Maintenance Team Lead - 1st Shift

At Winland Foods, our success starts with people who live our values of Excellence, Quality, Integrity, Respect, and Collaboration every day. As a Maintenance Team Member, you’ll play a vital role in ensuring the reliability, safety, and efficiency of our operations. From entry-level tasks like stocking spare parts and assisting with basic repairs to advanced responsibilities such as troubleshooting complex systems, performing fabrication, and leading preventative maintenance programs, every level of this team contributes to keeping production running smoothly. This is more than maintaining equipment—it’s about problem-solving, teamwork, and continuous improvement. Whether you’re learning foundational skills or leading major projects, you’ll help minimize downtime, optimize performance, and uphold the highest standards of safety and quality. By leveraging your technical expertise and commitment to excellence, you’ll make a direct impact on operational success and the experience we deliver to our customers. Employee Type: Full time Location: IL Elk Grove Job Type: Production Group Job Posting Title: Maintenance Team Lead - 1st Shift Job Description: Schedule: 1st shift 6:00am to 3:30pm, Monday - Friday, with rotating for Saturday work based on production schedule. Work Location: 1325 Chase Ave, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007 Salary, based on experience and other qualifications: $40.00 to $41.75 per hour. Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k) with match, STD/LTD/AD&D/Life, HSA, FSA, EAP, Hospital indemnity, Accident Insurance, Identity and Fraud Protection Plan, Legal, and Critical Illness. Duties and Responsibilities: This list of duties and responsibilities is not all inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities as management may deem necessary from time to time. What a Maintenance Team Member Does: Troubleshoot, repair, and perform preventative maintenance on mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems. Assist with machine setup, equipment modifications, and rebuilds to ensure optimal performance. Maintain accurate documentation and update records in CMMS systems. Follow all safety protocols and uphold GMPs and food safety standards. Collaborate with team members and leadership to resolve equipment issues and minimize downtime. Skills a Maintenance Team Member Demonstrates: Strong mechanical aptitude and ability to troubleshoot complex systems. Commitment to safety and compliance with GMPs and OSHA standards. Effective communication and teamwork skills. Problem-solving ability and attention to detail in fast-paced environments. Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and learn new technologies. Safe Equipment Operation & Maintenance Perform and oversee complex troubleshooting, repair, and maintenance of mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems. Lead preventative maintenance, equipment rebuilds, and new installations, ensuring reliability and efficiency. Utilize advanced knowledge of blueprints, schematics, and wiring diagrams to diagnose and resolve equipment issues. Food Safety & Sanitation Compliance Proactively identify and address safety hazards, adhering to OSHA standards, GMPs, and company safety policies. Maintain a clean, safe work environment, ensuring compliance with all safety procedures, including LOTO and confined space entry. Lead by example in upholding food safety and quality standards. Team Collaboration, Leadership & Training Guide and assign maintenance tasks, coordinate line calls, and oversee preventative maintenance functions with the Maintenance Scheduler/Planner. Act as a liaison between supervisors and maintenance teams, ensuring communication of priorities and efficient task execution. Mentor and train mechanics, technicians, and production employees, fostering a positive team environment and upholding company values. Partner with Training Leads to develop training programs and participate in ongoing education, including CBT and technical certifications. Work collaboratively with contractors, specialists, and other departments to address equipment repairs, line changeovers, and production needs. Drive innovation by generating ideas to improve safety, processes, and team performance. Documentation, Communication & Continuous Improvement Manage CMMS updates, including work orders, equipment history, and spare parts inventory, ensuring accuracy and efficiency. Complete required documentation for audits, cleaning, and maintenance tasks while maintaining clear communication across departments. Actively support continuous improvement initiatives in safety, quality, and production efficiency. Knowledge, Training and Experience: Education & Experience: High School Diploma or GED required. Minimum 1 year of work experience, preferably in manufacturing or food production. Forklift certification preferred (required for Advanced Level); willingness to obtain certification if not already held. 18+ years of age. Technical & Mechanical Skills: Ability to follow verbal and written instruction as well as perform accurate math functions. Understands and abides by Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and Good Manufacturing Principles (GMPs). Experience working with manufacturing equipment preferred. Demonstrate mechanical aptitude. Safety & Compliance: Knowledge of GMPs, SQF, HACCP, FSMA, and other food safety regulations. Commitment to following all company safety policies and procedures. Must wear all required personal protection equipment (PPE) associated with specific manufacturing work environment and job duties as stated in the Employee Handbook, posted policies, or as assigned by leadership personnel. To include, wearing Blue Nitrile Gloves in production Zone 1 areas. Follows all safety policies and procedures, such as lock out/tag out, safe lifting techniques, and all others as instructed. Teamwork, Communication & Leadership: Assumes leadership role and sets a positive example for team members. Personal Attributes & Work Ethic: Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment. Demonstrated accountability for work quality, attendance, and continuous improvement. Must be dependable, reliable, and handle equipment safely and sensibly. Able to work mandatory overtime, including Saturdays/Sundays as determined by business needs. Physical Demands: Employees must be able to stand and walk for extended periods of time. Tasks may involve frequent climbing, pulling, pushing, carrying, grasping, reaching, twisting, turning, and stooping. Ability to lift up to 50 lbs frequently. Must have good hand-eye coordination, motor skills, and 20/20 corrected vision. Must have normal hearing and vision (with correction if needed), including the ability to distinguish colors for color-coded containers in production areas. Employees must wear all required PPE according to the specific manufacturing environment, as outlined in the Employee Handbook, posted policies, or as directed by leadership. Must adhere to all safety policies, including lock-out/tag-out, safe lifting techniques, and others as instructed. Exposure to wet, humid conditions, moving mechanical parts, high areas, fumes, airborne particles, extreme temperatures, electrical risks, and vibrations depending on the area assigned. Must maintain a clean and safe work environment and report any food safety or quality issues immediately to management. EEO Statement: Winland Foods seeks to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool, and as a global company we believe our success is enhanced by fostering equity and inclusion in the workplace. Therefore, Winland Foods is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military or veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law. About Us At Winland Foods, we’re passionate about creating exceptional food experiences that bring people together. We are a dynamic and growing company specializing in meal preparation products—from pasta and sauces to plant-based proteins and more. Our portfolio includes beloved consumer brands and custom private-label solutions for retail and foodservice channels. Why Work With Us? We believe in being exceptional from the land to the table. That means: Commitment to Quality: We consistently exceed industry standards across our value chain. Sustainability & Responsibility: We prioritize environmental stewardship and make a positive impact on the world around us. People First: The safety, well-being, and growth of our employees are at the heart of everything we do. Our Culture We’re a team of food enthusiasts who value collaboration, innovation, and integrity. At Winland Foods, you’ll find an environment where your ideas matter, your contributions are recognized, and your career can thrive. Explore Opportunities At Winland Foods, you’ll find opportunities across operations, supply chain, marketing, and product development—roles where your work truly makes an impact. By joining our team, you become part of a forward-thinking organization that values passion, collaboration, and shared success with our customers. Together, we’re shaping the future of food. To All Recruitment Agencies Winland Foods does not accept unsolicited agency resumes/CVs. Please do not forward resumes/CVs to Winland Foods employees, or any company location(s). Winland Foods is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes/CVs.