Job Title: Maintenance Lead

Reports To: Maintenance Manager / Plant Manager

Required Hours: 40+

Job Summary

The Maintenance Lead ensures smooth operation of plant equipment by overseeing preventive maintenance, repair activities, and shift-level leadership of the maintenance team. This role requires technical proficiency, strong leadership, and a commitment to safety. The Maintenance Lead works closely with the Maintenance Manager, Production Supervisors, and other leadership to prioritize work, support training, and maintain facility standards.

Responsibilities

Leadership & Supervision

• Serve as shift lead for maintenance staff; delegate assignments and follow up on completion. Hold technicians accountable for work quality, timeliness, and safety.
• Provide training and mentorship to Level II and Level III technicians;
• Assume responsibilities of Maintenance Manager in their absence.

Preventive Maintenance

• Ensure PM tasks are assigned appropriately and completed on schedule; review mid-week progress and reassign work as needed.
• Perform weekly audits of PMs (10 per shift) and hold technicians accountable for accuracy.

Repairs & Projects

• Oversee daily repair and project assignments, troubleshooting and performing repair work safely and efficiently.
• Collaborate with production leadership to minimize downtime and determine when equipment can be taken out of service.

Safety

• Enforce all company and industry safety rules, including proper Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures.
• Lead monthly safety training and gather documentation required for reporting.

Utilities & Chemicals

• Monitor wash aisle chemical levels and dosing systems (e.g., Ecolab); oversee boiler room chemistry, water softener hardness, and utility checks.
• Assign utility personnel to cart and bag repairs; ensure parts are available for both.

Inventory & Ordering

• Notify Maintenance Manager of low parts/supply levels and order supplies when delegated.
• Maintain cart repair and bag repair inventories.

Quality Control

• Inspect press area daily for quality, including pH testing and output standards.
• Check quality and count accuracy for folders (sheet, blanket, SPF).

Communication

• Communicate downtime, equipment status, and findings with Maintenance Manager and production leadership.
• Provide shift-to-shift updates to next Maintenance Lead; collaborate in staff and safety meetings.

Other Duties

• Perform power plant startup/shutdown when scheduled; complete punch list and walkthrough reports when required.
• Any additional tasks assigned by Maintenance Manager or Plant Manager.

Required Skills

• Technical proficiency in electrical motors, motor controllers, single- and three-phase wiring, schematics, PLCs, and VFDs.
• Strong mechanical skills including welding, hydraulics, pneumatics, pipe fitting, and gearbox repair.
• Ability to train and mentor staff effectively.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to work flexible schedules including weekends and holidays.
• Must be able to access and navigate all areas of the facility and equipment.
• Physical ability to climb stairs/ladders, work at heights, and lift up to 75 pounds.

Preferred Skills

• Prior supervisory experience in an industrial setting.
• Commercial laundry equipment experience.
• Strong knowledge of safety compliance and quality assurance practices.