Rendering Maintenance Superintendent

ESSENTIAL PURPOSE OF THIS POSITION:

A rendering maintenance superintendent oversees all maintenance for rendering operations, hides and wastewater, ensuring equipment reliability, regulatory compliance, and safe, efficient plant performance.

CORE PURPOSE:

Plan, coordinate, and lead maintenance for rendering equipment, wastewater systems, and hide processing so the plant meets production, quality, and environmental goals.

Improve asset reliability through preventive and predictive maintenance while minimizing downtime and maintenance cost.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

•         Lead and supervise maintenance teams in Rendering, Hides, and Wastewater Treatment (mechanics, electricians, techs, contractors).

•         Develop, implement, and optimize preventive and predictive maintenance programs for all rendering, hides, and support equipment.

•         Plan and schedule maintenance work, coordinate with production, and prioritize breakdowns vs. planned work to reduce unplanned downtime.

•         Troubleshoot, repair, and maintain production machinery, pumps, conveyors, cookers, presses, boilers, and facility systems (HVAC, electrical, water treatment, utilities).

•         Ensure proper documentation of work orders, maintenance logs, PM records, and parts usage in the maintenance system.

•         Manage third‑party contractors and vendors, obtain bids, oversee work quality, and maintain maintenance and service contracts.

•         Maintain a safe work environment, enforce safety policies, support OSHA and company safety programs, and correct hazardous conditions.

•         Support regulatory and customer audits related to equipment, wastewater, environmental, and food/feed safety in rendering operations.

•         Manage maintenance inventory, parts ordering, and critical spares for rendering and hides systems.

•         Participate in or lead on‑call rotation, respond to emergencies, and support major breakdowns outside normal hours.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS/QUALIFICATIONS:

•         Supervise, coach, and evaluate maintenance personnel; handle training, performance management, and discipline as needed.

•         Hire and train new technicians and ensure skills for welding, pipefitting, pumps, steam systems, and rendering-specific equipment are developed.

•         Collaborate closely with plant management, production, and engineering on capital projects, equipment upgrades, and long‑term reliability plans.

•         Track maintenance KPIs (downtime, PM compliance, work-order backlog) and support budgeting and cost control for the maintenance department.

•         5+ years of industrial maintenance experience, including supervisory responsibility in a processing or heavy manufacturing environment (meat or poultry rendering is highly preferred and equivalent education).

•         Strong technical background in mechanical maintenance (pumps, bearings, welding, pipefitting, boilers) and familiarity with electrical and controls troubleshooting.

•         Knowledge of safety and regulatory standards (OSHA, environmental/wastewater requirements, and plant-specific food/feed safety rules).

•         Ability to read technical drawings and OEM documentation and to use Preventative Maintenance software and standard office tools.

•         Technical knowledge of plant maintenance and beef plant experience is preferred.

•         Experience with Microsoft Office (especially Word and Excel) and basic SAP knowledge is required

•         Candidate must have excellent communication skills and can lead people toward achieving personal and plant results.

•         Must be goal oriented and possess root cause analysis skills.

The applicant who fills this position will be eligible for the following compensation and benefits:

•         Benefits: Vision, Medical, and Dental coverage begin after 60 days of employment;

•         Paid Time off: sick leave, vacation and 6 company observed holidays;

•         401(k): eligible after the 1st day of employment including company match which begins after the first year of service and follows the company vesting schedule

•         Salary Range: $90,005 - $121,507

•         This position is eligible to participate in the Company’s annual bonus plan; the amount of bonus varies and is subject to the standard terms and conditions of the incentive program;

The company is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our team members and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct a drug, alcohol and background checks for all new team members post-offer and prior to the start of employment. The Immigration Reform and Control ACT requires that verification of employment eligibility be documented for all new employees by the end of the third day of work.

EOE/VET/DISABLED