Maintenance Supervisor

Company Overview:

IRCA is a leading international provider of semi-finished ingredients for the bakery, pastry and gelato markets, serving independent producers as well as large food manufacturers (e.g. CPG). Core products include chocolate, chocolate decorations, creams, pastry mixes, gelato ingredients, and other bakery / pastry ingredients.

The Company, headquartered in Italy, was acquired by Advent International, the global Private Equity firm, in July 2022, and has a strong track record of growth over the last decade. IRCA has made 2 bolt-on acquisitions in the areas of candied fruits (Cesarin) and pistachio ingredients (Anastasi) in 2022, and recently entered exclusive negotiations to acquire a leading manufacturer of sweet and cereal products in Europe and the US. The target’s business focuses on high value add specialty ingredients for the Food Manufacturers segment, with a portfolio that incorporates a range of products including sweet particulates, chocolate confections, baked inclusions, variegates and fruit purées.

This transformative deal would create a global leader in the semi-finished ingredients industry, with 22 manufacturing facilities in Europe, US and Vietnam and a combined €1 billion of revenues (2022).

Job Purpose:

This key position provides leadership and direction to the facility maintenance department. The successful candidate will be responsible for facility projects and repair, maintenance, and installation of machines, tools, and equipment in manufacturing operations. Responsible for controlling all causes of failure and ensuring full useful equipment life in coordination with daily maintenance completed by operating personnel.

Responsibilities

• Grow all maintenance department initiatives and programs according to the maintenance department Vision and Mission. Ensure that plant personnel understand the Roadmap, our method of forward progression, and their role in the process
• Quickly build and sustain a professional credibility with plant personnel and your maintenance team by recognizing and addressing priority items for resolution, communicating your analysis, and scheduled solutions for permanent repairs. Engage the maintenance team to structure duties and schedules for maximum effectiveness.
• Develop a plan and timeline to eliminate emergency repair work and maximize planned and project work.
• Effectively manage and maximize capability and efficiency of your direct reporting workforce
• Manage buildings and grounds maintenance to create and maintain optimal safety and performance required for food safe facilities. Plan effective service to a recurring preventive calendar schedule.
• Audit and manage production equipment for required inspections and certifications. Determine outside resources required to ensure compliance in this area. Prioritize safety and engage personnel to maximize internal capability and communication.
• Build continuity between maintenance shifts with an effective plan for shift exchange meetings / safety meetings and a transitional schedule for maintenance leads. Include any contractors scheduled to the plant to review required work and requirements for specific safety exposures.
• Manage technical contractors. This includes creating a contractor package detailing requirements, responsibilities and contract agreements, and installation specifications.

Requirements

• A four-year college or university program degree in relevant discipline (mechanical, electrical, chemical or food processing), industrial management or other technical discipline required. Or actively seeking such degree with relevant experience and proven accomplishment.
• Lean manufacturing experience and documented achievements.
• Excellent troubleshooting expertise for equipment, systems, procedures and personnel. Proven achievements in root cause problem identification leading to permanent problem resolution.
• Ability to demonstrate critical thinking skills, history of major problem-solving events, and evidence of critical analysis and strategy development skills. Must be able to detail a background of leadership in implementation of sustained improvements to equipment and personnel situations.
• Experience and evidence of implementing and leading TPM and / or Lean initiatives (including root cause analysis, OEE, 5S, Center-lining, Kaizen, etc.). Ability to explain Lean principles and how they would apply to enhance maintenance performance.
• 2-3 years of supervisory experience.