Job Description
At Ellsworth Creamery, our team members are more than employees; they are like family, and we are committed to their success. This culture has contributed to the longevity of our staff, whose careers at Ellsworth Creamery span 10, 20, and even 50 years!
Join our team as we work with our cooperative of local farmers to create award-winning cheese!
Reports To:
Maintenance Manager
Status:
Salary/Exempt
Supervises:
Maintenance Team
General Description:
The Maintenance Supervisor manages, directs, and coordinates overall plant maintenance operations as directed by senior management. This role is responsible for supporting the plant's evolving maintenance needs, providing leadership, fostering trust and open communication, developing future talent, and ensuring safety, food safety, and quality standards are met. The supervisor oversees maintenance activities, record keeping, reporting, and operates within budget guidelines.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Hands-on equipment maintenance including mechanical, pneumatics, PLC, electrical, robotics, etc., with mentoring of team members.
- Maintain communication across all departments.
- Provide strong leadership at the Ellsworth location.
- Assist in developing and implementing maintenance processes and policies.
- Plan, assign, and oversee work to meet maintenance goals.
- Implement and utilize maintenance software systems for data management.
- Develop and manage departmental budgets.
- Communicate department performance metrics to executive management.
- Lead, coach, and mentor team members, and evaluate performance.
- Handle disciplinary procedures appropriately.
- Be a critical thinker and forward planner.
- Manage in a union environment.
- Ensure compliance with all safety, health, and regulatory standards (USDA, FDA, OSHA, SQF).
- Use financial and performance data to improve plant efficiency and profitability.
- Support emergency repairs and breakdowns.
- Support multiple sites or plants as needed.
- Be available on-call for urgent issues, aligned with shift schedules.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Minimum Requirements:
- 5-7 years of experience in the dairy industry.
- 3-5 years of leadership experience.
- Strong communication skills, including written, verbal, and computer literacy.
- Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills.
- Unquestionable integrity and attention to detail.
- Broad technical knowledge of maintenance software and systems.
- Ability to manage competing priorities effectively.
- Proficiency or willingness to become proficient in welding, installation, CIP, robotics, diagnostics, PLC, electrical systems, pneumatics, and boilers.
- Strong computer skills, especially in Office 365.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree with advanced knowledge of food or dairy manufacturing maintenance.
Physical Demands:
- Ability to lift objects weighing at least 50 pounds.
- Ability to operate standard office equipment.
- Valid driver’s license required.
- Extensive computer use.
- Ability to pass drug, alcohol, and background checks.
Work Environment:
- Dairy plant environment with multiple levels.
- Variable working hours based on operational needs.
- Compliance with all safety and food regulations.
- Environmental conditions include all weather, temperatures, and wet/dry conditions.
Benefits:
- Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, and more.
- Company-provided benefits such as disability and life insurance.
- Paid time off, 401(k) match, and additional perks.
Our Ellsworth, Wisconsin facility specializes in the production of white cheddar cheese curds, cheese curd crumbles, and whey powder.
Committed to our team, craft, and community since 1910.