Maintenance Lead Technician - 2nd Shift

Our facility located in Whitehall, OH is dedicated to the retail product portfolio with a specialization in rolled dough (pizza, pie, pastry), cookie dough, and new brand expansions. As we grow, our team members grow with us. The Cerelia Whitehall plant may be new, but the history of Cerelia goes back to 1974. As the years have passed, the company has grown from a France-based production company to an international leader.

About the role

The Lead Maintenance Technician oversees the reliable performance of production equipment by troubleshooting mechanical and basic electrical issues, executing preventive and corrective maintenance, and guiding continuous improvement initiatives. This role operates and maintains all assigned systems, utilizes the CMMS to manage work orders and documentation, and collaborates closely with maintenance and production teams to optimize line efficiency and equipment uptime. The Lead Technician mentors team members, supports procedure development, and ensures adherence to safety, quality, and food-manufacturing standards while fostering strong teamwork across shifts in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

Technical Competences

• Troubleshoot mechanical and basic electrical concerns of the equipment, maintain and improve integrity and performance of line equipment, and complete scheduled work orders
• Utilize maintenance windows to perform preventive maintenance inspections and corrective work orders on line equipment to prevent mechanical and/or electrical breakdowns
• Participate in the development and improvement of documented maintenance procedures in the CMMS
• Develop and implement improvements using learnings from emergent equipment work to prevent recurring equipment failures
• Utilize the CMMS to create notifications, perform and confirm completed work orders while holding crew accountable for use of the system
• Operate and maintain all equipment in assigned area, including setup, start-up, adjustment, proper shutdown, and changeover as required by company standards
• Read blueprints and schematics
• Fabricate small machine parts, guards, etc. (preferred)
• Operate and repair pneumatic and hydraulic systems, including cylinders, valves, accumulators, compressors, and pipefitting
• Troubleshoot hydraulic, pneumatic, and steam processes for failure points and repair problems in those systems

Leadership/Teamwork

• Communicate and coordinate with maintenance team and production management regarding maintenance activities required on assigned equipment to ensure optimum line efficiency and product quality
• Communicate with other line technicians and leads on other shifts to coordinate maintenance efforts on assigned equipment and operate as part of a team
• Support implementation of department ideas/suggestions
• Maintain a good working relationship with all employees on all shifts
• Work with team to optimize product/material sequencing to minimize changeover time and implement continuous improvement initiatives
• Mentor and coach team members on various maintenance and operational aspects to master their technical understanding of equipment and process controls
• Work with supervisor to identify and develop crew in areas needing exposure and knowledge

Quality Assurance

• Follow established programs, policies, and practices to produce safe, quality foods that meet SQF, regulatory, company, and customer requirements
• Maintain equipment and sustain a sanitary and clean environment during all phases of production and maintenance
• Perform all mandatory quality testing/checks and complete all related documentation and paperwork for department operations: Quality, Safety, etc.

Health & Safety

• Follow company safety policies and practices, fostering a safe workplace and environment for ourselves and our co-workers
• Conform to Company policy and procedures including, but not limited to: Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP’s), Lock Out/Tag Out, HACCP check points, Quality Standards, Fall Protection, Hot Work, OSHA Regulations, and all others
• Report unsafe acts and conditions to production and maintenance management and correct

Requirements

• H.S. diploma required
• 2-3 years industrial MRO purchasing experience; food industry is a plus
• Degree or certifications in a maintenance-related field preferred
• Knowledge of OSHA requirements
• Understanding of food safety practices in a manufacturing environment preferred

Skills

• Effective communication and listening skills
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Strong analytical skills to identify issues, trends, and drive solutions
• Proficient in computer skills (Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, and CMMS system to plan and close work orders)
• Strong interpersonal skills demonstrating dignity, respect, candor, and commitment
• Strong leadership and team-building skills
• Demonstrated expertise in handling multiple projects and meeting deadlines in a complex manufacturing environment
• Ability to work long shifts of 10 hours or more, including days or nights, and some weekends
• Comfortable working in an environment that handles pork products, alcohol, gluten, milk/dairy, and potentially tree nuts and peanuts

Core Competencies

• Drive High Performance: Establish clear accountability for outcomes. Stays focused and disciplined in planning and execution. Takes initiative to overcome challenges. Celebrates wins and acts with urgency to keep momentum.
• Collaborate: Works as One Team. Builds relationships and makes commitments to others and follows through. An active listener who understands and communicates openly while engaging in healthy debate. Supports and executes decisions when they are made.
• Innovate: Challenge the status quo by proactively identifying opportunities to make things better. Encourages team to share best practices, be creative, and try new things. Experiments, incorporates learning, and adjusts as needed. Acts with speed and agility while accepting and learning from failure.
• Can-do attitude: Has a pragmatic view on reality while understanding the challenges and perspectives across the organization. Proactively and easily connects with customers, factories, and different stakeholders. Acts like an owner by providing ready-to-go solutions.
• Accuracy and attention to detail: Ability to digest a high amount of information to transform into actionable insights to drive business development, with a mindset of value generation.