Sr. Utilities Planner

CJ Schwan's; Sioux Falls (SD); On-site; USD 75,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

CJ Schwan's is seeking a Senior Utilities Planner for day shift to lead utilities planning and preventive maintenance for our new Sioux Falls site. You will drive maintenance work orders, coordinate with Operations, Engineering and Maintenance teams, and ensure safe, compliant execution while optimizing downtime and costs.

The role requires an associate degree or equivalent, 2+ years in refrigeration or boiler maintenance or utilities planning, and SAP CMMS experience.

Qualifications

• Associate (two-year) technical degree or equivalent.
• SAP CMMS experience preferred.
• Minimum of two years of experience in refrigeration or boiler maintenance, utilities planning, or manufacturing operations.

Responsibilities

• Plan, prioritize, and evaluate maintenance work orders to align with production schedules.
• Coordinate maintenance activities with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering and other departments to minimize interruptions.
• Interpret blueprints, schematics, manuals and drawings to scope maintenance work.
• Prepare parts, tools, materials and job kits for maintenance execution.
• Estimate labor hours and material requirements; manage resources and cost records in the CMMS.
• Develop, schedule and manage PM programs for all plant equipment and safety inspections.
• Maintain equipment history files with completed work, hours and parts usage.
• Suggest improvements to equipment, procedures or processes for reliability and safety.

Skills

Collaboration

Communication

Education

Associate degree or equivalent

Tools

SAP CMMS

Job description

Senior Utilities Planner - Day Shift

At CJ Schwan's, we don't just make food - we help create moments that matter. From kids devouring pizza after soccer practice, to students laughing over dumplings in a cafeteria, to families enjoying pie during the holidays, our team members play an important role in bringing those everyday moments to life. Our portfolio includes iconic pizzas, global flavors and timeless desserts from brands like Red Baron®, bibigo®, Tony's®, Big Daddy's®, Freschetta®, Pagoda®, Edwards® and Mrs. Smith's®. Enjoyed in homes, schools, restaurants and just about everywhere people shop and eat, our products reflect a commitment to quality, innovation and the power of food to bring people together.

Our brand-new, 360,000-square-foot Asian-style food manufacturing facility in Sioux Falls, SD, is taking shape - and we're ramping up hiring for key roles. This is your chance to be part of something from the ground up. We're building a strong, experienced team ready to bring this new site to life and shape its future together.

Position Summary

The Utilities Planner is responsible for leading Utilities planning and scheduling activities to support reliable plant operations. This role focuses on reducing equipment downtime through effective preventative maintenance practices, efficient work order planning, and cross-functional coordination. The Utilities Planner ensures utilities activities are executed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with food safety and regulatory requirements.

What You Will Do

• Plan, prioritize, and evaluate maintenance work orders to ensure feasibility, required approvals, and alignment with production schedules.
• Coordinate maintenance activities with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, and other departments to minimize production interruptions.
• Review and interpret technical documentation including blueprints, schematics, manuals, and drawings to accurately scope maintenance work.
• Prepare and stage all required parts, tools, materials, and job kits to support efficient and timely maintenance execution.
• Estimate labor hours and material requirements, assign resources to work orders, and maintain accurate maintenance and cost records within the CMMS.
• Develop, schedule, and manage preventative maintenance (PM) programs for all plant equipment, including required OSHA and safety-related inspections.
• Maintain detailed equipment history files, documenting completed work, labor hours, parts consumption, and failure trends.
• Identify and recommend equipment, procedural, or process improvements to improve reliability, safety, and maintenance efficiency.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives by analyzing maintenance data and partnering with reliability and engineering teams.

What You Will Bring

• Associate (two-year) technical degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience required.
• SAP CMMS experience preferred.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in refrigeration or boiler maintenance, utilities planning, or manufacturing operations.
• Working knowledge of utilities planning and scheduling best practices in an industrial or food manufacturing environment.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills with the ability to work effectively across cross-functional teams and shifts.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety, food safety standards, and regulatory compliance.

What We Offer

The base salary range for this position is $75,000 to $125,000 annually, with eligibility for a 10% annual incentive bonus based on organizational performance. The range reflects factors such as experience, skills, education, certifications, and location, and starting salary may fall anywhere within the stated range.

Beyond base salary, we offer a competitive Total Rewards package designed to support your overall well-being, including comprehensive health benefits, time off programs, and retirement and financial offerings.

CJ Schwan's and its employing subsidiaries are Equal Opportunity Employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, age, race, color, religion, gender, veteran status, national origin, or any other characteristic protected by law. CJ Schwan's Company also provides reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities or based on a sincerely held religious belief, in accordance with applicable laws. If you need to inquire about an accommodation or need assistance with completing the application process, please email [e-mail].