Job Description

Department: Maintenance

Reports to: Maintenance and Reliability Manager

Status: Full-time

Food Safety & Quality Training Level: 2

Job Scope:

Reporting to the Maintenance and Reliability Manager, this position is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of all plant utilities and electromechanical systems. The Chief Operating Engineer ensures compliance with regulatory standards and optimizes the functionality of steam boilers, refrigeration systems, air compressors, HVAC, wastewater treatment, and other critical infrastructure.

Key Accountabilities:

• Oversee the safe and efficient operation of all plant utilities, including steam boilers, refrigeration, cooling tower, wastewater treatment (DAF), air compressors, HVAC/heating systems, ensuring compliance with TSSA/ESA standards.
• Supervise shift engineers and ensure proper logbook maintenance and adherence to regulatory requirements.
• Develop and implement preventative and predictive maintenance systems to maximize equipment reliability and efficiency.
• Identify and execute continuous improvement initiatives related to plant operations, utility management, and energy efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with all safety, environmental, and food manufacturing regulations (e.g., GMP, HACCP, WHMIS, MSDS).
• Work closely with contractors and vendors to ensure all outsourced maintenance and engineering work meets industry standards and safety regulations.
• Provide technical expertise and support for capital projects assigned by the Maintenance and Reliability Manager.
• Assist senior management in developing and managing budgets for plant utilities and capital expenditures.
• Participate as an active member of the Joint Health and Safety Committee.
• Attend required training and professional development courses to stay current with industry regulations and best practices.
• Other projects and responsibilities as assigned by management.

Qualifications & Competencies:

• Certified 2nd Class Operating Engineer Certificate as per TSSA requirements.
• Minimum of 2-3 years’ experience in a related role within the food/beverage or manufacturing industry.
• Proven expertise in operating and maintaining steam boilers, refrigeration systems, air compressors, wastewater treatment, and other plant utilities.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills, including PLC, HMI, and automation systems.
• Educational background in mechanical or engineering technology (diploma or degree), Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) designation preferred.
• Experience with CMMS MP2 software and Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook).
• Excellent communication and leadership skills to coordinate with cross-functional teams and regulatory bodies.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment while ensuring compliance and operational efficiency.

Gay Lea Foods is a proud Canadian-owned dairy food and beverage company with a robust portfolio that includes 7 established brands such as Gay Lea Butter, Nordica Cottage Cheese, Ivanhoe Cheese, Salerno Cheese, and Hewitt’s Dairy. Our wide range of products are sold in Retail, Foodservice, Industrial, Co-pack, and Export markets, developed and produced out of our 13 manufacturing facilities in Ontario and Alberta.

Delivering high-quality and innovative products - from the consumer favourite Spreadables and North America’s first Smooth™ Cottage Cheese, to Nothing But Cheese™, an innovative snack made with 100% cheese, is what makes us market leaders in our categories. Our grassroots approach to business is what guides our direction and differentiates us from our competitors.

Our employees inspire our culture of excellence and entrepreneurship. We hire innovative and passionate professionals who know that greatness is achieved through people, partnerships, and acting with a business owner mindset.

For more about us visit:

Gay Lea Foods is an equal-opportunity employer and values diversity in our workplace.

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