Maintenance Lead

Smithfield Foods, Inc.; United States; On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Be Well programs

LinkedIn Learning access

Guild tuition assistance

Smithfield Scholarship Program

Training and development programs

Job summary

Smithfield Foods is seeking a Maintenance Lead to oversee our plant's maintenance team, keeping equipment and systems running smoothly in a fast-paced food manufacturing environment. You will mentor technicians, manage repairs, preventive maintenance, and safety compliance to support production.

This hands-on leadership role requires strong mechanical and electrical aptitude, teamwork, and a commitment to GMP and safety.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED with 1+ years in industrial mechanical/food manufacturing maintenance, or 4 years of related experience.
• Technical diploma or associate degree preferred.
• Ability to function in a team and interact with all levels including contractors.
• Ability to operate a forklift, genie lift or scissor lift (PIT).
• Relocation package available.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor maintenance technicians, ensuring tasks are completed on time and to standard.
• Oversee preventive maintenance and equipment repairs to minimize downtime and maximize efficiency.
• Troubleshoot and resolve mechanical and electrical issues.
• Coordinate with production and other teams to prioritize maintenance needs and reduce disruption.
• Ensure safety protocols, GMP compliance, and regulatory standards are followed.
• Manage inventory levels and ensure tools and parts are available for repairs.

Skills

Team leadership

Troubleshooting

Preventive maintenance

Safety compliance

Mechanical & electrical aptitude

Education

High school diploma or GED

Technical diploma or associate degree (preferred)

4+ years industrial maintenance experience

Tools

Forklift operation

Genie lift

Scissor lift

Job description

Have a seat at our table. When you join Smithfield, you become part of something special – a company that’s sustainably feeding people around the world, producing good food the right way with respect for our people, animals, communities and planet. With opportunities across locations and functions, a culture grounded in our Core Four values - gratitude, communication, respect and accountability - and a strong commitment to learning, collaboration, and innovation, Smithfield offers challenging and rewarding careers where you can grow, contribute and make a real impact.

THE VALUE YOU’LL BRING:

The position summary states the general nature and purpose of the job. Overall accountabilities are defined in this section. We’re looking for a Maintenance Lead to take charge of our plant’s maintenance team and ensure all equipment and systems run smoothly! You’ll lead and mentor a skilled team, oversee repairs, manage preventive maintenance, and tackle challenges head-on to keep production moving at full speed. If you have a passion for leadership and hands‑on problem‑solving, this is your chance to make a real impact!

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

• Lead the Team: Supervise and guide a team of maintenance technicians, ensuring tasks are completed on time and to standard.
• Oversee Maintenance Operations: Manage preventive maintenance and equipment repairs, ensuring minimal downtime and maximum efficiency.
• Troubleshoot & Resolve Issues: Act as the go-to person for diagnosing and solving complex mechanical and electrical issues.
• Coordinate with Departments: Collaborate with production and other teams to prioritize maintenance needs and reduce disruption.
• Ensure Safety & Compliance: Ensure all safety protocols, policies, and regulatory standards are followed on the job.
• Manage Inventory: Oversee inventory levels and ensure the team has the tools and parts needed for successful repairs and maintenance.

Safety First! - You’ll follow all company safety protocols, including LOCKOUT/TAGOUT procedures, and adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) to maintain a safe, compliant, and high-performance environment. Your skills and attention to detail will directly contribute to the success of the team and the plant as a whole!

WHAT WE’RE SEEKING:

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED) and 1+ years of related experience and/or training in an industrial mechanical maintenance or food manufacturing environment; or 4 years’ direct experience in an industrial mechanical maintenance or food manufacturing maintenance environment.
• Vocational Diploma, Technical Diploma or associate degree from a technical maintenance or vocational school. (Preferred).
• Possess the ability to function effectively in a team environment and interact productively with all levels of team personnel and outside contractors.
• Ability to operate a forklift, genie lift or scissor lift or other powered industrial trucks (PIT).
• Attend "Train the Trainer"
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to read and execute work order, write daily reports, and translate equipment manuals.
• Relocation Package Available

No EEO Information

Smithfield is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, gender identity, protected veterans status, status as a disabled individual or any other protected group status or non‑job characteristic as directed by law. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment selection process, please call us at 757-357-1595.

Benefits:

• Smithfield is proud to offer robust, flexible and affordable benefit plans and programs to support our team members and their loved ones, and with out-of-pocket costs, on average, 20 percent less than plans offered by other employers.
• Beyond our medical plans, our Be Well programs offer tools and resources to enhance your quality of life, at no additional cost.
• These programs are uniquely tailored to our Smithfield team and provide support for elective surgeries, weight loss, mental health, cancer, kidney disease, diabetes, smoking cessation, asthma, maternity management and more.
• Our company invests in your future. We offer comprehensive training and professional development programs designed to help you reach your full potential.
• Through LinkedIn Learning, employees can access on‑demand courses, professional certificates, and skill‑based training to build capabilities aligned with career and business needs.
• Our partnership with Guild supports your continuing education with tuition assistance covering English language learning, high school completion, and degree programs, while our leadership development initiatives nurture high‑potential talent.
• We also offer unique benefits like our Smithfield Scholarship Program for employees’ children.

Headquartered in Smithfield, Virginia, since 1936, Smithfield Foods, Inc. is an American food company with a leading position in packaged meats and fresh pork products. With a diverse brand portfolio and strong relationships with U.S. farmers and customers, we responsibly meet demand for quality protein around the world. For more information, visit www.smithfieldfoods.com. We believe in the power of protein to end food insecurity and have donated hundreds of millions of food servings to our communities. Smithfield boasts a portfolio of high-quality iconic brands, such as Smithfield®, Eckrich® and Nathan's Famous®, among many others. For more information, visit www.smithfieldfoods.com and connect with us on Facebook, X, formerly known as Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram.