Maintenance Supervisor

SunOpta delivers customized supply chain solutions and innovation for top brands, retailers, and foodservice providers across a broad portfolio of beverages, broths, and better-for-you snacks. With over 50 years of expertise, SunOpta fuels customers’ growth with high-quality, sustainability-forward solutions distributed through retail, club, foodservice, and e-commerce channels across North America.

About the role

The Maintenance Supervisor is responsible for the development and scheduling of maintenance technicians, preventive maintenance, auditing of work performed, implementation of process improvements, and ensuring all equipment is in proper working order while maintaining food safety and quality requirements. This role manages day-to-day activities involving the maintenance of the building, facility, equipment, grounds keeping, security, and overall facility appearance.

Responsibilities

• Respond to requests for repairs and modifications of general plant equipment and systems.
• Determine causes of malfunctions and the extent of repairs or modifications needed.
• Develop procedures and methods for corrective actions, including cost feasibility, timetables, and priorities for plant capabilities and usage.
• Supervise staff for general preventive maintenance (PM) of equipment.
• Oversee the performance of outside contractors.
• Coordinate repair and modification projects with contractors, vendors, and maintenance support services.
• Develop long- and short-term plans for maintenance project needs.
• Ensure preventive maintenance is completed and documented.
• Complete repairs to equipment using available resources.
• Maintain good housekeeping practices and ensure food safety and quality requirements are met during maintenance activities.
• Maintain sufficient inventories of parts and supplies to keep equipment properly maintained.
• Train new maintenance technicians and maintain an engaged team.
• Adapt to changes in work environment, including frequent changes to production and work schedules.
• Maintain a flexible schedule, including availability on days, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree or related field experience.
• Minimum of 5 years progressive maintenance experience.
• 2 years’ experience in a supervisory role.
• Strong knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
• Ability to operate equipment in a production area and prepare accurate paperwork.
• Understanding of aseptic process flow and terminology (preferred).
• Ability to analyze situations and communicate information needed to resolve issues.
• Follow all safety and sanitation guidelines.
• Ability to stand for long periods, lift a minimum of 50 pounds, and climb bins, ladders, and steps in high places.
• Work in hot and cold environments.
• Safely operate forklifts.
• Maintain good attendance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong working knowledge of systems with high levels of instrumentation and automation.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing Practices.
• Experience in a food manufacturing environment.
• Bilingual in Spanish.
• Proficient with MS Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Experience with Oracle (beneficial).
• Outstanding verbal, written, multi-tasking, and presentation skills.
• Ability to create momentum and foster organizational change.

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Paid Family leave
• Paid maternity leave
• 401(k) with Match
• Voluntary Life, Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital indemnity insurance
• Paid Holidays
• Tuition assistance
• Short-term and Long-term Disability insurance

Schedule

This position requires a flexible schedule, including availability on days, evenings, weekends, and holidays. Approximately 50% of the work is performed in an office environment; the remaining 50% is in a manufacturing or production environment.

Additional Information

Travel Expectation: Up to 10%. This position is based at the SunOpta plant in Alexandria, MN. Relocation or international remote working arrangements will not be considered.