Maintenance Superintendent

Wayne-Sanderson Farms; Dobson (NC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Wayne-Sanderson Farms is seeking a Maintenance Manager to lead a large maintenance team across multiple shifts in a food processing facility. You will drive preventive maintenance, oversee repairs, and manage budgeting while maintaining safety and regulatory compliance.

You will collaborate with Engineering, QA, and Accounting to optimize uptime, reduce costs, and implement SOPs. Strong leadership and plant-wide communication are essential for success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required or equivalent experience in maintenance leadership.
• 3+ years leading a large maintenance team in manufacturing.
• 5+ years of experience in the food or protein industry preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage a large maintenance team over multiple shifts to keep equipment running.
• Establish and maintain preventative maintenance programs for safety.
• Schedule work orders and repairs to minimize production disruption.
• Supervise staff to reduce downtime and control costs.
• Manage department budget and identify cost savings.
• Identify cost reduction opportunities with operating teams.
• Collaborate with Accounting, Engineering, QA on issues and projects.
• Establish and enforce SOPs for maintenance in the plant.
• Mentor and train employees and cross-train when needed.
• Administer performance improvement plans and discipline fairly.
• Follow safety programs and promote a zero-accident culture.
• Set expectations and provide clear direction to staff.

Skills

Maintenance leadership

Regulatory compliance

Budgeting & cost control

Team building & coaching

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

CAD

SPC

MS Office

Job description

PRIMARY FUNCTION

Primarily responsible for managing all aspects of the maintenance function to ensure safe working conditions and to meet or exceed regulatory compliance (i.e. USDA, GMPs OSHA, etc.). Partners with management team to create and maintain a safe work environment.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS

• Independently manage a large maintenance team over multiple shifts through subordinate supervisors to ensure production machinery is functioning at optimal capacity and facilities and grounds are well maintained
• Establish and maintain the preventative maintenance program to ensure machinery is maintained at optimum and safe working condition
• Determine work order priority and schedule repairs, maintenance and installation of machines/equipment to keep disruption of manufacturing to a minimum
• Supervise maintenance department personnel in day-to-day operation to insure minimal downtime and costs and optimal accountability, productivity, and efficiency
• Manage the department budget within approved limits, monitor and recommend cost saving and standardization methods
• Identify and implement cost reduction opportunities in conjunction with operating teams
• Work closely with other departments such as Accounting, Engineering, Product Development and Quality Assurance in resolving maintenance related issues, installation of new equipment, capital projects and/or process improvement initiatives
• Establish and enforce Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s) to regulate the maintenance function within the processing plant
• Mentor, coach and train/ cross-train employees encouraging career development; provide consistent feedback concerning strengths and areas in need of improvement
• Administer performance improvement plans and disciplinary actions on a fair and consistent basis
• Follow, promote and ensure subordinates adhere to all safety initiatives helping to maintain a zero accident culture
• Establish, communicate and maintain expectations to support safety, company standards and to provide clear direction to employees
• Perform other duties as assigned

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• This is a Leader of People position with required competencies: Sizing up People, Delegation, Planning, Customer Focus and Conflict Management

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS

• Bachelors’ degree in related field from an accredited institution
  • Combination of five (5) years’ education and experience may be substituted for degree

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

• Minimum three (3) years relevant progressive maintenance experience in a manufacturing setting; five (5)+ years’ experience in food industry or protein industry strongly preferred
• Minimum three (3) years’ experience in managing a large team across multiple shifts
• Knowledge of food processing systems, as well as SPC and CAD
• Knowledge of relevant regulatory requirements governing the food industry and a thorough understanding of the required support for maintaining utility function, such as various refrigeration/freezing system, boilers, HVAC, PLC controls. etc.; specific experience with bread and batter equipment a plus
• Strong customer focus with the ability to communicate with all levels of the organization in a timely and professional manner
• Must have exceptional communication, both verbal and written, attention to detail and the ability to resolve issues efficiently and effectively
• Proficient computer skills with knowledge of Microsoft Office suite (Excel, Word)
• Ability to work in a fast paced environment using excellent organizational skills and precise attention to detail
• Must possess a strong customer-centric attitude, high energy level and a strong sense of urgency

SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

• Follow and ensure others follow departmental and company safety policies and programs
• Wear required protective equipment in all areas where mandatory

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to traverse throughout facilities, up and down stairs as needed, both indoors and out
• Frequently subjected to all environs (i.e. extreme wet and cold or hot and humid)
• Occasionally lifts up to 50 lbs

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.