Plant Maintenance Superintendent - 1st Shift (Relocation)

Company: Smithfield Foods
Location: Cudahy
Posted on: April 1, 2026

Job Description:

If you are currently employed at Smithfield, please log into Workday and submit your application through the Jobs Hub. A great job-and a great future-awaits you at Smithfield Foods. We are an American food company with a leading position in packaged meats and fresh pork products. We’re looking for motivated people who want to join our team and grow lasting and meaningful careers with us. 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 responsibilities are handled smoothly, maintaining seamless operations. People Management: Drives a positive employee experience through leadership by way of employee development and coaching. WHAT WE’RE SEEKING: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The 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. 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 physical demands described here are representative of those an employee should possess to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The plant environment will include wet or humid conditions (non-weather related), extreme cold and heat (non-weather related), working near moving mechanical parts, exposure to fumes or airborne particles, and chemicals. Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but can be loud when in the production area. Occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision and ability to adjust focus. Frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear. IndSPR-M/E &xa;&xa;Relocation Package Available&xa;&xa;Yes&xa;&xa; EEO Information Smithfield is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, gender identity, protected veterans status, status as a disabled individual or any other protected group status or non-job characteristic as directed by law. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment selection process, please call us at 757-357-1595. Check out this video to learn more about this role!

Keywords: Smithfield Foods, Buffalo Grove , Plant Maintenance Superintendent - 1st Shift (Relocation), Engineering , Cudahy, Illinois