Maintenance Technician Lead

SUMMARY: Responsible for leading, planning, and overseeing on-the-floor activities of the maintenance team to ensure operational excellence and machine reliability across the facility. This role coordinates all mechanical and maintenance functions that support production, quality, safety, and distribution processes. The Maintenance Lead ensures effective execution of preventive and corrective maintenance programs, drives improvements in equipment uptime and reliability, and manages the use of CMMS systems for accurate tracking and reporting. Working cross-functionally with Operations, Quality, Safety, and other teams to support plant performance goals while promoting a strong culture of safety and continuous improvement.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The following reflects management’s definition of essential functions for this job but does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned.  Management may assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons:

Leadership & Team Oversight

• Lead and develop the maintenance team to support operational excellence and production reliability.
• Set priorities for daily, weekly, and monthly tasks while ensuring clear accountability and follow-through.
• Provide coaching, mentorship, and technical expertise to build a high-performing maintenance crew.

Machinery Reliability & Uptime

• Take ownership of facility machinery reliability, ensuring all equipment operates at optimal performance.
• Implement reliability-centered maintenance strategies to reduce unplanned downtime and extend asset life.
• Track and analyze equipment failures, identify root causes, and lead corrective action plans to prevent recurrence.
• Drive reliability KPIs as set with Plant Manager to help track progress and ensure deliverables.

Preventive & Corrective Maintenance

• Oversee and enforce preventive maintenance schedules across all production lines.
• Direct corrective maintenance responses to minimize disruptions and ensure quick, safe resolution of issues.
• Standardize maintenance procedures to ensure consistent execution across shifts and teams.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Operations and Quality leaders to align maintenance activities with plant goals.
• Act as the link between maintenance and production teams to address bottlenecks and improve throughput.
• Support Plant Manager objectives by proactively identifying risks, scheduling planned outages, and ensuring maintenance aligns with production demands.

Systems & Process Management

• Manage and ensure full utilization of the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) for all work orders, asset tracking, and reporting.
• Monitor trends from CMMS data to inform capital planning, reliability improvements, and workforce scheduling.
• Standardize documentation and reporting on all maintenance activities for traceability and compliance.

Safety, Compliance & Training

• Ensure maintenance activities are carried out in strict adherence to safety protocols (LOTO, OSHA, organic compliance standards).
• Support internal and external audits by maintaining proper records and ensuring equipment safety certifications are up to date.
• Train maintenance staff in reliability practices, CMMS use, and safe work methods.

Resource Planning

• Manage spare parts inventory and vendor relationships to ensure cost-effective and timely supply of critical components.
• Assist Plant Manager in tracking maintenance spending and identifying opportunities for cost savings while maintaining reliability standards.
• Recommend and justify capital improvements, equipment replacements, or upgrades to improve plant efficiency.
• Other duties as assigned by manager.

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS and ABILITIES:

• Strong technical knowledge of industrial machinery, mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems.
• Proficiency in preventive and predictive maintenance practices, reliability-centered maintenance, and root cause analysis.
• Experience using and managing CMMS systems for work order tracking, data analysis, and asset management.
• Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting skills with the ability to make quick, effective decisions under pressure.
• Leadership skills to lead, train, and motivate a diverse maintenance team.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills to work cross-functionally with plant leadership and operations teams.
• Ability to read and interpret technical manuals, schematics, and equipment drawings.
• Knowledge of OSHA safety requirements, LOTO procedures, confined space entry, and regulatory standards applicable to fertilizer manufacturing.
• Ability to balance reliability improvements with cost control, inventory management, and budget targets.
• Ability to install, inspect, repair, and maintain the electrical, plumbing and other related systems.
• Excellent customer service skills and ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT and PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

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

Work Environment:

• Work is primarily performed in a manufacturing plant environment with exposure to dust (organic materials/fertilizers), odors, noise, and varying temperatures.
• Will be required to work throughout the plant, including production floors, maintenance shops, and outdoor areas.
• Work is performed in both indoor and outdoor plant environments with exposure to high heat, cold, humidity, and changing weather conditions.
• Reasonable and reliable attendance required, may be required to work extended hours, weekends, or respond to emergency maintenance situations.

Physical and Mental Requirements

• Ability to work safely in indoor and outdoor environments, including extreme heat or cold conditions.
• Must follow company heat illness prevention practices, including hydration, rest, and shade breaks when working in extreme heat conditions.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, climb ladders, and work in tight or elevated spaces for extended periods.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. unassisted.
• Manual dexterity to handle tools, equipment, and parts safely and effectively.
• Visual and auditory ability to identify equipment issues, alarms, and hazards.
• Mental stamina to handle high-pressure situations, prioritize competing demands, and make timely, sound decisions.
• Ability to train, mentor, and communicate effectively with team members under both routine and emergency conditions.