Senior Maintenance Supervisor

Ghirardelli Chocolate; San Leandro (CA); On-site; USD 94,000 - 122,000; Full time

Job summary

The Sr. Maintenance Supervisor at Ghirardelli Chocolate is responsible for directing the Maintenance Department to maintain, improve, and build the manufacturing infrastructure, delivering world-class equipment reliability.

The role emphasizes safety, leadership, and collaboration across functions to meet production goals and optimize PM and spare parts programs. Candidates should have a BS/AB Engineering degree or equivalent with 5+ years of maintenance leadership in a large factory, knowledge

Qualifications

• BS/AB Engineering degree or equivalent with 5+ years in maintenance leadership in a large factory.
• Strong foundations in maintenance philosophy, reliability, and budgeting.
• EHSS requirements experience in a food/industrial plant and ability to work extended hours.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Maintenance team and budget.
• Improve machine reliability and PM programs across the plant.
• Oversee utility systems on shift (refrigeration, steam, compressed air).
• Support production goals by increasing equipment efficiency.
• Drive spare parts inventory and the work order system.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical

Problem solving

Communication

Collaboration

Union experience

Education

BS/AB Engineering

Tools

CMMS

MS Office

Job description

WHO WE ARE At Ghirardelli, we honor tradition and drive innovation, aiming to be the top choice for premium chocolate. Our commitment to Making Life A Bite Better inspires both our products and the way we do business. We support personal and professional growth, recognizing that each employee’s contribution directly impacts Ghirardelli’s growth and success. Join our dynamic team and help shape Ghirardelli's future.

Job Summary

The Sr. Maintenance Supervisor is responsible for helping to direct and coordinate the Maintenance Department to maintain, improve, and build the manufacturing infrastructure. The Maintenance Department’s purpose is to Deliver Great Performance by driving world class equipment reliability.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Support, develop and manage performance of team.
• Create an inclusive environment that embraces our values and purpose.
• Foster a safe working environment, act as a leader in safety
• Assist in setting direction, developing and coaching Maintenance team
• Provide on-going training to increase individual skill level
• Control maintenance department budget for responsible areas
• Provide leadership to the process improvement team by supporting the Preventive/Predictive Maintenance process and participating in other Continuous Improvement initiatives as needed
• Responsible for maintenance and operation of utility systems on shift, incl. refrigeration, steam generation, compressed air, etc.
• Assist Operations group in meeting / exceeding production goals by increasing machinery efficiency
• Drive and improve plant work order system
• Drive and improve formal P.M. program to ensure machine dependability
• Drive and improve the spare parts inventory program

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

BS/A Degree in Engineering and a minimum 5 years of related experience and/or training; or 10 years of related experience in lieu of degree Strong foundations in maintenance philosophy and approach, such as Reliability Engineering Ability to effectively collaborate on all levels, functions, and departments Experience with maintenance in large factory, +5MM Maintenance expense budget Experience maintaining factory utility systems Food or pharmaceutical background preferred; Chocolate experience desired Possess knowledge about EHSS (environmental, health, safety, security) requirements in a food production plant Ability to work effectively in a Union environment Computer literacy in MS Office and CMMS Strong analytical and problem solving abilities Strong leadership capabilities Ability to work extended hours, which may include weekends and/or different shifts as needed. Clear oral and written presentation skills

Other Job Requirements

• Must be able to work seated or standing for at least 8 hours
• Must be able to lift a minimum of 35 lbs
• Occasional travel may be required
• Must be able to concentrate for extended periods of time paying close attention to detail
• Regular office environment 50% In support of the maintenance team, working in the field is required 50% Conditions in the field include: Ability to climb stairs and ladders; must be able to work from heights Exposure to vibration, moving mechanical parts and loud noise Capable of using protective equipment such as hard hats, safety glasses/goggles, safety shoes, hearing protection, air masks, respirators, etc. in the performance of job duties Ability to work in extreme temperatures and will be exposed to heat, cold, wind, rain, dust, confined spaces, elevated areas, dirt, ash particles and fuel particles Must be able to work outdoors in varying weather conditions Must be able to kneel, bend, crouch and climb as required.

Salary

Salary: $93873 to $122057 / year

Looking to grow your career in a dynamic, international setting? Join the Lindt & Sprüngli Group! Together, we thrive to achieve our bold ambitions, powered by our purpose and unique culture of community and mutual support – rooted in a proud tradition, yet always evolving to stay ahead and set new standards. Across our diverse local teams, we think globally and act locally – empowering people to grow, take ownership and shape a sustainable future together. We are a responsible “employer of choice” who provides an inspiring people experience. Together, we build trust, drive innovation, and grow – as individuals and as a business. Lindt & Sprüngli has been enchanting the world with chocolate for over 180 years. The long-established Swiss company with its roots in Zurich is a global leader in the premium chocolate category. Lindt & Sprüngli produces quality chocolates today at its 12 factories in Europe and the USA. Its products are sold by 41 subsidiaries and branch offices in around 620 of its own stores as well as via a network of around 100 distributors around the globe. With around 15,500 employees, the Lindt & Sprüngli Group reported sales of CHF 5.92 billion in 2025. Our commitment to contributing to a sustainable tomorrow is a key element driving the company’s actions and ambitions. Since 2008, the Lindt & Sprüngli Farming Program has been our Responsible Sourcing Standard for cocoa.