LEW Cheese Maintenance Planner/Group Leader

Cheese Maintenance Department

Job Title:                   Cheese Maintenance Planner/Group Leader

Wage Scale:              44.78  (Break in rates and $0.75 cents differential pay from 6PM - 5:59AM applies).                                   

Hours/shift:              1st Shift **Subject to change based on business needs**

Days Off:                   Varies

General Summary:

• The Maintenance Planner / Relief Group Leader – Cheese is responsible for the planning, scheduling, and will plan all maintenance work in Cheese Maintenance department. This role drives equipment reliability, minimizes unplanned downtime, and ensures parts and resources are available to execute the plan safely and efficiently. This position will assume all Group Leader responsibilities when required.

  This position combines strong Maximo/SAP PM planning discipline with hands-on leadership capability, supporting both proactive reliability and real-time operational support in a high-volume dairy processing environment.

Job Description:

• Plan, schedule, and prioritize all preventive maintenance, corrective work orders, new equipment installations, and capital/project work using Maximo (or SAP PM) to maximize wrench time and minimize production impact.
• Ensure all required parts, materials, special tools, and contractor support are identified, reserved, and available prior to scheduled work. Manage the repairable tracking and disposition process.
• Develop weekly and daily maintenance schedules in close coordination with Production, Sanitation, Quality, and Engineering to protect food safety, product quality, and throughput.
• Monitor work order completion, analyze schedule compliance and backlog trends, and drive continuous improvement in PM effectiveness and planner accuracy.
• Prioritize all work with Safety First principles (LOTO, arc flash, pinch points, confined space) and full compliance with GMPs, HACCP, and FDA requirements.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with supervisors, technicians, production leadership, and external contractors to ensure seamless execution of planned work.
• Support regulatory compliance documentation, audit readiness, and any required reporting for maintenance activities.
• Provide informal guidance and technical support to maintenance technicians on job planning, job packages, and safe work practices.
• Perform any other duties as assigned by Manager or Supervisor.
• Ensure the daily scheduled maintenance plan is being followed and facilitated across the Cheese department.
• Direct and oversee the maintenance crew performing troubleshooting, repair, and preventive maintenance on plant equipment.
• Conduct area walk-throughs to verify work progress, safety compliance, and that technicians are achieving targeted planned work hours (goal ≥ 80%).
• Promptly respond to equipment breakdowns and unplanned downtime; prioritize and assign work to minimize impact to production.
• Provide clear direction to the crew and ensure all work is performed in accordance with Company SOPs, Leprino standards, and safe operating procedures.
• Support fabrication or modification of equipment to Leprino specifications and standards when required.
• Assist with shift coverage and maintain a safe work environment at all times.
• Perform any other duties as assigned by the Maintenance Supervisor or Manager.

You Have At Least (Required Qualifications):

• Minimum 5 years of industrial maintenance experience in a manufacturing environment (food processing / dairy preferred), with at least 1 year of planning, scheduling, or formal leadership experience.
• Strong knowledge of electrical and mechanical troubleshooting on process equipment (pumps, valves, heat exchangers, CIP systems, separators, conveyors, etc.).
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, P&IDs, and technical drawings.
• Welding skills (arc, TIG, MIG, oxy/acetylene) and ability to design, layout, and fabricate preferred.
• Ability to operate a forklift and safely use hand and power tools.
• Proven ability to work effectively with outside contractors and cross-functional teams.
• Must demonstrate technical knowledge via standardized maintenance questionnaire (if required by site).

• Excellent organizational, prioritization, and interpersonal skills with the ability to multitask and make sound decisions under pressure.
• Demonstrated ability to plan and schedule maintenance work using a CMMS (Maximo strongly preferred; SAP PM or equivalent acceptable).
• Computer literacy – proficiency with Maximo (or willingness to quickly learn), Microsoft Office, and email.
• Willingness to work flexible hours and provide relief coverage as operational needs require.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities/Competencies:

• Demonstrated leadership ability.  Lead by Example.
• Demonstrated strong commitment to safety.  Knowledge of GMPs.
• Must be able to fulfill physical functional requirements of position per ADA
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.  Computer literacy.
• Multitask and decision make.
• Strong, visible commitment to Safety First (LOTO, arc flash, pinch points, machine guarding) and thorough knowledge of GMPs, HACCP, and food safety principles.

Working Relationships:

• This position reports to the Maintenance Department Manager or a Supervisor.
• This position will regularly interact with other production and support group supervisors. Regular interaction with other plant management.

Physical/Mental Requirements and Work Environment:

• Ability to speak, read, and write the English language.
• Ability to repeatedly lift up to 50 pounds throughout the shift.
• Ability to access elevated work areas such as climbing ladders/stairs.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment and comply with all applicable safety practices.
• Ability to work any shift, weekends, holidays and possible overtime.