Engineering and Maintenance Manager

at  JD Sweid Foods

From our humble beginning in 1917 to being one of the largest privately owned, value-added protein providers in Canada, our commitment to supplying high-quality products has been the core of our success. With a portfolio that includes a full line of poultry, beef, and pork products, we service a long list of customers in both retail and food service from our Waterloo, ON and Langley, BC facilities.
We are seeking a highly qualified Engineering and Maintenance Manager to lead the engineering and maintenance operations of our food processing facility in Langley, BC. The ideal candidate will be responsible for ensuring the reliability, safety, and efficiency of all mechanical equipment and systems while adhering to regulatory standards. This role requires a strategic thinker who can effectively manage capital projects, preventative maintenance programs, and a maintenance workforce. To be successful in this role, you would need a comprehensive skill set encompassing technical expertise, managerial acumen, and a dedication to safety and compliance within the food processing industry. This individual will play a pivotal role in ensuring the uninterrupted operation of our plant while driving continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity and reliability.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering; a license in Electrical or Mechanical Trade is also considered. Power Engineer experience is preferred.
• Over 7 years of experience managing capital projects, preventive maintenance, budgeting, safety standards, and environmental compliance.
• At least 4 years of management experience in a trade or engineering-oriented role, with a proven ability to lead and direct a maintenance workforce.
• Strong project management capabilities, including planning, scheduling, assigning tasks, budgeting, and delivering results.
• Knowledge of current procurement practices for equipment, parts and materials.
• Proven ability to provide leadership and direction to a maintenance workforce.
• Skilled in troubleshooting mechanical equipment and systems, particularly within the food processing industry.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in reliability-centered maintenance principles is an asset.
• Experience with CMMS/ERP systems for maintenance management.
• In-depth knowledge of laws, rules, and regulations relevant to plant maintenance and food safety.
• Current knowledge of plant operations technology.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

• In collaboration with operations, evaluate the plant’s needs to develop the maintenance department’s goals and objectives to enhance equipment efficiency and reliability.
• Plan, organize, implement, and assess maintenance activities to ensure the optimal functioning of equipment and facilities.
• Manage the maintenance operations expenses, including capital spendings, in conjunction with the Plant Manager, ensuring that targets are met.
• Oversee plant/facility engineering, including the implementation of capital and routine maintenance projects, while providing guidance and support to the maintenance department crew and contractors.
• Provide engineering guidance and expertise for equipment/processing system modifications and/or equipment replacement to improve overall mechanical reliability and minimize downtime.
• Ensure the effectiveness of the preventive maintenance program and develop and implement a predictive maintenance approach.
• Determine the need for trades and contractors and/or their related services and evaluate the quality of the resulting work or services.
• Manage department performance, utilizing department metrics and KPOs for the performance appraisal of maintenance direct reports.
• Conduct ongoing evaluations and audits of facilities’ systems and equipment performance to identify areas for improvement and optimization.
• Ensure that spare parts, and other maintenance supplies, and inventory are adequately maintained to ensure cost-effective parts supply.
• Ensure that the CMMS is utilized effectively for productive work order management.
• Ensure that the maintenance department maintains a comprehensive filing system for machines, equipment and projects.
• Develop and improve policies, procedures, and SOPs related to the servicing and maintenance of all production equipment and facilities.
• Ensure efficiency of spare parts consumption management within the maintenance department and establish robust internal controls.
• Oversee the maintenance department’s time and attendance, ensuring accurate management of timecards through the HRIS.
• Provide guidance, training, and mentorship to the maintenance department crew to promote high performance, on-going skills development, and a culture of cross-training.
• Participate in JHSC initiatives and adhere to established Health & Safety policies.
• Oversee maintenance crew and external contractors to ensure all activities comply with safety requirements, GMP standards, and OHS regulations.