About Us

Foremost Farms USA, headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin, is a world-class supplier of cheese, dairy products, and ingredients to national and international markets. As a dairy cooperative, we are owned by the 1,100 dairy farmers who supply our high-quality milk. Our flexible, diverse plant network allows us to manufacture products and ingredients that are most in-demand – and provide a strong, secure market for our member-owners’ milk.

We’re looking for employees who challenge the status quo, innovate and aim for excellence. Because we’re working to be the world’s best – to Be Foremost – we’ll bring out the best in you.

About This Opportunity

JOB TITLE: Maintenance Supervisor
POSITION TYPE: Full time
CLASSIFICATION: Exempt

Regular business hours

POSITION SUMMARY:

The primary purpose of the position is to direct and assist the daily activities of the plant’s maintenance programs such as PM work orders and corrective work orders, supervision and development (training and cross training) of all plant maintenance technicians.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice. The essential functions of this job include, but are not limited to:

• Scheduling maintenance technicians and assigning responsibility related to special activities taking place in the plant.
• Lead and supervise team with daily activities and requirements of PM work orders and corrective work orders.
• Acting as the technical resource to address and resolve any maintenance related inquiries and problems, providing assistance and training in trouble shooting plant equipment malfunctions.
• Prioritizing and scheduling requests for repairs and installations, including establishing maintenance schedules that optimize production operations.
• Coordination of scheduling and planning for installation and completion of new equipment and building projects as assigned.
• Obtaining, documenting, and standardizing new procedures and PM instructions/frequencies when new equipment and processes are implemented.
• Understanding when equipment through-puts are being met and investigation of possible causes when thru-puts are not being achieved. Analyze data to appropriately understand equipment downtime and mitigate unplanned equipment failure.
• Coordinating with the maintenance Planner to maintain an up-to-date parts inventory of all critical machine parts.
• Coordinating downtime with plant production and management personnel for scheduling of routine boiler, HVAC, ammonia, sprinkler systems and other building systems and equipment.
• Review and identify SQF compliance as it relates to maintenance function within the plant.
• Work with the maintenance Manager to develop, recommend and implement an approved maintenance departmental budget.
• Recommendation for building and grounds repair and maintenance, structural changes, and any other maintenance related activities with production, prioritizing the projects.
• Assisting in the design of new projects, machines, replacements, etc., including outside contractor supervision and oversight to ensure the completion of work within specifications.
• Ensuring all maintenance employees and contractors are wearing and using the appropriate PPE to complete the work required.
• Ensure the completion of all required paperwork, records, documentation, etc., including boiler EPL log.
• Ensuring that quality and food safety best practices are performed for all operations within the facility on a daily basis.
• Ensuring compliance with all safety and work rules and regulations, and departmental housekeeping standards.
• Regular and punctual attendance and physical presence in the workplace.
• Timely and accurate completion of duties.
• Occasional travel for work.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES:

The following are required competencies of the position that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job:

• Computer Skills: Ability to operate all information technology related production and processing systems, programs and applications in a manner that achieves efficiency, accuracy, and relevancy of production processing and reporting as it applies to this position.
• Language Skills: Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to communicate effectively with vendors and other employees of the organization.
• Mathematical Skills: Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent.
• Reasoning Ability: Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
• Other Skills & Abilities: Requires position to obtain applicable certifications or license related to the work that is being performed. Requires the ability to operate a variety of standard business machines. Must have the ability to drive a motor vehicle and maintain a valid driver’s license. Must develop a working knowledge of applicable computerized maintenance management system and requires ongoing use of the system to develop work assignments including key measures for preventive maintenance, work orders and labor utilization. Must be able to participate on cross functional teams, including safety committee, to ensure the continuous, on-going improvement of processes, methods, productivity, and quality, while reducing costs.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Physical Demands – Employee is continuously (more than 67 to 100%% of time) required to: use hands to finger, handle, or touch objects, tools, or controls, sit; to verbally communicate; and to hear. The employee is occasionally (up to 33% of the time) required to walk and stand. The employee must occasionally (up to 33% of the time) lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
• Work Environment – The employee is occasionally exposed to risk of electrical shock, wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles. The noise level is usually moderate to loud.
• Protective Equipment – This position requires the use of a hair net, bump cap, eye protection, hearing protection, safety shoes, welding equipment, respirators, and gloves, depending on the work being performed.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

This position requires an Associate Degree in science, or the completion of trades training and five to seven years of progressively responsible related experience; or four years of high school and nine to eleven years of progressively responsible related experience; or a combination of education and experience.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

This position directly supervises hourly maintenance tech positions. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems. This position also requires prioritizing, scheduling and delegating work assignments, and supervising maintenance function to ensure the best possible maintenance support for the entire facility.

BENEFITS:

Because you and your family matter, Foremost Farms offers some of the best benefits in the area! Our comprehensive medical plan includes health, vision, dental, and prescription insurance. You can choose to enroll in a single or family plan with low monthly premiums and low annual deductibles ($250/$500). Other benefits include:

• 401(k) with a generous company contribution (100% match on up to 8% deferral)
• Paid time off, starting at 200 hours (25 days)
• 10 Paid holidays
• Paid parental leave (6 weeks paid at 100%)
• Flexible spending accounts – for medical and dependent care (childcare) expenses
• Life and disability insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Referral program
• Advancement opportunities!

Equal Opportunity Employer
Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disabled are encouraged to apply.

At Foremost Farms USA, we believe that employee diversity brings strength to our organization. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, creed, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disabilities, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.

Successful completion of pre-employment screening is required, which could include a drug test, background check, and other verifications or assessments to be sure you will be able to succeed in your position.