Plant Maintenance Supervisor - Refrigeration

Smithfield Foods; Clinton (NC); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Smithfield Foods is seeking a Maintenance Supervisor to lead maintenance teams across plant operations, ensuring equipment reliability and peak production. The role emphasizes preventive maintenance, KPI tracking, and compliance with USDA regulations.

The ideal candidate will have an engineering degree, 2+ years of leadership experience, strong problem-solving and communication skills, and proficiency with Microsoft Office. Long hours and weekends may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field with 2+ years of relevant experience.
• Experience leading less experienced staff or projects.
• Ability to lead problem solving and troubleshoot high-level process issues.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office.
• May be required to work long hours and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Team Leadership & Supervision: lead Maintenance Mechanics and Electricians; train staff on methods and safety; supervise maintenance systems and documentation.
• Maintenance Planning & Scheduling: coordinate with Production; develop preventive/predictive maintenance systems.
• Performance Monitoring & Reporting: develop KPIs; provide status reports to management.
• Compliance & Documentation: ensure tasks comply with USDA regulations; maintain records.
• Crisis Management & Continuity: cover tasks if key personnel are unavailable.
• People Management: foster positive employee development and coaching.

Skills

Team Leadership

Troubleshooting

Communication

Coaching/Mentoring

Safety procedures

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Office

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.

As the Maintenance Supervisor, you'll lead dynamic maintenance teams in the installation, repair, and preventive maintenance of all critical equipment across the plant, facilities, utilities, and powerhouse. You'll be at the forefront of ensuring smooth operations, minimizing mechanical downtime, and maximizing production efficiency. By overseeing the maintenance of key processes, you'll play a pivotal role in keeping product flows and production lines running at their peak, driving performance and contributing to the overall success of the facility. Your leadership ensures that every piece of equipment works seamlessly, keeping the plant in top shape for optimal production.

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

The below statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. May perform other duties as assigned.

• Team Leadership & Supervision: You'll lead teams of Maintenance Mechanics and Electricians in predictive and preventative maintenance, as well as machine repairs. You'll also train employees on proper work methods and safety procedures. Supervise and support maintenance systems, processes, and documentation to ensure high performance.
• Maintenance Planning & Scheduling: You'll also ensure maintenance is scheduled timely and in collaboration with Production to address equipment and facility repairs. Develop and implement effective maintenance systems (Prevention and Predictive Maintenance, TPM, SOPs, Safety, etc.). Provide long-term solutions and day-to-day support for troubleshooting, problem analysis, and equipment failures.
• Performance Monitoring & Reporting: Develop and maintain Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for tracking maintenance performance (e.g., supplier performance, contractor performance, equipment reliability, overall equipment effectiveness). Provide regular status reports to the maintenance management team.
• Compliance & Documentation: You will e nsure maintenance tasks comply with USDA regulations. Maintain accurate records of maintenance work performed and inventory.
• Crisis Management & Continuity: In the absence of key personnel, assume responsibility for completing or delegating the completion of required tasks and responsibilities.
• People Management: Drives a positive employee experience through leadership by way of employee development and coaching.

WHAT WE'RE SEEKING:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Engineering or a related field and 2+ years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience, required.
• Experience acting as a lead by providing training, coaching or mentoring to less experienced staff or through managing a process or project.
• Able to lead problem solving and troubleshooting efforts associated with high-level process issues.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office.
• May be required to work long hours and weekends.

OTHER SKILLS THAT MAKE YOU STAND OUT:

• Advanced technical skills in ammonia refrigeration, high pressure boiler, compressed air, mechanical and electrical fields (e.g. PLCs, instrumentation, mechanical engineering, etc.) and is able to lead resource planning efforts in a large manufacturing environment, preferred.
• Thorough knowledge of maintenance systems, work order processes, preventive/predictive maintenance, TPM, inventory and scheduling software, preferred.
• Strong leadership skills (conflict resolution, facilitation, change management skills, decision making, empowerment and delegation), preferred.
• Good pla