Plant Maintenance Superintendent
Smithfield Foods · St James, MN
- Level
- Supervisor
- Team
- Reliability
- Base pay
- $95k–$130k
- Degree
- Required (or equivalent experience)
- Experience asked
- 3+ years
- Industry
- Food & beverage
- Posted
- 30+ days ago
The role in 30 seconds
A supervisor reliability role at Smithfield Foods (food & beverage) in St James, MN. You'll develop bold strategies to minimize mechanical downtime and keep production lines running at full throttle, ensuring product flow remains uninterrupted.
- They ask for
- 3+ years · degree required (or equivalent experience)
- Tools it names
- TPM, Root cause, PLC, SAP
- Base pay
- $95k–$130k
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
How this role compares
Against 52 other live reliability postings in Minnesota.
- Experience asked
- Typical (3+ years)
Similar roles usually ask 3+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- ✓ Team leadership 42%
- ✓ PLC 36%
- Welding 32%
- Automation 26%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
Stands out: this posting asks for SAP, which few similar roles mention. If you have it, lead with it.
At a glance
Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.
How to get in at this plant
Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.
- 1
Pick 2–3 people on the Reliability team at Smithfield Foods
Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. Use the team search on this page to find them.
- 2
Send a short, curious note
One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.
- 3
Turn a reply into a short call
Questions worth asking about this team:
- What does a normal week look like on your team?
- How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
- 4
Apply with someone vouching for you
If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.
- 5
Bring proof to the interview
One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.
This plant: Smithfield Foods in St James
3 other open roles at this site.
- Production Supervisor - 2nd Shift · Production · Supervisor
- Maintenance Mechanic - 1st Shift · Reliability · Technician
- Maintenance Mechanic - 2nd & 3rd Shift (Sign-On Bonus!) · Reliability · Technician
Full description from Smithfield FoodsAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
responsibilities
are handled smoothly, maintaining seamless operations.
- ◆People Management: Drives a positive employee experience through leadership by way of employee development and coaching.
requirements
listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.
- ✓Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four-year college or university and 3+ years’ relevant experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience, required.
- ✓Experience acting as a lead by providing training, coaching or mentoring to less experienced staff or through managing a process or project
- ✓Possesses advanced technical skills in the mechanical / electrical fields (e.g. PLCs, instrumentation, mechanical engineering, etc.) and is able to lead resource planning efforts in a large manufacturing environment.
- ✓Thorough knowledge of world-class maintenance management systems, work order processes, preventive/predictive maintenance, TPM, etc.
- ✓Strong critical thinking and problem solving skills.
- ✓Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- ✓High level of organizational planning, teamwork, analytical reasoning skills.
- ✓Knowledge of Microsoft Office and well versed in SAP.
- ✓May be required to work long hours and weekends.
Show full description ↓Show less ↑
If you are currently employed at Smithfield, please log into Workday and submit your application through the Jobs Hub.
Have a seat at our table. When you join Smithfield, you become part of something special – a company that's sustainably feeding people around the world, producing good food the right way with respect for our people, animals, communities and planet. With opportunities across locations and functions, a culture grounded in our Core Four values - gratitude, communication, respect and accountability - and a strong commitment to learning, collaboration, and innovation, Smithfield offers challenging and rewarding careers where you can grow, contribute and make a real impact. Apply Now!
The value you’ll bring
The position summary states the general nature and purpose of the job. Overall accountabilities are defined in this section.
Lead a powerhouse team of Maintenance Supervisors, driving the success of our building and equipment maintenance efforts! As a key player, you'll develop bold strategies to minimize mechanical downtime and keep production lines running at full throttle, ensuring product flow remains uninterrupted. Your leadership will directly impact our operational efficiency, shaping the future of our plant.
You'll spearhead the development and implementation of cutting-edge maintenance systems like Preventative and Predictive Maintenance, TPM, and more—transforming our maintenance processes into a well-oiled machine. In this role, you won’t just manage—you’ll innovate, elevate, and set new standards for a High Performing Manufacturing Organization!
What you’ll do
The below statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. May perform other duties as assigned.
- •Maintenance Systems Management: Take charge of our maintenance systems to drive peak performance and minimize costs! You’ll lead the charge in implementing best-in-class systems like Root Cause Analysis, Reliability-Centered Maintenance, and TPM to ensure the plant operates at maximum capacity. By strategically scheduling work, reducing unscheduled downtime, and boosting efficiency, you’ll minimize disruption and maximize plant performance, all while cutting costs.
- •Maintenance Staff and Safety: Lead and inspire the maintenance team through effective delegation, planning, and organizing, ensuring smooth execution of work assignments. You’ll champion plant safety by enforcing policies and procedures and promoting a culture of safety that aligns with Smithfield’s objectives and complies with federal and state regulations. Your leadership will foster a safe and efficient working environment, allowing the team to thrive.
- •Solutions & Troubleshooting: Be the go-to problem solver for day-to-day operational challenges. You’ll provide quick and effective solutions to issues ranging from equipment failures to troubleshooting, ensuring minimal disruption and preventing recurring problems. Your proactive approach will keep the plant running smoothly and efficiently.
- •Preventive & Predictive Maintenance: Partner with the Plant Engineer to design and manage a top-tier Preventive and Predictive Maintenance program using the SAP PM Module. By analyzing program data and continuously improving processes, you’ll ensure the plant’s equipment is always in optimal condition, driving reliability and long-term success.
- •Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) Stay on top of Key Performance Indicators, tracking and reporting maintenance performance across all areas—equipment reliability, supplier performance, overall equipment effectiveness, and more. You’ll use these metrics to guide continuous improvement efforts, ensuring the maintenance function operates at its highest potential.
- •Flexibility and Leadership: When key personnel are absent, you’ll step up to ensure tasks are completed or delegated efficiently, keeping operations running without a hitch. Your leadership ensures all
What we’re seeking
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The
Other skills that make you stand out
- •Ability to work well with others in fast paced, dynamic environment.
- •Ability to be respectful, approachable and team oriented while building strong working relationships and a positive work environment.
- •Strong interpersonal and technical skills required; presentation skills preferred.
Physical demands & work environment
The physica
