Maintenance Supervisor

LIPTON Teas and Infusions; Suffolk (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Disability insurance

Life insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Parental leave

Learning & development reimbursement

Flexible spending account

Dependent care accounts

Company holidays

Job summary

LIPTON Teas and Infusions is seeking a Maintenance Supervisor to lead technical teams at the Suffolk Factory, ensuring reliability of a highly automated, fast-moving operation. The role combines hands-on engineering, leadership, and project work across facilities systems.

You will manage ~40 technicians, coordinate contractors, emphasize safety, and drive continuous improvement through predictive maintenance and automation enhancements.

Qualifications

• Engineering degree or equivalent; manufacturing experience preferred.
• Proven leadership of large teams.
• Experience managing maintenance and projects in automated facilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coach a team of about 40 employees.
• Manage 3rd party contractors under annual agreements.
• Ensure safety compliance and foster a safety-first culture.
• Oversee daily engineering & maintenance to support operations.
• Drive continuous improvement to boost productivity and reduce waste.
• Lead automation and instrumentation projects (PLCs, robotics).
• Develop and mentor team members for career progression.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams for smooth production flow.
• Monitor KPIs and implement corrective actions.
• Address employee relations and foster a positive work environment.
• Adhere to policies and best practices.

Skills

Engineering degree

Manufacturing experience

Leadership

Project management

Lean/6-Sigma

Problem solving

Data-driven decisions

Automation experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

PLC programming

Robotics

Instrumentation

HVAC

Job description

The Maintenance Supervisorwill directly lead technical teams to ensure the reliability of the Suffolk Factory asset base. The high speed, highly automated nature of the operation and the complexity of facilities systems mean this role has an impact on all corners of the factory. There will be significant daily duties in the technical and leadership space, but there will also be a portfolio of projects (some small improvements and some strategic projects requiring significant investment). The ideal candidate will demonstrate a balance of strong technical skill, analytical problem solving, and leadership.

Your Key Responsibilities:

• Lead, motivate, and coach a team of approximately 40 employees to enhance engagement and drive high performance.
• Lead and administer 3rd party contractors under annual agreements for routine services, for one-off major repairs, or for project execution.
• Ensure compliance with all safety regulations, fostering a \"safety-first\" culture across the facility.
• Oversee daily engineering & maintenance functions to support factory operations (proactive PM activity, breakdown response, instrument calibrations, etc.).
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on increasing productivity, reducing waste, and optimizing processes.
• Excel in a highly automated manufacturing environment, and drive change to expand the level of technology and associated technical skills within the team to support (predictive maintenance sensing networks, advanced tools such as high-speed cameras, robotics, and modular swappable assemblies). Also use AI to leverage these or other technologies to maximize results.
• Mechanical & packaging technical lead for site. Individually as a subject matter expert and broadly leading the machinists and other maintenance teams, maintain a capability to troubleshoot, service, and drive reliability with complex electro-mechanical systems core to the function of a manufacturing site.
• Facilities and electrical/automation competence. Demonstrate a capability in this function, and partner with Automation & Facilities Engineer to lead the technical teams directly responsible for automation (PLC’s, Robotics, Etc) and building and facilities equipment (HVAC, Compressed Air, Steam, Mobile Equipment Repair, Etc)
• Develop and mentor team members to enhance skillsets and career progression.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including production, quality, and ops planning, to ensure seamless production flow.
• Monitor and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) to identify trends and implement corrective actions.
• Manage and resolve employee relations issues, fostering a positive and inclusive work environment.
• Ensure adherence to company policies, regulatory standards, and best operational practices.

Skills and Experience:

• Engineering degree or equivalent. Preference for manufacturing experience, particularly in high-speed manufacturing, FMCG, or food production.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with a proven ability to engage and develop teams.
• Experience managing projects from initiation to completion, including meeting deadlines and tracking progress.
• Demonstrated ability to drive a culture shift towards high performance and collaboration.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to drive data-based decision-making.
• Knowledge of “continuous improvement” principles and methodologies is a plus (TPM, Lean/6-Sigma, or similar)

A Great Place to Grow

Here at LIPTON Teas and Infusions, we grow a world of wellbeing to generate value for all.

• Grow your LEADERSHIP– Thought leader or people leader, we want to help you to truly realize your potential. With a strong internal nurturing network and a focus on your development, you can grow your leadership with us. When you grow, the world around you will grow.
• Grow your VALUE- To foster your learning, we offer big, fulfilling roles within an empowering and entrepreneurial climate. You will have the space to take ownership and to make your mark – and you will be rewarded for the value that you create.
• Grow your IMPACT– We are unique in our industry - from our tea estates to our factories, labs and offices, we innovate sustainably and drive value for all. We grow a world of wellbeing, from seed to sip. You can truly leave your mark on our company and on the planet -through the meaningful work that you do.
• Comprehensive insurance plans - health, dental + disability and life Insurance
• 401(k) with 5% company matching + an extra 4% after your first year
• Flexible Spending Account and Dependent Care Accounts
• Generous time off including paid vacation, company holidays, and floating holidays
• Parental Leave - Primary & Secondary
• Learning and development reimbursement

LIPTON Teas and Infusions is an organization committed to equity, inclusion and diversity to drive our business results and create a better future, every day, for our employees, global consumers, partners, and communities. We believe a diverse workforce allows us to match our growth ambitions and drive inclusion across the business. We are interested in every individual bringing their whole self to work and this includes you! Therefore if you require any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of your application so that we can support you through your recruitment journey.