Plant Maintenance Supervisor - Refrigeration

Smithfield Fresh Meats Corp; Clinton (NC); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Training & development

Tuition assistance

LinkedIn Learning access

Be Well program

Scholarship program

Job summary

Smithfield Foods, Inc. is seeking a Maintenance Supervisor in North Carolina to lead maintenance teams across the plant, overseeing predictive and preventive maintenance of critical equipment.

You will drive reliability, reduce downtime, and ensure production lines run smoothly while adhering to safety and regulatory standards. You will manage maintenance planning, KPI reporting, and documentation, collaborating with Production and Engineering.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related field with 2+ years of experience.
• Experience leading and mentoring staff or projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead Maintenance Mechanics and Electricians in preventive and predictive maintenance.
• Plan and schedule maintenance activities with Production.
• Develop KPIs and provide status reports to management.
• Ensure compliance with USDA regulations and maintain records.
• Oversee crisis management and continuity tasks.
• Develop and coach team members to improve performance.

Skills

Maintenance leadership

Problem solving

Communication

Microsoft Office

Bilingual (preferred)

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field

Tools

PLCs

Instrumentation

Ammonia refrigeration

High-pressure boiler

Compressed air

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.

At Smithfield, good food starts with good people. “Good food. Responsibly.®” is more than just our tagline; it’s what we do. We provide good jobs. We take good care of our animals. We are good stewards of the environment. We do good in our local communities.

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 ensure 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

• 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 planning and priority setting skills.
• Ability to work well with others in fast paced, dynamic environment.
• Ability to be respectful, approachable and team oriented while building strong working relationships and a positive work environment.
• Bilingual, preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands described here are representative of those an employee should possess to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Provides leadership and guidance to employees in the Maintenance Department. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and assisting in providing appropriate resolutions.

EEO Information

Smithfield is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, gender identity, protected veterans status, status as a disabled individual or any other protected group status or non‑job characteristic as directed by law. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment selection process, please call us at 757-357-1595.

Relocation Package Available

Relocation Package Available

Company Culture & Benefits

• Smithfield is proud to offer robust, flexible and affordable benefit plans and programs to support our team members and their loved ones, and with out‑of‑pocket costs, on average, 20 percent less than plans offered by other employers.
• Beyond our medical plans, our Be Well programs offer tools and resources to enhance your quality of life, at no additional cost.
• These programs are uniquely tailored to our Smithfield team and provide support for elective surgeries, weight loss, mental health, cancer, kidney disease, diabetes, smoking cessation, asthma, maternity management and more.
• We also offer unique benefits like our Smithfield Scholarship Program for employees’ children.
• Our company invests in your future.
• We offer comprehensive training and professional development programs designed to help you reach your full potential.
• Through LinkedIn Learning, employees can access on‑demand courses, professional certificates, and skill‑based training to build capabilities aligned with career and business needs.
• Our partnership with Guild supports your continuing education with tuition assistance covering English language learning, high school completion, and degree programs, while our leadership development initiatives nurture high‑potential talent.

Headquartered in Smithfield, Virginia, since 1936, Smithfield Foods, Inc. is an American food company with a leading position in packaged meats and fresh pork products. With a diverse brand portfolio and strong relationships with U.S. farmers and customers, we responsibly meet demand for quality protein around the world. For more information, visit www.smithfieldfoods.com.