Maintenance Lead

ZipRecruiter; Louisville (KY); On-site; USD 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Maintenance Lead to ensure the efficiency and safety of bakery operations. This role involves hands-on maintenance, supervising a team of skilled technicians, and implementing preventive maintenance programs to minimize downtime. The ideal candidate will have a strong technical background in mechanical and electrical systems, along with proven leadership skills. Join a dynamic team dedicated to continuous improvement and safety in a fast-paced environment where your contributions will directly impact production efficiency and quality.

Benefits

Health Insurance

Vision Insurance

Dental Insurance

Life Insurance

Paid Time Off

401K with Company Match

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of hands-on maintenance experience in food production.
• Strong knowledge of mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems.

Responsibilities

• Oversee maintenance operations and ensure equipment efficiency.
• Lead and mentor a team of maintenance technicians.

Skills

Mechanical Systems Knowledge

Electrical Systems Knowledge

Leadership

Troubleshooting Skills

Preventive Maintenance Planning

Communication Skills

Time Management

Bilingual (English/Spanish)

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Technical Certification in Maintenance

Tools

CMMS Software

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Job DescriptionJob DescriptionDescription:

Job Summary:

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Maintenance Lead to oversee maintenance operations at our bakery. The Maintenance Lead will be responsible for ensuring that all equipment, facilities, and utilities are operating efficiently and safely. This role involves hands-on maintenance, supervising a team of technicians, coordinating with external vendors, and implementing preventive and corrective maintenance programs to minimize downtime and maximize productivity.

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Key Responsibilities:

• Perform routine maintenance and repairs on bakery equipment, including ovens, mixers, conveyors, refrigeration units, and packaging machinery.

• Troubleshoot and diagnose mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic issues quickly and effectively.

• Respond promptly to emergency repair needs to minimize production downtime.

• Lead, supervise, and mentor a team of maintenance technicians, assigning daily tasks and monitoring performance.

• Provide on-the-job training, skill development, and guidance to team members to enhance technical competencies and efficiency.

• Foster a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement within the maintenance team.

• Develop, implement, and manage a comprehensive preventive maintenance program for all bakery equipment and infrastructure.

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of maintenance activities, inspections, work orders, and inventory of spare parts.

• Coordinate and schedule maintenance activities with production, quality assurance, and operations teams to avoid disruptions.

• Work closely with external contractors, suppliers, and vendors for specialized repairs, equipment installations, and service contracts.

• Ensure compliance with all safety regulations, food safety standards, and OSHA requirements.

• Evaluate equipment performance and recommend upgrades, replacements, or improvements as needed.

• Conduct root cause analysis (RCA) for recurring issues and implement corrective actions.

• Maintain cleanliness and organization in maintenance areas, including tools, parts, and storage areas.

• Support the installation and commissioning of new machinery or production lines.

• Develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for maintenance tasks and ensure team adherence.

• Participate in cross-departmental meetings to provide technical insight and support continuous improvement initiatives.

Position Information:

Reports to: Assistant Director Plant Engineering

Position Closing Date: 05/25/2025

Health and welfare benefits – Medical, Vision, Dental, Life Insurance

Paid Time Off and Paid Sick Time Benefits

401K– Company Match available.

This job description is intended to describe the nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this position. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required of the job incumbents. I have received, reviewed, and fully understand the job description, and I further understand that I am responsible for the satisfactory execution of the essential functions described therein, under any and all conditions as described.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be requested to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Compensation is based on level of experience, including education, years of experience compared to requirement and food manufacturing industry experience. The range provided is a guideline and does not mean that all candidates or current employees will qualify for the high end of the range.

Requirements:

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent; technical certification or vocational training in mechanical, electrical, or industrial maintenance .
• Minimum 3–5 years of hands-on maintenance experience, ideally in a food production, bakery, or manufacturing environment.
• Proven leadership or supervisory experience managing a team of technicians.
• Strong knowledge of mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems.
• Experience VFDs (Variable Frequency Drives), and automated control systems.
• Ability to read and interpret technical manuals, schematics, P&IDs, and blueprints.
• Excellent troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficient in the use of maintenance management systems (CMMS) and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong commitment to safety, food safety, and compliance standards.
• Solid organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including nights, weekends, or holidays as needed.
• Physical ability to lift to 50 lbs., stand, kneel, and climb ladders for extended periods.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) is a plus.

Skills & Competencies:

• Leadership and team management – Ability to lead, motivate, and develop a team to achieve goals and maintain high performance.
• Technical expertise in bakery and production equipment – Strong understanding of ovens, mixers, conveyors, refrigeration, and automated systems.
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills – Quick thinking and effective resolution of mechanical, electrical, and technical issues.
• Effective communication and collaboration – Clear communication with team members, management, vendors, and cross-functional departments.
• Attention to detail and organizational skills – Ensuring accurate record-keeping, inventory control, and adherence to maintenance schedules.
• Time management and prioritization – Ability to handle multiple tasks efficiently while meeting deadlines.
• Preventive maintenance planning – Skill in designing and executing preventive maintenance programs to reduce downtime.
• Safety and compliance knowledge – Strong understanding of OSHA regulations, food safety standards, and safe work practices.
• Root cause analysis (RCA) – Expertise in identifying underlying issues and implementing corrective actions.
• Adaptability and continuous improvement mindset – Openness to change, willingness to learn, and commitment to process improvement.
• Computer proficiency – Skilled in using CMMS software, Microsoft Office Suite, and other maintenance management tools.
• Conflict resolution – Ability to handle employee issues, performance concerns, or conflicts within the team professionally.