Job Description

DFA Dairy Brands, located in Le Mars, IA, is seeking a skilled Maintenance Supervisor to direct the maintenance team and oversee the efficient scheduling of preventative and corrective maintenance work. This role is crucial for maintaining the high standards of our dairy processing operations, including milk, sour cream, and cottage cheese manufacturing. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in maintenance management, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to lead a diverse team.

DFA Dairy Brands is centered around transforming nature’s pure milk into great products every day. The company emphasizes values inherited from traditional farm families, such as integrity, passion, performance, quality, innovation, and accountability. Kemps is dedicated to nourishing families by providing wholesome dairy products that promote happiness and support their employees and communities. They also focus on delivering returns to their farmer-owners and engaging employees in community service.

Shift: 2 nd shift – 5:00 pm – 1:30 am

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Manage a maintenance team, including hiring, training, performance evaluations, and disciplinary actions.

• Strong knowledge and hands-on experience with Ammonia refrigeration, boilers, air, and electrical systems, and PLC applications and design.

• Ensure adherence to safety and quality standards and protocols.

• Provide work assignments and direction to maintenance employees on a designated shift, ensuring smooth production flow and achievement of daily production goals.

• Supervise the ordering and receiving of maintenance parts and equipment to keep all equipment operational.

• Develop and implement preventative maintenance schedules to minimize equipment downtime and extend equipment lifespan.

• Schedule and manage daily and weekly maintenance activity schedules.

• Oversee inventory of maintenance supplies, tools, and equipment, ensuring availability for scheduled tasks.

• Create purchase orders to procure parts and production supplies, including price negotiation and purchase processes.

• Recommend cost-reduction measures to control expenses impacting the operating budget for repair, utility, pre-treatment, and maintenance-related chemical or supply accounts.

• Prepare and maintain detailed maintenance reports, tracking key performance indicators (KPI's) and identifying areas for improvement.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required. An associate or bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, maintenance management, or related field preferred.

• Minimum of 5 years experience in a maintenance technician role, with at least 2 years in a supervisory/lead role.

• Maintenance experience in the dairy or food and beverage industry preferred.

• 2-4 years of MRO (maintenance repair and overhaul), manufacturing, or related work experience preferred.

• Strong leadership, team management, and conflict resolution skills.

• Proficient in using maintenance planning and scheduling software preferred.

• Ability to analyze data, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions.

Physical requirements:

• Ability to lift up to 75 lbs. with or without accommodations.

• Stand for extended periods of time.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive benefits package available 1st of the month after start date

• 401(k) with company contribution

• Competitive pay

• Paid vacation and holidays

• Career growth opportunities - we promote from within!

• Service recognition and employee rewards

• Employee referral program

• Tuition reimbursement

• Work with dairy farm families

An Equal Opportunity Employer