• Lead Maintenance Mechanic A

    Kerry (Melrose Park, IL)


    About Kerry

     

    Kerry is the world's leading taste and nutrition company for the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries. Every day we partner with customers to create healthier, tastier and more sustainable products that are consumed by billions of people across the world. Our vision is to be our customers' most valued partner, creating a world of sustainable nutrition. A career with Kerry offers you an opportunity to shape the future of food while providing you opportunities to explore and grow in a truly global environment.

     

    About the role

     

    Located just outside of Chicago, our Melrose Park location is part of our Meat division and creates batter blends, pastry blends, and bread crumbs. We are a fast paced, never a dull moment manufacturing facility that comes together as a team to get the job done. With a growing portfolio, comes need to grow our team! If you’re looking to build a career in manufacturing with a team you can make a difference with, we might be the place for you!

     

    Melrose Park is part of a Union. This is a 3rd shift opportunity, Monday to Friday 10pm to 6am.

     

    This Lead position pays an additional $3.00 per hour in addition to shift differential of .75 cents.

     

    Compensation information on the bottom of the announcement.

    Key responsibilities

    Organizational Relationships

     

    + Reports to Maintenance Supervisor

    + Directly Supervises None

    + Indirectly Supervises Maintenance 1 and 2 team members

     

    Organizational Responsibilities

     

    + Demonstrates leadership in safety by enforcing rules, encouraging safe behaviors, and correcting unsafe conditions.

    + Supports Quality & Food Safety Policies and ensures compliance with management systems.

     

    General Statement of Responsibility

     

    + Supports the Maintenance Supervisor in coordinating and executing maintenance activities.

    + Repairs and installs equipment, performs building maintenance.

    + Leads team focus, maintains a positive attitude, and promotes learning and collaboration.

    Essential Functions

    + Acts as backup for the Maintenance group lead.

    + Assists in daily manpower scheduling and execution.

    + Leads and trains team members.

    + Supports preventative maintenance planning.

    + Recommends permanent solutions to recurring issues.

    + Communicates critical situations and seeks guidance when needed.

    + Uses tools and equipment to maintain machinery.

    + Repairs/replaces control devices (sensors, switches, etc.).

    + Performs repairs, inspections, and adjustments.

    + Ensures compliance with quality and food safety procedures.

    + Operates welding and metalworking equipment.

    + Fabricates and modifies equipment.

    + Troubleshoots control I/O.

    + Connects to PLCs for third-party inspection.

    + Repairs electrical equipment (DC and AC voltages).

     

    Marginal Functions

     

    + Operates forklift and aerial lifts.

    + Assists in parts storeroom as needed.

     

    Working Relationships

     

    + Internal Site managers, supervisors, production personnel

    + External Contractors

     

    Work Environment and Physical Requirements

     

    + Exposure to noise, wet floors, steam equipment, and confined spaces.

    + Requires climbing, crawling, bending, lifting (25–50 lbs), and working at heights.

    + Must work in varying temperatures and use physical force for equipment handling.

    + Requires close, distance, and color vision, focus adjustment, and auditory acuity.

     

    Qualifications and skills

    Education

    + 2-year degree in Industrial Technology or Advanced Manufacturing (preferred).

    Experience

    + Minimum 3 years of experience required.

    + Prior experience in food manufacturing preferred.

    + Strong electrical troubleshooting and controls experience preferred or must be acquired within a reasonable timeframe.

     

    Skills

     

    + Mechanical repair

    + General welding

    + Electrical troubleshooting

    + PLC troubleshooting

    + Use of hand tools and power tools

    + Basic computer skills

    + Ability to work independently and collaboratively

    + Problem-solving through logical approaches

     

    Compensation

     

    The pay rate for this position is $36.54 per hour. Kerry offers a competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, paid time off, a 401(k) plan with employee and company contribution opportunities, Employee Share Plan, Life, disability, and accident insurance. This job posting is anticipated to expire on 1/31/2026.