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Plant Maintenance Supervisor - 3rd Shift (Relocation)

Smithfield Foods · Cudahy, WI · Full time

Posted Sep 3, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a time you cut mechanical downtime on a production line. What did you change and how did you measure it?

What they are checking: Whether they can point to real downtime reductions backed by data, not just general effort.

Tell me about a time you had to coach or discipline a skilled tradesperson. How did it go?

What they are checking: Whether they can lead experienced mechanics with fairness while still holding them accountable.

This role involves relocation. What draws you to moving for this job, and what would make you stay?

What they are checking: Whether they have thought through the move and are likely to stay long enough to make an impact.

What would you do

You're leading maintenance across the plant, utilities and powerhouse. How do you decide which work orders get your crew first?

What they are checking: Whether they prioritize by risk to safety, food safety and production rather than by who complains loudest.

A key line goes down in the middle of production and the production supervisor wants it running now. How do you handle the next hour?

What they are checking: Whether they can stay calm, troubleshoot and communicate honestly with production under heavy pressure.

How do you enforce lockout/tagout with experienced mechanics who think they know a shortcut?

What they are checking: Whether they hold firm on energy control rules, which are among the most serious safety risks in a plant.

How do you develop your mechanics' skills so you aren't dependent on one or two people for critical equipment?

What they are checking: Whether they build team depth through cross-training so the plant isn't stuck when someone is out.

About the work

How do you build a preventive maintenance program that people actually follow instead of pencil-whipping?

What they are checking: Whether they know how to make PM work real and checked, since fake PMs lead to surprise failures.

What's your experience with ammonia refrigeration, boilers or compressed air in a food plant?

What they are checking: Whether they can supervise the utility and powerhouse side, not just production line equipment.

In a food plant, maintenance work can create food safety risks. How do you keep your crew from contaminating product?

What they are checking: Whether they understand sanitary practices for tools, parts and pre-op release after maintenance work.

How do you use your CMMS data to spot repeat failures?

What they are checking: Whether they use maintenance records to find root causes instead of fixing the same thing over and over.

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by Smithfield Foods.

If you are currently employed at Smithfield, please log into Workday and submit your application through the Jobs Hub.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. As the Maintenance Supervisor, you'll lead dynamic maintenance teams in the installation, repair, and preventive maintenance of all critical equipment across the plant, facilities, utilities, and powerhouse. You’ll be at the forefront of ensuring smooth operations, minimizing mechanical downtime, and maximizing production efficiency. By overseeing the maintenance of key processes, you’ll play a pivotal role in keeping product flows and production lines running at their peak, driving performance and contributing to the overall success of the facility. Your leadership ensures that every piece of equipment works seamlessly, keeping the plant in top shape for optimal production. 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. • Team Leadership & Supervision: You'll lead teams of Maintenance Mechanics and Electricians in predictive and preventative maintenance, as well as machine repairs. You'll also train employees on proper work methods and safety procedures. Supervise and support maintenance systems, processes, and documentation to ensure high performance. • Maintenance Planning & Scheduling: You'll also ensure maintenance is scheduled timely and in collaboration with Production to address equipment and facility repairs. Develop and implement effective maintenance systems (Prevention and Predictive Maintenance, TPM, SOPs, Safety, etc.). Provide long-term solutions and day-to-day support for troubleshooting, problem analysis, and equipment failures. Performance Monitoring & Reporting Develop and maintain Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for tracking maintenance performance (e.g., supplier performance, contractor performance, equipment reliability, overall equipment effectiveness). Provide regular status reports to the maintenance management team. • Compliance & Documentation: You will e nsure maintenance tasks comply with USDA regulations. Maintain accurate records of maintenance work performed and inventory. • Crisis Management & Continuity: In the absence of key personnel, assume responsibility for completing or delegating the completion of required tasks and responsibilities. • 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 in Engineering or a related field and 2+ years of 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. • Able to lead problem solving and troubleshooting efforts associated with high-level process issues. • Strong written and verbal communication skills. • Proficient with Microsoft Office. • May be required to work long hours and weekends. OTHER SKILLS THAT MAKE YOU STAND OUT: • Advanced technical skills in ammonia refrigeration, high pressure boiler, compressed air, mechanical and electrical fields (e.g. PLCs, instrumentation, mechanical engineering, etc.) and is able to lead resource planning efforts in a large manufacturing environment, preferred. • Thorough knowledge of maintenance systems, work order processes, preventive/predictive maintenance, TPM, inventory and scheduling software, preferred. • Strong leadership skills (conflict resolution, facilitation, change management skills, decision making, empowerment and delegation), preferred. • Good planning and priority setting skills. • 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. • Bilingual, 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. • Provides leadership and guidance to employees in the Maintenance Department. • Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. • Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and assisting in providing appropriate resolutions. IndSPR-M/E 

Relocation Package Available

Yes

 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!

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