Maintenance Supervisor – Food & Refrigeration
Salary: Up to $95,000
Location: SW Chicago Suburbs
Job Summary:
We are seeking an experienced Maintenance Supervisor with expertise in food production and refrigeration systems to lead maintenance activities, ensure equipment reliability, and support plant operations. This role will focus on preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, and compliance with food safety and refrigeration regulations. The ideal candidate will have experience in industrial maintenance, ammonia refrigeration, and facility upkeep within a food manufacturing or cold storage environment.
Key Responsibilities:
- Supervise and coordinate maintenance teams to ensure the reliability and efficiency of food production equipment, refrigeration systems, and facility operations.
- Oversee preventive maintenance programs (PMs) and predictive maintenance to minimize downtime and extend equipment lifespan.
- Troubleshoot and repair industrial refrigeration systems, HVAC, boilers, compressors, chillers, and other cold storage equipment.
- Ensure compliance with food safety standards (FSMA, FDA, USDA) and refrigeration regulations (EPA, OSHA, PSM for ammonia systems).
- Maintain and optimize processing equipment, conveyors, pumps, motors, PLCs, and electrical systems.
- Lead, train, and develop maintenance technicians, ensuring adherence to safety protocols and industry best practices.
- Monitor and manage spare parts inventory to ensure the availability of critical components.
- Work collaboratively with production, quality, and engineering teams to improve equipment efficiency and production processes.
- Maintain accurate maintenance records, work orders, and compliance documentation.
- Conduct safety audits, risk assessments, and training programs to promote a safe working environment.
Qualifications & Skills:
- Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Maintenance, or a related field (or equivalent work experience).
- 5+ years of maintenance experience in a food production, cold storage, or refrigerated facility.
- Strong knowledge of refrigeration systems, ammonia (NH3) refrigeration, and HVAC equipment.
- Experience with electrical troubleshooting, PLCs, hydraulics, pneumatics, and automated processing equipment.
- Familiarity with CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management Systems) for tracking maintenance activities.
- Understanding of food safety standards (HACCP, SQF, FSMA), PSM regulations, and OSHA compliance.
- Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
Preferred Qualifications:
- PSM (Process Safety Management) certification or ammonia refrigeration training.
- Experience with automated food processing equipment.
- Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, TPM (Total Productive Maintenance), or Six Sigma methodologies.
- Background in wastewater treatment and utilities management.
