Job Type
Full-time
Description
As our
Director of Bakery Equipment, you will step into an exciting, high-impact position created specifically to support our expanding production capacity. Based primarily at our bakery in Lake Katrine and supporting our Boiceville bakery, you will have the opportunity to build, modernize, and lead our equipment reliability strategy from the ground up. If you thrive on solving complex mechanical puzzles, mentoring technical teams, and commissioning state-of-the-art baking machinery, this is your chance to shape the backbone of a beloved, values-driven company.
Requirements
Duties, responsibilities, and essential job functions include, but are not limited to, the following:
Equipment Reliability & Maintenance- Own the reliability and maintenance of bakery production equipment, with a focus on reducing unplanned downtime and recurring failures.
- Lead preventive maintenance planning and execution, coordinating with Production to balance equipment needs and production schedules.
- Lead troubleshooting and root cause analysis of significant equipment failures, ensuring corrective actions are completed.
- Oversee the operation, maintenance, and regulatory compliance of the Lake Katrine wastewater pretreatment system.
Maintenance Systems & Planning- Own the effective use of CMMS, MaintiMizer, including work orders, preventive maintenance schedules, asset records, and maintenance histories.
- Maintain critical spare parts inventories, equipment documentation, and technical procedures.
- Track equipment downtime, preventive maintenance completion, and maintenance costs to identify priorities and measure improvement.
Team Leadership & Development- Lead the maintenance team, establishing clear responsibilities, schedules, performance expectations, and safe working practices.
- Develop technical capabilities through training, cross-training, and knowledge sharing, reducing dependence on individual technicians.
- Own relationships with equipment manufacturers and technical service providers, including outside troubleshooting and repairs.
Equipment Improvements & Capital Projects- Work with department leadership to identify and prioritize equipment repairs, upgrades, and replacements based on reliability, safety, and operating cost.
- Support equipment selection, installation, and commissioning, ensuring new equipment is ready for reliable operation and ongoing maintenance.
- Partner with Production and Food Safety & Quality to ensure equipment maintenance supports operational performance, food safety, and regulatory requirements.
Qualifications: Required:- 7+ years of experience in industrial maintenance, equipment reliability, or manufacturing engineering, including experience leading maintenance teams.
- Strong technical knowledge of mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and automated production equipment.
- Demonstrated success improving equipment reliability, reducing downtime, and managing preventive maintenance programs.
- Experience using a CMMS to manage maintenance activities, equipment records, and work orders.
- Strong troubleshooting and root cause analysis skills, with the ability to lead teams through complex equipment failures.
- Strong people leadership, communication, and organizational skills, with a practical, collaborative approach to problem-solving.
Preferred:- Experience in commercial baking, food manufacturing, or other high-volume, continuous-operation production environments.
- Experience managing equipment manufacturers, technical service providers, and critical spare parts programs.
- Experience with equipment installation, commissioning, and capital improvement projects.
- Familiarity with SQF or comparable food safety standards.
- Degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, industrial technology, or a related field; equivalent practical experience will be considered.
Physical Requirements: - Stand and walk concrete production floors for extended periods; climb stairs, vertical ladders, and maintenance platforms to access machinery.
- Bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and reach to troubleshoot equipment components inside machinery cabinets, underneath conveyors, or within tight mechanical spaces.
- Frequently handle tools, machinery parts, wiring, and precision instruments requiring manual dexterity and coordination.
- Regularly lift, carry, push, or pull tools and replacement components weighing up to 50 lbs.
- Work around hot industrial equipment, including commercial ovens, proofer boxes, steam lines, and refrigeration systems.
- Visual and auditory acuity sufficient to inspect fine mechanical/electrical assemblies, detect unusual machinery sounds or vibrations, read schematics, and recognize safety hazards.
- Valid driver's license and reliable transportation to travel between the Lake Katrine and Boiceville production sites.
Work Environment: - Active commercial food manufacturing environment with exposure to moving machinery, automated conveyors, forklifts, flour dust, high heat, steam, wet washdown zones, and elevated noise levels requiring PPE.
- Exposure to hazardous energy sources, including high-voltage electrical panels, pressurized pneumatic/hydraulic systems, and mechanical pinch points; requires strict adherence to Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) and machine safety protocols.
- Requires wearing appropriate PPE and adhering to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), SQF, personal hygiene, and OSHA safety standards.
- Flexible schedule required, including early mornings, nights, weekends, or plant downtime/sanitation windows to support major overhauls or urgent line repairs.
- On-call availability to respond to critical equipment failures, emergency breakdowns, or unplanned production stoppages outside standard business hours.
Perks and Benefits: - Competitive pay
- Health Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Company Paid Vision Insurance
- Company Paid Life Insurance
- Supplemental benefit options
- 401(k) with company match
- Company-Wide Bonus Plan
- Employee Stock Ownership Program
- Employee Discounts
- Company Events
- Paid Time Off
- Professional Development Programs
- Referral Program
- Anniversary recognition program
- Opportunities for Growth
- Flexible schedules
Salary Description
$98,000 - $143,000 a year
