Maintenance Planner

Maintenance Planner

The Maintenance Planner works closely with the Sr. Refrigeration Manager on overseeing maintenance activities, managing inventory, and providing administrative support to maintenance supervisors and technicians. Additionally, Maintenance Planners manage third-party contractors such as fabricators, plumbers, HVAC, industrial refrigeration & electricians to accomplish the maintenance tasks of our refrigeration and cooling operations within our three main cooling facilities.

The primary goal is to ensure the safe, efficient, and reliable performance of all refrigeration and cooling equipment at all our facilities. This role will require leadership skills and passion for driving continuous improvement. In this highly visible role, you will drive a proactive culture that results in superior refrigeration performance across all Company locations.

Location(s): Salinas, CA; Huron, CA; Yuma, AZ

Areas of Responsibility:

• Maintenance Planning: Collaborate with the Senior Refrigeration Manager and maintenance supervisors to plan and schedule work orders, ensuring efficient and timely completion of tasks across all facilities.
• Vendor Management: Coordinate with and oversee third-party contractors (e.g., fabricators, plumbers, HVAC, industrial refrigeration specialists, electricians) to perform specialized maintenance work.
• Inventory Control: Manage the maintenance inventory system, including ordering and tracking replacement parts, tools, and supplies to minimize downtime.
• Regulatory Compliance: Serve as a PSM/RMP Coordinator, supporting multi-facility compliance with Risk Management Programs and ensuring documentation meets all safety and regulatory standards.
• Preventive Maintenance: Develop and implement preventive and predictive maintenance plans to optimize equipment reliability and extend asset life.
• Maintenance Documentation: Ensure maintenance logs and equipment records are accurate, up to date, and aligned with compliance requirements.
• Continuous Improvement: Evaluate current maintenance procedures and recommend improvements to drive efficiency, reduce costs, and improve equipment performance.
• Training & Support: Provide guidance and, when necessary, training to maintenance staff to support performance and adherence to company standards.
• Cross-Department Communication: Act as a liaison between maintenance and other departments, ensuring clear communication on scheduled work and potential equipment downtime.
• Performance Monitoring: Assist in tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) related to maintenance efficiency, customer satisfaction, budget performance, and equipment reliability.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 5 – 7 years of experience as a Maintenance Planner or in a related field.
• Strong prioritization and delegation skills.
• Proficiency in CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management Systems).
• Leadership and team collaboration abilities.
• Strong organizational and planning skills.
• Budget management experience.
• Physical stamina and good hand-eye coordination.
• Vendor negotiation and contract management.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills.
• Analytical thinking and root cause analysis.

Preferred Education Training and/or Experience:

• Marshall Institute Certified Maintenance Planner, Certified Maintenance and Reliability Technician (CMRT).
• Training in maintenance planning and scheduling.
• RETA certification (CARO, CIRO, CRES or CRST).
• IIAR-PSM RMP Certificate Course.

Ideal Candidate:

• Analytical Skills: Able to assess maintenance data, identify inefficiencies, and drive process improvements.
• Problem-Solving: Capable of troubleshooting complex equipment or vendor-related issues with minimal supervision.
• Leadership: Sets the tone for professionalism, safety, and efficiency within the maintenance team.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Understands and ensures compliance with OSHA, PSM, and RMP guidelines.
• Communication: Communicates clearly and confidently with internal teams and external vendors.
• Organizational Skills: Manages multiple maintenance priorities and schedules with precision.
• Technical Proficiency: Comfortable using digital tools, CMMS platforms, and Microsoft Office.
• Customer Service Orientation: Works collaboratively with departments to reduce equipment downtime and support operational goals.
• Safety Focused: Prioritizes safety in all maintenance activities and promotes a strong safety culture.
• Budget Awareness: Understands the impact of maintenance decisions on cost and resource utilization.
• Adaptability: Responds effectively to unplanned issues, emergencies, and shifting priorities.
• Attention to Detail: Maintains accurate records and ensures work meets quality standards.