Demo

Central Maintenance Planner

LIPTON Teas and Infusions
Suffolk, VA Full Time
POSTED ON 12/24/2025
AVAILABLE BEFORE 1/23/2026
LIPTON Teas and Infusions is the biggest tea business in the world, with world class purpose driven brands such as Lipton, PG Tips and Pukka. As Lipton Teas and Infusions we are united in one purpose: growing a world of wellbeing through the regenerative power of plants.

In July 2022, CVC Capital Partners Fund VIII took over the full ownership of the LIPTON Teas and Infusions (formally ekaterra) business from its previous owner, Unilever. As a standalone entity with a dedicated single-category focus, Lipton T&I is even better positioned to lead the tea industry, delivering higher growth and value, and a greater impact on the wider world. With 11 production factories in four continents and tea growing estates in three countries, LIPTON Teas and Infusions is a profitable and growing business whose brands reach hundreds of millions of consumers. It has a presence in over 100 countries.

At LIPTON Teas and Infusions, we work alongside people who put consumer love at the heart of every decision. Diverse minds who celebrate new ideas, share our values and the commitment we have for the wellbeing of all. In return, we create an environment that gives our people space and freedom, where they can grow as leaders. A connected community where ideas can thrive. Where you explore new challenges. Learning all you need to master your field, and even more about yourself.

Be part of this amazing blend. Join our collective and help us grow a better world of wellbeing and a better you.

Job Title: Central Maintenance Planner

Job Status: Full-time

Work location: Suffolk, VA

Travel: Limited

Starting Pay: $37.33/hour

The Central Maintenance Planner plays an essential role in providing, planning, and scheduling of maintenance work activities and resources through coordination with Maintenance, Operations, Planning, and Production staff members, and related activities at the factory. The Central Maintenance Planner reports to the Engineering Supervisor.

Responsibilities (not all-inclusive)

  • Always puts Safety first & use MOC process when considering an improvement to current/new equipment or process changes
  • Maintain regulatory records and inspections, participating in safety and food audits and providing documents as requested
  • Leadership in electrical safety, document and maintain training for required programs
  • Assigns personnel, material, and outside resources for preventative, predictive, and reactive work
  • Provides analysis of machine performance and identifies trends for action. Uses predictive tools to anticipate maintenance needs or impending breakdowns
  • Manages and maintains the site CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System). Subject matter expert and trainer for this system
  • Develops and updates equipment PMs as needed
  • Actively participate in Breakdown Analysis (BDA) program and takes follow up action drive down the recurrence of breakdowns
  • Create Purchase Orders and support the invoicing process using Ariba, VIM, SAP and related systems
  • Engaged in the Continuous Improvement Process (LMS, Lipton Management System)
  • Operate a forklift and Verti lift as necessary
  • Partner with maintenance supervisor and shift leadership team on Maintenance Technician and Machinist staffing and make assignments as needed
  • Leadership in Permit to Work (PTW) and Job Safety Analisys (JSA) processes
  • Responsible for identification, implementation, and following up on productivity improvements in areas such as parts spending, machine downtime, and labor (mechanical) expenditure
  • Responsible for continually improving maintenance performance levels in safety, outputs, and quality
  • Assist with plant trials and special projects as required
  • Plan and execute overhaul and shutdown work
  • Manage the Audit/Rebuild Program (OEM led audits of key equipment, follow up work, and rebuilds). This includes maintaining the OEM Audit/Rebuild Calendar
  • Maintain equipment repair histories (including mean time between failures, cost, etc.)
  • Update and generate site Planned Maintenance KPI reports with regards to effective maintenance
  • Manage Storeroom Function: Inventories, replenishment, cycle counts, full-physical counts, etc.
  • Plan and coordinate parts inventories for planned jobs, including leadership in the use of the kitting area
  • Initiate improvement projects based upon review of maintenance data
  • Maintain site technical library
  • Coordination of third-party sourced maintenance contracts and coordinate outside contractors for project or one-off repair work
  • Lead and participate in the Master Sanitation Schedule (MSS) Program, 5-S housekeeping, and other needs for the department and the factory.
  • Support as a key resource for various internal or external audits (FSSC Food Safety, Industrial Safety, Physical Asset Inventory, Etc
  • Complete all other assigned duties.

