$40 - Power & Utilities Team Lead

For our future state-of-the art 600+ person Lubbock, TX cheese and whey manufacturing facility, Leprino is seeking a Power & Utilities Lead to join our team to continue moving our organization to even larger levels of innovation, technological advancement, process improvement, and production efficiencies. We take pride in our vision to be "world's best", it's why we work harder, invest more, and continually innovate.

Leprino Foods broke ground on the $1 Billion facility in the summer of 2022. The plant becomes operational in 2024 with Phase 1 and will become fully operational by 2026 with Phase 2.

This position pays $40 per hour with an additional $1 per hour for hours worked between 6pm and 6am. Payroll is run weekly.

The duties include the safe and efficient operation of all steam, refrigeration, compressed air and support equipment.  This position is also responsible for the safe repair and troubleshooting of malfunctioning electrical or instrumentation systems, the calibration of instruments, performing mechanical, preventive, and predictive maintenance, and maintaining 5S standards.  This position will participate on the hazmat response team.

Job Duties 

• Operate and troubleshoot designated power equipment to achieve required mode of operation, including completing assigned work and/or development of SOP’s focused on initiatives that streamline power and utility operations.
• Perform preventative maintenance activities. Development and implementation of maintenance SOPs. Coordination with outside vendors to perform out-sourced maintenance and service tasks.
• Coordinate daily operational and maintenance assignments and workload of Power & Utilities Technicians, especially across department shifts.
• Ensure completion of preventative maintenance activity and work orders to ensure highest quality of repair.
• Work with production supervisors to drive operational behaviors that drive conservation of utility supply resources.
• Ensure daily operational data entry for successful reporting of department metrics.

Safety

• Work in accordance with safe work practices at all times. Participate in department Safety Initiatives. Implement and maintain 5S standards

Quality

This position is responsible and accountable to ensure product meets food safety, regulatory, and quality requirements by following the Food Safety Plan, Quality Plan, and company policies.

You Have At Least (Required Qualifications)

• Must be 18 years of age
• Ability to speak, read, and write the English language in order to understand/adhere to Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP’s)
• Ability to communicate effectively with others to complete required documentation both in written and electronic form, and to troubleshoot systems utilizing the English language.
• Ability to perform essential job functions, wear required personal protective equipment, comply with all applicable safety practices, maintain a clean work area, complete written reports.

• Ability to work in high noise area with exposure on occasion to temperature extremes on the roof and boiler room.
• Ability to perform intermediate mathematical calculations, enter data into and pull data from computer systems with proficiency in MS office.
• Must possess considerable problem-solving ability in dealing with equipment or troubleshooting when supervision is not readily available for consultation.
• Dairy or food manufacturing experience.
• Knowledge of government and industrial regulations (e.g. PSM, OSHA, and USDA)
• Computer proficiency in email, internet, Microsoft Office software, and computerized maintenance management systems (e.g. SAP, Maximo).
• 4-years operational and maintenance experience with steam boilers and distribution, ammonia refrigeration, cooling towers, HVAC, plant water supply and water quality treatment systems, glycol heating and cooling systems, and fire suppression and monitoring systems.
• 2-Years of dairy or food manufacturing experience
• Prior experience in a similar technician role with electrical background; experience in maintenance pneumatics, electrical controls, and schematic reading.
• Experience with AC frequency drives, instrumentation, welding, mechanical repairs (including rebuilding gearboxes and utility equipment, and PLC troubleshooting.
• Working knowledge of various plant equipment and processes to understand, interpret, and schedule work orders.

We Hope You Also Have (Preferred Qualifications)

• Electrical background or equivalent educational training and/or diesel engine mechanical training.
• Operational and maintenance experience with gas compression, gas turbine power generation, and steam generators.
• RETA CARO or CIRO certification.
• Forklift/Scissor Lift certification.
• Prior experience in a similar leadership role.
• Dairy or food manufacturing experience.

The position reports to the Power & Utilities Supervisor.

Work Environment

Power & Utilities Team Lead position is physically demanding and requires being on the feet the entire shift which includes standing and walking, kneeling for extended periods of time, working in wet/dry/cold/hot environments, working in tight spaces, climbing steps and ladders, working at extreme heights, making pipe connections, using hand tools, physically transporting parts and tools, and lifting equipment parts which can weigh up to 70 Lbs.  Power & Utilities Team Lead must be able to work overtime and holidays when required.

Leprino Foods celebrates and supports diversity. We believe in equal opportunity and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, ethnicity, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability. We know we are better together and are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive culture that uses the unique talents, experiences, background, and perspectives of each individual employee.

Offering You In Return

At Leprino Foods, starting compensation for this role is currently $40 per hour. There is also a night shift differential of an additional $1/hr for those who work on evening shifts. 

A chance to be part of a global team of individuals passionate about producing and delivering high-quality products that help feed and nourish families around the world. Leprino Foods could not be where it is today without our incredible employees. That is why we share in our success together by rewarding you for your hard work. Hiring great people who are in it for the long run is our goal. Through competitive salaries and bonuses, life, medical/dental/vision coverage, voluntary benefits, employee assistance programs, wellness incentives, tuition assistance, vacation, ten paid holidays, sick time, paid parental leave, annual merit increases, as well as the LFC Profit-Sharing & 401(k) plan. Your impact will be noticed and rewarded, as you seek to further our company, our customers, and one another.

Our Story

Leprino Foods’ history dates back over 70 years, when Jim Leprino first started making small batches of mozzarella for local markets and eateries in the Little Italy neighborhood of Denver. We’ve grown a bit since then. Today, Leprino Foods is the world’s largest manufacturer of mozzarella and lactose, and a leading producer of whey protein. Still owned by Jim and the Leprino family, our sights are set to be the “World’s Best Dairy Food and Ingredient Company.” To help us achieve that bold vision, we’re looking for our secret ingredient: You. A motivated team member who is the best at what you do. Three passionate individuals in a small corner grocery store in the early 1950s have now grown to almost 5,000 employees throughout 16 global locations. Will you join us on our journey?