Purpose of the Position

Assists in delivering a planned refrigeration system that drives stability through to the prediction of equipment life. Leads, motivates and develops a technical team of Refrigeration Technicians, Maintenance Technicians, and Maintenance Planners to drive losses out of our systems, create consistent standard approaches and achieve production results while improving individual skills and enhancing teamwork.

Essential Position Responsibilities - This is a Salary Exempt position.

Assists in directing the refrigeration and mechanical maintenance functions for a plant. In collaboration with the Maintenance manager, works through Refrigeration and Maintenance Supervisors to deliver a planned maintenance system for site-wide operations, including packaging, process, mechanical, electrical, building maintenance and stationary engineering. Works to improve the reliability of production lines & ensure machinery down times are reduced. Works to optimize refrigeration/maintenance operating efficiencies, through minimizing operating costs, implementing key performance indicators, and measurements. Works with Engineering & Technical Services to ensure seamless introduction of capital projects, taking the facility to the next level of sophistication in terms of automation. Ensures regulatory compliance in health & safety, environmental standards and equipment operations.

Actively develops the refrigeration/maintenance team’s capability to understand, own and effectively execute with excellence the key systems associated with World Class Refrigeration/Maintenance. Drives the performance development of shift maintenance, mechanical and electrical as well as the Inventory Coordinator & Maintenance Planner, including ownership, empowerment and accountability. Develops the refrigeration/maintenance department to a world-class level in Preventive and Predictive maintenance, MRO Inventory control and Maintenance Planning. Focuses on the development of the Refrigeration & Maintenance team to execute the technical systems associated with predictive & preventative refrigeration and maintenance, process control and OEE/downtime data collection and interpretation. Builds the Refrigeration/Maintenance team’s daily troubleshooting capability of the technical and process failures recognizing when, who and how to draw support.

Collaborates in the development of new processes and methods. Establishes and sustains effective relationships with all department managers in order to foster an environment where innovation and cooperation are used to solve problems. May interact, consult, and manage engineers and vendors. Contributes to the refrigeration/maintenance budget for maintenance and repair operations as well as capital expense projects.

Supports the evolution from reactive to proactive maintenance (reactive to preventive to predictive to proactive). Supports the tracking and reporting of reliability/maintenance Key Performance Indicators (KPI) data. Assists in the development of new processes and methods driven by KPI’s to improve Refrigeration/Maintenance programs. Demonstrates knowledge of mechanical systems, electrical safety, and preventative maintenance programs.

Assists in the scheduling, planning and coordination of major equipment installations. Oversees refrigeration and maintenance projects, including the scheduling and coordination of outside contractors at the facility.

Manages site-wide refrigeration/maintenance functions. Directs mechanical repair to effectively correct and properly repair refrigeration equipment and ammonia systems. Quickly evaluates mechanical and electrical malfunctions and makes recommendations for course of action.

Ensures regulatory compliance relating to hazmat, PSM, health & safety, environmental standards and equipment operations. Leads related training. Works to improve the reliability of production lines & ensure machinery down times are reduced.

Manages employees. Directs and supervises employees’ work activities and monitors work performance. Collaborates with Human Resources to screen, interview and hire candidates. Administers disciplinary actions and recommends performance improvement actions in collaboration with the HR Manager. Monitors work performance and recommends compensation decisions based on guidelines. Follows Simmons values to develop and maintain a favorable working relationship with all employees. Promotes a cooperative and harmonious environment in order to facilitate positive employee morale, productivity, and continued improvement.

Participates as a member of the Team. Participates in the ongoing development, communication, and implementation of team concepts, programs and policies; coordinates work to ensure best practices with all team members. Attends appropriate team meetings. As a member of the Team, fosters strong cohesiveness regarding all major issues; e.g., direction, annual plan, budget, policy changes, etc. Accepts responsibility to quickly identify any areas that lack cohesiveness, bringing them to the attention of the team leader and working with the team in a supportive manner to resolve issues and actively look for ways, and reinforce actions needed, to achieve synergy possible within the larger organization.

Simmons Operating systems principles and objectives: Is familiar with Simmons’ established operating systems (e.g. quality, security, office environment, company policies, LEAN); understands the responsibility to maintain familiarity with the systems and this position’s role in support of these systems - including a consideration of the impact of individual actions on the systems and the responsibility to communicate concerns and improvement ideas.

Performs other duties as necessary in support of business objectives: This position description is intended to guide the activities of the person in this position and is not intended to limit the thinking and creativity of the person as to the work of this function nor is it intended that this describe all the work that may be required of the person in this position.

Physical Activities: Enters and locates information on a computer. Visually verifies information, often in small print. Communicates with Customers, Vendors, or Employees via telephone, in person, and/or electronic mail. May present information to small or large groups. Must be able to work in various temperatures. Move about in a manufacturing environment and surrounding property including climbing stairs. May travel via car or plane to various work locations. May lift up to 50 lbs.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): As required by facility.

Travel: Travels domestically to and from multiple facilities or work-sites.

Technical Experience: 3 years’ experience supervising or leading employees. Experience with refrigeration systems and PSM. Ability to demonstrate and share knowledge of refrigeration systems, Hazmat, mechanical systems, electrical, safety and preventative maintenance programs. Willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction required. Must be able to read and write English. Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods. Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resource management, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources. Must be familiar with computers and be proficient in Microsoft Office suite.

Industry Experience: Preference for leadership experience in a food-manufacturing environment or other applicable experience.

Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering or related field, or 4 years related refrigeration/maintenance experience.

Preferred Education: N/A