Requirements (not all-inclusive)

  • Must have three (3) plus years as an Automation Technician
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work as a team member
  • Excellent organizational skills
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Must be able to read and interpret operating, maintenance, safety, and procedural manuals
  • Must be able to analyze and identify trends in graphs and data tables
  • Must be able to demonstrate experience in making decisions using data
  • Must have a minimum of basic experience with Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS)
  • Must have basic knowledge of Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. Computer Skills testing evaluation will be required
  • Ability to work and interact with various departments within the factory
  • Demonstrated ability in leading or being an active member of FI teams
  • History of compliance to all policies/procedures such as quality, safety, and sanitation rules
  • Ability to manage a number of high priority tasks with accuracy and adhering to deadlines
  • Must be willing to work off shifts and flexible hours if necessary

A RAMSAY assessment with a passing score is also required, this is a comprehensive Multicraft and or Mechanical diagnostic assessment.

Employment is subject to verification of pre-screening tests, which may include drug screening, physical and background check.

A Great Place to Grow

Here at LIPTON Teas and Infusions, we grow a world of wellbeing to generate value for all.

  • Grow your LEADERSHIP – Thought leader or people leader, we want to help you to truly realise your potential. With a strong internal nurturing network and a focus on your development, you can grow your leadership with us. When you grow, the world around you will grow.
  • Grow your VALUE - To foster your learning, we offer big, fulfilling roles within an empowering and entrepreneurial climate. You will have the space to take ownership and to make your mark – and you will be rewarded for the value that you create.
  • Grow your IMPACT – We are unique in our industry - from our tea estates to our factories, labs and offices, we innovate sustainably and drive value for all. We grow a world of wellbeing, from seed to sip. You can truly leave your mark on our company and on the planet -through the meaningful work that you do.

Benefits & Perks

  • Comprehensive insurance plans - health, dental disability and life Insurance
  • 401(k) with 5% company matching an extra 4% after your first year
  • Flexible Spending Account and Dependent Care Accounts
  • Generous time off including paid vacation, company holidays, and floating holidays
  • Parental Leave - Primary & Secondary
  • Learning and development reimbursement

LIPTON Teas and Infusions is an organization committed to equity, inclusion and diversity to drive our business results and create a better future, every day, for our employees, global consumers, partners, and communities. We believe a diverse workforce allows us to match our growth ambitions and drive inclusion across the business. We are interested in every individual bringing their whole self to work and this includes you! Therefore if you require any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of your application so that we can support you through your recruitment journey.

Salary : $37

If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution. Compensation Planning
Enhance your organization's compensation strategy with salary data sets that HR and team managers can use to pay your staff right. Surveys & Data Sets

What is the career path for a Central Maintenance Planner?

Sign up to receive alerts about other jobs on the Central Maintenance Planner career path by checking the boxes next to the positions that interest you.
Income Estimation: 
$49,514 - $66,770
Income Estimation: 
$61,814 - $80,853
Income Estimation: 
$79,146 - $108,475
Income Estimation: 
$78,212 - $94,568
Income Estimation: 
$103,597 - $137,260
Income Estimation: 
$57,321 - $76,551
Income Estimation: 
$63,144 - $84,521
Income Estimation: 
$67,622 - $88,825
Income Estimation: 
$111,535 - $153,846
Income Estimation: 
$67,622 - $88,825
Income Estimation: 
$63,144 - $84,521
Income Estimation: 
$74,959 - $98,091
Income Estimation: 
$111,535 - $153,846
Income Estimation: 
$103,597 - $137,260
Income Estimation: 
$78,212 - $94,568
Income Estimation: 
$129,537 - $167,950
View Core, Job Family, and Industry Job Skills and Competency Data for more than 15,000 Job Titles Skills Library

Not the job you're looking for? Here are some other Central Maintenance Planner jobs in the Suffolk, VA area that may be a better fit.

  • Howmet Hampton, VA
  • Job Info Job Identification 115251 Job Category Operations Posting Date 12/12/2025, 09:02 PM Locations One Howmet Drive, Hampton, VA, 23661, US (On-site) J... more
  • 28 Days Ago

  • Howmet Aerospace Hampton, VA
  • Responsibilities Maintenance Planner Job Summary This opening is with Howmet Aerospace – a world leader in investment casting of super-alloys, aluminum, an... more
  • 3 Days Ago

AI Assistant is available now!

Feel free to start your new journey!