety and quality in a fast-paced facility.

The position requires hands-on mechanical skills, ability to manage manpower scheduling, and a proactive approach to equipment reliability.

Responsibilities

• Acts as backup for the Maintenance group lead.
• Assists in daily manpower scheduling and execution.
• Leads and trains team members. Supports preventative maintenance planning.
• Recommends permanent solutions to recurring issues.
• Communicates critical situations and seeks guidance when needed.
• Operates welding and metalworking equipment; fabricates and modifies equipment.

Job description

Kerry is the world's leading taste and nutrition company for the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries. Every day we partner with customers to create healthier, tastier and more sustainable products that are consumed by billions of people across the world. Our vision is to be our customers' most valued partner, creating a world of sustainable nutrition. A career with Kerry offers you an opportunity to shape the future of food while providing you opportunities to explore and grow in a truly global environment.

About the role

Located just outside of Chicago, our Melrose Park location is part of our Meat division and creates batter blends, pastry blends, and bread crumbs. We are a fast paced, never a dull moment manufacturing facility that comes together as a team to get the job done. With a growing portfolio, comes need to grow our team! If you’re looking to build a career in manufacturing with a team you can make a difference with, we might be the place for you!

• Melrose Park is part of a Union.
• Additional Compensation information listed on the bottom of this job ad.
• Union wage guaranteed pay increases at 6 months, 12 months, and 18 months of employment!

Organizational Responsibilities:

• Shift/Working Hours: Friday - Monday 2AM - 12PM - Overtime when needed, no shift differential.
• Demonstrates leadership in safety by enforcing rules, encouraging safe behaviors, and correcting unsafe conditions.
• Supports Quality & Food Safety Policies and ensures compliance with management systems.

General Statement of Responsibility:

• Supports the Maintenance Supervisor in coordinating and executing maintenance activities.
• Repairs and installs equipment, performs building maintenance.
• Leads team focus, maintains a positive attitude, and promotes learning and collaboration.

Essential Functions:

• Acts as backup for the Maintenance group lead.
• Assists in daily manpower scheduling and execution.
• Leads and trains team members.Supports preventative maintenance planning.
• Recommends permanent solutions to recurring issues.
• Communicates critical situations and seeks guidance when needed.
• Uses tools and equipment to maintain machinery.
• Performs repairs, inspections, and adjustments.
• Ensures compliance with quality and food safety procedures.
• Operates welding and metalworking equipment.Fabricates and modifies equipment.
• Troubleshoots control I/O.
• Connects to PLCs for third-party inspection.
• Repairs electrical equipment (DC and AC voltages).

Marginal Functions:

• Operates forklift and aerial lifts.
• Assists in parts storeroom as needed.

Qualifications and skills

Work Environment and Physical Requirements:

Exposure to noise, wet floors, steam equipment, and confined spaces.

Requires climbing, crawling, bending, lifting (25–50 lbs), and working at heights.

Must work in varying temperatures and use physical force for equipment handling.

Requires close, distance, and color vision, focus adjustment, and auditory acuity.

The pay rate for this position is $41.18 per hour. Kerry offers a competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, paid time off, a 401(k) plan with employee and company contribution opportunities, Employee Share Plan, Life, disability, and accident insurance. This job posting is anticipated to expire on 4/30/2026.

Kerry is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. Kerry will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditional upon the successful completion of a background investigation and drug screen. Additional information can be found at: Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal (dol.gov) .