Maintenance Planner

Responsibilities

• Improve overall workforce productivity and work quality by anticipating and eliminating potential delays through planning and coordination of manpower, parts, material, and equipment access.
• Plan, schedule, and coordinate all planned maintenance work performed on the plant site.
• Maintain maintenance records and files essential for analysis and reporting of maintenance‑related matters.
• Plan, schedule, and assign work for corrective work orders.
• Review and maintain all incoming work requests in the CMMS to ensure timely and efficient completion.
• Prepare, document, implement, and monitor effective guidelines for data structure.
• Collaborate with the Manager of Maintenance/Engineering, Maintenance Manager, and Maintenance Team Leaders to implement new or improved methodologies that optimize and streamline maintenance procedures.
• Prepare standard work instructions and procedures for preventive maintenance activities.
• Analyze failure information and implement improved maintenance activities to reduce MTBF.
• Work with Production and Scheduling departments to support equipment maintenance schedules while maintaining required production capacity.
• Ensure work orders contain clear assignment instructions outlining detailed objectives and goals.
• Define, create, generate, and distribute reports related to maintenance activities.
• Document maintenance‑specific procedures for departmental use.
• Provide support for miscellaneous projects as required.
• Negotiate and coordinate with vendors for diagnostic, overhaul, and training support visits.
• Manage several key maintenance‑related plant safety programs.
• Support daily direction‑setting meetings.
• Ensure department metrics and goals are achieved.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Thorough knowledge of CMMS systems and their applications.
• 5+ years of experience in a dynamic maintenance environment.
• Food manufacturing experience preferred or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Proficient computer skills in Microsoft Office applications and CMMS.
• Forklift certified or ability to obtain forklift certification.

Required Attributes

• Self‑starter able to conceptualize and drive initiatives forward.
• Positive attitude and motivation to contribute to the overall success of the team.
• Ability to develop strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Creative problem‑solving skills.
• Obsessive attention to detail, well‑organized, and capable of juggling many projects simultaneously.
• Comfortable moving at a fast pace and thriving in ambiguous environments.
• Passionate about food.
• Willing to address difficult situations head‑on with patience and respect.

Leadership Expectations

• Model and support Kettle’s core values and safety culture.
• Create a culture of accountability and performance.
• Drive a focus on quality and continuous improvement.
• Plan work, track results, and resolve variances.

Level of Responsibility

Works with little supervision, though work is reviewed. Exercises discretion within areas of responsibility and recommends actions and alternatives to supervisors and others. The position has little to no direct customer contact and makes an indirect contribution to efforts that generate moderate levels of revenue. Decisions or actions may have a moderate impact on other departments and/or external relationships. Errors are usually detected after the fact and may result in moderate interruption and delays in work output.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Physical Demands/Efforts: Must be willing to work all shifts, weekends, and some holidays. Daily computer activities, extensive walking and standing, vision/hearing/talking, repetitive hand/wrist motions, climbing and balancing. Occasional physical exertion, including lifting objects up to 50 pounds.

Mental & Visual Demands: Requires moderate concentration to execute moderately complex tasks and occasional visual effort for extended periods.

Work Environment and Hazards: Manufacturing setting with exposure to heat, cold, dust, or other minor inconveniences. Some exposure to hazards that might cause minor injury.

Travel: Less than 25 % travel, primarily to other sites via airplane.