Maintenance Supervisor - Pet Food Company

Job Title: Maintenance Supervisor/Planner
Department: Maintenance
Location: Willing to work in New Zealand

Reports To: Project & Maintenance Engineering Manager

Job Summary:

The Maintenance Supervisor/Planner (New Zealand) plays a pivotal role in ensuring the efficient and effective maintenance of all equipment, machinery, and infrastructure within the organization. This position is responsible for the planning, scheduling, and supervision of preventive and corrective maintenance tasks. The Supervisor/Planner is responsible for overseeing maintenance personnel, ensuring that tasks are completed on time, and resources are utilized efficiently. Additionally, the role ensures that maintenance activities are conducted safely, in compliance with industry regulations, and aligned with the organization's objectives of minimizing downtime, optimizing production, and extending the lifecycle of machinery.

Key Responsibilities:

Maintenance Planning & Scheduling:

1. Plan, Schedule, and Execute Maintenance Tasks: Develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive preventive maintenance program for all equipment and facilities, ensuring that activities are scheduled to minimize operational disruption and reduce unexpected downtime.
2. Work Order Management: Utilize Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS), such as Limble, SAP, to manage and prioritize maintenance requests, work orders, and the documentation of all activities performed.
3. Resource Allocation: Ensure the necessary tools, materials, and spare parts are available and ready for use by liaising with procurement teams. Maintain an inventory of critical parts and materials to reduce downtime during repairs.
4. Preventive vs. Corrective Maintenance Balance: Balance proactive preventive maintenance scheduling with reactive corrective maintenance when equipment failures occur, ensuring that maintenance resources are allocated efficiently.

Supervision & Leadership:

1. Team Management: Supervise and lead a team of maintenance technicians, assigning tasks based on skill sets, the urgency of maintenance needs, and availability. Provide hands-on assistance and mentorship to the team, ensuring they are adequately trained and supported in their roles.
2. Performance Evaluation & Development: Conduct regular performance reviews for maintenance staff and provide feedback. Identify skill gaps and coordinate training and professional development opportunities to improve team competencies and enhance overall productivity.
3. Safety & Compliance Leadership: Lead by example in maintaining a high standard of health, safety, and environmental (HSE) practices. Ensure all work is performed in compliance with internal safety procedures, regulatory standards, and legal requirements. Implement corrective actions when safety issues are identified.

Troubleshooting & Problem-Solving:

1. Root Cause Analysis: Direct troubleshooting and diagnostic activities in the event of equipment failures. Investigate and analyze failure patterns and implement corrective measures to prevent recurrence.
2. Troubleshooting Systems: Oversee troubleshooting efforts for mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic systems, coordinating with other engineering or technical teams for specialized knowledge when required.
3. Vendor Management: Work closely with external vendors or contractors for specialized repairs, maintenance, and services. Evaluate vendor performance and ensure that the services provided align with company standards.

Performance Monitoring & Reporting:

1. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): Monitor critical maintenance KPIs such as Mean Time to Repair (MTTR), Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF), downtime tracking, and maintenance costs. Utilize this data to assess the effectiveness of current maintenance practices and identify areas for improvement.
2. Continuous Improvement: Identify and implement strategies to improve the reliability, efficiency, and availability of equipment. Lead initiatives like Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), Reliability-Centered Maintenance (RCM), or Lean Maintenance programs to streamline maintenance operations and reduce waste.
3. Reporting: Regularly generate detailed reports on maintenance activities, including performance analysis, cost management, downtime logs, and root cause analyses. Present these reports to upper management and stakeholders for review and action.

Health, Safety & Environmental Responsibility:

1. Safety Inspections and Audits: Conduct regular inspections of the maintenance work environment, equipment, and processes to identify potential safety hazards. Ensure that any issues are addressed promptly.
2. Compliance: Ensure that all maintenance activities comply with industry standards, local and national regulations, and environmental guidelines. Stay current on safety regulations and ensure that team members are trained and updated on any changes in legislation.
3. Risk Management: Assess and mitigate risks associated with maintenance work, including handling hazardous materials, working with heavy machinery, and addressing workplace safety concerns.

Qualifications & Skills:

Education & Certifications:

1. Education: A Diploma or Degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial Engineering, or a related field is required.
2. Certifications: Industry certifications in maintenance management, such as Certified Maintenance Manager (CMM), Certified Maintenance Reliability Professional (CMRP), or similar qualifications, are preferred.

Experience:

1. Experience in Industrial Maintenance: Minimum of 5 years in an industrial maintenance environment, with at least 2-3 years in a supervisory or planner role in a food or pet food industry.
2. Equipment Knowledge: Strong hands-on experience in maintaining and repairing industrial machinery, including knowledge of PLC, hydraulics, pneumatics, and electrical systems.
3. CMMS Systems: Proficient in the use of CMMS software such as Limble, SAP, similar tools for work order management, scheduling, and documentation.

Skills:

1. Leadership & Team Management: Proven ability to lead and motivate a maintenance team, manage conflicting priorities, and effectively manage time and resources.
2. Problem-Solving & Analytical Thinking: Strong troubleshooting and diagnostic skills with the ability to analyze complex mechanical, electrical, and control system issues.
3. Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to coordinate and collaborate with other departments such as production, engineering, and procurement.
4. Project Management: Ability to plan, coordinate, and execute large-scale maintenance projects, including the installation of new equipment and the overhaul of existing systems.

Additional Desired Skills:

1. Lean Maintenance: Knowledge of Lean principles, such as TPM, 5S, or Kaizen, to drive continuous improvement in maintenance processes.
2. Computer Skills: Competence in using Microsoft Office tools, such as Excel, Word, and Outlook, for documentation, scheduling, and reporting.

Work Environment:

1. Physical Demands: The role requires regular physical activity, including the lifting of heavy parts, climbing ladders, and working in confined spaces. Ability to work in an industrial environment with varying temperatures and noise levels.
2. Shift Work & On-Call: The Maintenance Supervisor/Planner may be required to work on rotating shifts or be available for on-call duties to address emergency maintenance issues, particularly during equipment breakdowns.
3. Travel: Occasional travel to other sites or locations may be required to oversee maintenance activities or work with vendors.
4. Training & Development: Opportunities for career development, including training on the latest technologies in maintenance management, leadership programs, and certifications.