Electrical Maintenance Leader (Salaried) Rockford, IL

OVERVIEW

Perfetti Van Melle (makers of Mentos and Airheads!) is one of the world's largest manufacturers and distributors of confectionery and chewing gum with global brands that are being enjoyed in more than 150 countries worldwide. We’re currently seeking a passionate and enthusiastic Electrical Maintenance Leader based in Rockford, IL to join our growing team.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

As the Maintenance Leader – Electrical & Controls, you will lead day-to-day maintenance operations, focusing on electrical automation & power, equipment reliability, and workforce engagement. You will coach and train technicians, prioritize and schedule maintenance efforts, and collaborate across departments and shifts to ensure safe, efficient, and continuous plant operations.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead daily maintenance activities for electrical and control systems within assigned areas.
• Troubleshoot and resolve equipment breakdowns, electrical faults, and control system malfunctions quickly and effectively.
• Provide technical guidance during urgent mechanical and electrical issues, support root cause identification and long-term solutions.
• Engage the maintenance team to take ownership of equipment performance and participate in continuous improvement.
• Train and coach technicians to build troubleshooting skills and cross-functional capability.
• Prioritize & schedule planned work and assign tasks to reduce downtime and ensure safety and quality standards are maintained.
• Maintain equipment documentation, ensure compliance with standard work, and support preventive and predictive maintenance strategies.
• Partner with Engineering, Operations, and TPM Pillars on capital projects, upgrades, and loss eradication initiatives.
• Use SAP and related systems for maintenance planning, tracking, and payroll accuracy and insuring accuracy of SAP utilization by your team.
• Evaluate technician performance and provide feedback to support growth and development.

WHAT WE NEED FROM YOU

• High school diploma or equivalent; associate degree in a technical field preferred.
• 5+ years of maintenance experience in a manufacturing setting, preferably food production.
• 1–3 years of leadership experience in maintenance or a lead technician role.
• Strong hands-on troubleshooting skills in electrical systems, PLCs, Robotics, sensors, motors, and industrial control systems.
• Ability to diagnose and repair equipment issues under pressure, minimizing production impact.
• Knowledge of TPM, 5S, and continuous improvement practices.
• Experience using SAP or similar maintenance management systems.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office tools.
• Strong leadership, communication, and decision-making skills.
• Flexibility to support a 24/7 operation and respond to urgent maintenance needs as required.

WHAT WE OFFER

At Perfetti Van Melle, we are committed to fostering a welcoming workplace, where all individuals, regardless of background or identity, are valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives to the sweet success of our candy-loving community. Additionally, we have a core value of Care For Our People and we are proud to offer benefit programs that support our team members' goals and well-being including:  
•    PTO package including vacation, sick, personal, and pay it forward time off    
•    13 paid holidays    
•    401k with Company Match up to 8%, ranking in the top 1% of the country 
•    Annual Bonus potential and merit-based increases   
•    Comprehensive Health Insurance     
•    Annual well-being subsidy  
•    20 weeks Maternity & 12 weeks Paternity leave options   
•    Sam's Club or Costco annual membership reimbursement    
•    Tuition-Free College Program or Free Continued Education (BA, Masters, etc.)  
•    Modest monthly candy allotment (Airheads, Airheads Xtremes, and Mentos)  
 

The targeted annual base salary range for this position is: $70,000-90,000. 
Perfetti Van Melle considers a variety of factors when determining base compensation, including experience, qualifications, and geographic location. These considerations mean actual compensation will vary. 
 
Join a 2024 NKY Best Workplace by applying today!   
Perfetti Van Melle, USA is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other applicable statutorily protected group status under local, state, or federal law.