COMPANY OVERVIEW

Buddy’s Kitchen was started in 1974 by our founder Buddy ‘Nils” Eian. Our first product was a handmade omelet for airlines that we still make today. We specialize in frozen, ready-to-eat food and great customer relationships. Most of our business is developing quality custom food products for our customers.

Our Mission

To deliver unique foods through agile innovation and flexible manufacturing processes.

Buddy’s Kitchen Core Values

Customer Focus – Exceeding our customers' expectations.
Communicate Honestly- The Good AND the Bad.
Own it – Be accountable & deliver on your commitments.
Passion- For continuous improvement.
Team Spirit – Supportive, healthy internal relationships.

ROLE

SUMMARY

The Maintenance Technician Lead maintains, adjusts, and repairs plant machinery to meet industry standards while ensuring compliance with all regulatory agencies including but not limited to USDA, OSHA, FDA, EPA Local Government, independent auditors chosen by the company and the company’s own stated quality standards.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Repair downed equipment in a fast-paced time critical environment.
Maintain maintenance records and PM schedules.
Implement equipment maintenance and PM schedules.
Suggest changes to the maintenance and PM schedules to further continuous improvement.
Maintain spare parts inventory.
Locate critical spares for items not in inventory.
Source alternative maintenance parts suppliers.
Recommend equipment modifications to improve process, productivity and quality.
Participate in production changeovers as needed.
Obtain Operator 1 certification through Garden City Ammonia Program or successfully complete testing for RETA CARO certification.
Ability to troubleshoot in-depth problems related to electrical controls.
Ability to troubleshoot in-depth problems related to the ammonia refrigeration system.
Ability to teach lower grade technicians on the proper procedures to fix equipment.
Ability to lead projects for furthering continuous improvement
Ability to operate the ammonia refrigeration system independently.
Ability to operate the maintenance department and assist production when needed.
Monitor and operate high pressure steam boiler.
DMAIC, Design, measure, analyze, implement, and control mechanical process improvements.
Practice continuous improvement concepts in all aspects of maintenance.
Adherence to all safety policies.
Adherence to GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices).
Adherence to SQF (Safe Quality Food).
Regular and predictable attendance.
Maintain behaviors that support our CORE VALUES.
Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE

High School Diploma or equivalent required, with some technical training and at least 5 years’ general maintenance experience.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES AND REGISTRATIONS

Operator 1 course completion through Garden City Ammonia Program or RETA CARO certification.
Chief Class B boilers license.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES

Expert electrical, welding, refrigeration, fabrication, and mechanical skills required.
Ability to read electrical and mechanical drawings.
Read equipment manuals, diagrams, and blueprints.
Understand and be able to practice troubleshooting skills.

Working Conditions

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an Associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the Associate is frequently required to stand, walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The ability to use inventory and other computer programs, including keyboarding is required. The Associate must be able to move around the warehouse site to inspect and observe for proper operations. The Associate is occasionally required to climb or balance, kneel, and crouch. The Associate must frequently lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and depth perception.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described as occasionally exposed to extreme cold (non-weather). The noise level in the work environment is usually low.

REQUIRED TRAINING

This position requires training in Good Manufacturing Practices critical to the effective implementation of the Food Safety Plan and the maintenance of food safety, quality, and process efficiency. Training is also required on how to identify food safety issues such as temperature control, cross-contamination, sanitation, and cleanliness of the lines, etc., critical to the effective implementation of the Food Safety Plan and the maintenance of food safety, quality, and process efficiency.

Benefits

Health Insurance
Life insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision insurance
Paid time off
Referral program
401(K) Match
Employee assistance Program (EAP)

Buddy’s Kitchen is an equal opportunity employer who provides employment opportunities to qualified persons without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other area prohibited by applicable laws and regulations.

Schedule: Monday – Friday

Ability to commute/relocate: Reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $35.00 - $45.00 per hour

Benefits:

401(k)
401(k) matching
Dental insurance
Employee assistance program
Health insurance
Life insurance
Paid time off
Parental leave
Referral program
Vision insurance

Experience:

Electrical troubleshooting: 1 year (Preferred)
Manufacturing maintenance: 5 years (Preferred)

License/Certification:

Chief Class B boilers license (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

Lakeville, MN 55044 (Required)

Work Location: In person

Buddy's Kitchen, Inc.

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