Lead Maintenance Technician

Employment Type: Hourly
Shift: First
Work Arrangement: Onsite

Position Summary:

Utilize specialized skill sets to support the maintenance and optimal operating condition of a variety of equipment using company approved food safety practices and policies. Train other maintenance mechanics to increase skill level in the department when applicable. Decrease equipment downtime utilizing training and skills.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Using specialized skill sets, performs corrective maintenance and emergency maintenance on food packaging/processing equipment and facility equipment to maximize equipment up-time
• Completion of assigned scheduled preventative maintenance and work orders assigned to increase asset life. Prepare daily, weekly and monthly reports documenting the activities and work performed by the maintenance department. Includes all equipment repairs from breakdowns, work orders or scheduled preventative maintenance. Assist in maintaining the maintenance office and departmental records
• Troubleshoot and resolve advanced equipment mechanical/electrical issues within specialized skill sets
• Repair and/or rebuild pumps, mills, gearboxes and other miscellaneous mechanical entities
• Assist/direct other maintenance mechanics in troubleshooting advanced equipment problems using specialized skill sets
• Train other maintenance mechanics with up to date information to increase skill level within department. Effectively document who, what, why and when the training takes place
• Responsible for all Clean In Place (CIP) processes and ensure that all documentation is accurate and complete
• Responsible for following all food safety policies, procedures and regulatory criteria including the current SQF code, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), and the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and associated preventive controls
• Other duties as assigned
• Travel may be required

Education and Experience:

• High School Diploma/GED or equivalent experience
• 5-10 years of experience in advanced mechanical troubleshooting and repair skills and/or specialized training
• Experience in a food manufacturing environment preferred

Knowledge and Skills:

• Craftsman knowledgeable use of hand/power tools, various shop equipment and able to use general measuring tools such as multi-meters, tape measures, calipers and dial indicators
• Should be proficient in computer use and Microsoft applications such as Word and Excel
• Possess outstanding leadership, organizational, communication and people skills and be able to work under minimal supervision
• Able to understand and assist in troubleshooting of complex packaging and processing machinery and facility equipment using specialized skill sets within trained expertise
• Able to understand and follow verbal instructions, work with CAD drawings and/or schematics or basic hand drawn diagrams
• An understanding and history of following GMP and other related food manufacturing policies

Why Join Us:
Ventura Foods innovates and manufactures food solutions for foodservice and retail businesses. We make exclusive products for the world's most iconic restaurants and retailers, we provide ready-to-go product solutions for professional kitchens, and we make consumer brands everyone knows and loves. When you work for Ventura Foods, you get a strong foundation of training, a manager who cares about you and celebrates your success, a safe environment, and challenging work. As part of our team, your future is limited only by how much you're willing to push yourself to get there. We invest in your growth because you invest in ours.

Ventura Foods offers career growth opportunities as well as competitive compensation and benefits:

• Medical, Prescription, Dental, & Vision - coverage beginning on your 1st day for eligible employees
• Profit Sharing and 401(k) matching (after eligible criteria is met)
• Paid Vacation, Sick Time, and Holidays
• Employee Appreciation Events and Employee Assistance Programs

Physical Demands:
All jobs require sufficient physical strength and dexterity to perform the required task(s) and typically also require at a minimum: intermittent sitting, standing, walking, climbing, squatting, kneeling, pushing, and pulling. Occasional lifting and/or moving up to 50 pounds or more with assistance may also be required. Please see the job description for specific requirements.

Work Environment:
Please see the job description for specific requirements of the position for which you are applying.

Typical shifts are 8-12 hours per day. Additional unscheduled time after hours and on weekends may also be required. Employees must be willing and able to wear personal protective equipment as required by Company policy and/or legal requirements. In addition, certain jobs may require employees to:

• Work outside and/or in adverse temperatures which could include extreme heat, cold, and humidity;
• Be exposed to vibrations, chemicals used in operations, fumes and food allergens (may include soy, dairy and other allergens); and
• Be required to work in confined and dark spaces, and at heights in excess of 18 feet.

Our Culture
Our Culture reflects our commitment to treating every employee with respect and creating an environment where people can do their best work. We rely on a variety of strengths, backgrounds, and experiences across our teams to help us innovate, grow, and deliver for our customers. By fostering a workplace that is supportive, collaborative, and grounded in integrity, we continue to attract strong talent and meet the high expectations of a rapidly evolving marketplace.

Ventura Foods is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.