Shakespeare- Maintenance Team Leader

SHAKESPEARE COMPANY LLC, a Jadex Inc. company, is a US-based manufacturer of both industrial and consumer products for a wide variety of industries and applications. 

Shakespeare® industrial products are tailored to the customer’s unique needs and include custom engineered nylon resins, performance monofilaments, and conductive fibers used as raw materials in finished goods ranging from automotive components to medical applications.  The company operates under the Shakespeare®, Rino-Tuff®, and Weed Warrior® brands in the lawn & garden category and is a major player in the mass merchant channel as the primary universal fit solution for trimmer line, heads, and accessories.  The brand is known worldwide within the marine electronics industry for marine radio antennas with a portfolio of connectivity solutions and accessories to help keep boaters connected and safe.  Maintaining communications is of utmost importance to military forces across the world and Shakespeare®’s line of military antenna products plays a critical role in achieving mission success.

Position Summary

The Maintenance Team Lead is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the maintenance team, ensuring the safety, reliability, and optimal performance of machinery, equipment, and facilities. The role involves planning, coordinating, and executing maintenance activities while adhering to safety protocols and achieving operational efficiency.

Essential Functions

• Leadership and Team Management

• Supervise and guide the maintenance team to meet performance targets.
• Conduct regular team meetings to communicate goals, assign tasks, and address issues.
• Mentor and train team members in technical skills and safety procedures.
• Maintain staffing schedules, including shift assignments and overtime planning.

• Maintenance Operations

• Plan, prioritize, and execute preventive and corrective maintenance tasks for machinery, equipment, and facilities.
• Develop and implement maintenance schedules to minimize downtime and enhance productivity.
• Monitor and troubleshoot equipment performance, diagnosing issues to determine root causes.
• Coordinate emergency repairs to restore operational continuity in a timely manner.

• Technical Expertise

• Utilize technical manuals, blueprints, and schematics to guide maintenance activities.
• Proficient in diagnosing and repairing mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems.
• Oversee the operation and maintenance of, PLC systems, conveyors, motors, and other equipment.
• Ensure compliance with technical standards and safety regulations (e.g., OSHA).

• Safety and Compliance

• Enforce adherence to workplace safety standards and company policies.
• Conduct safety audits and equipment inspections to identify and mitigate risks.
• Maintain accurate maintenance records, including equipment history, work orders, and inspections.

• Continuous Improvement

• Analyze maintenance data to identify trends and areas for improvement.
• Propose and implement solutions to enhance equipment reliability and reduce operational costs.
• Stay updated on emerging technologies and best practices in maintenance management.

Position Specifications

• Required Education and Experience:
  • High school diploma or equivalent; Technical certifications or an associate degree in industrial maintenance, engineering, or a related field preferred.

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in maintenance, preferably in a manufacturing environment (plastics industry experience is a plus).  2 years of experience in a leadership role.
• Proven track record leading maintenance operations in manufacturing or industrial environments.

• Required Skills:
• Proficiency with CMMS software for tracking maintenance activities (experience with HIPPO a plus) and MS Office Suite.
• Strong understanding of mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic systems used in plastics manufacturing.

• • Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles.

• Knowledge of preventive and predictive maintenance techniques and tools.
• Excellent organizational, planning, and time-management abilities.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Problem-solving and decision-making mindset with attention to detail. 

• Physical Requirements / Work Environment:
• Ability to bend, crawl, climb, kneel, sit, and walk (moderate periods) and stand (moderate periods)
• Some working from heights using ladders and lifts
• Hand /finger agility:  grasp, move, adjust

• Manufacturing environment:  not uniformly heated / cooled, exposure to dust/ fumes
• PPE:  steel-toed footwear, hearing protection, safety glasses.  Other PPE as required for specific tasks.
• Willingness to occasionally work after-hours or weekends for urgent maintenance tasks.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of responsibilities for this position and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of this position. Company management may assign other relevant, business-related duties.