<p>Grow with Welch's! </p> <p>Welch's is on a journey towards our bold ambition of being the global-leader of convenient, good for you fruit-based food and beverages. To turn this goal into a reality we need you and other exceptionally talented, agile, and innovative individuals who are eager to contribute to something extraordinary!</p> <p>At Welch's, we're not just offering a job; we're inviting you to be a part of a vibrant, authentic, and inclusive culture where you not only belong, but also have the opportunity to unleash the best, most authentic version of you.</p> <p> </p> <p>Join a team that keeps our plant running-and our iconic products flowing.</p> <p>At Welch's, we're proud to be owned by family farmers and committed to crafting foods and beverages that families love. As our Maintenance Planner & Buyer, you'll play a critical role in keeping our Lawton, Michigan manufacturing plant reliable, efficient, and ready to operate 24/7.</p> <p>This role blends maintenance planning expertise with purchasing and vendor management to ensure the right materials, parts, and services are always available-on time and on budget.</p> <p>What You'll Do</p> <p>Maintenance Planning & Scheduling</p> <ul> <li> <p>Plan, schedule, and prioritize maintenance work across production, processing, utilities, and facility equipment.</p> </li><li> <p>Develop and manage preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance programs to support uptime and reliability.</p> </li><li> <p>Build detailed job plans including labor needs, materials, tools, safety requirements, and estimated timelines.</p> </li><li> <p>Partner closely with Maintenance, Production, Processing, and other plant teams to maximize equipment availability.</p> </li><li> <p>Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on reliability, OEE, and operational performance.</p> </li><li> <p>Provide technical guidance to maintenance technicians and assist with troubleshooting.</p> </li><li> <p>Support emergency maintenance needs as required, including occasional off-shifts and weekends.</p> </li></ul> <p>Maintenance Purchasing & Procurement</p> <ul> <li> <p>Oversee all MRO (Maintenance, Repair & Operations) purchasing for the facility in alignment with corporate guidelines.</p> </li><li> <p>Coordinate creation, approval, and tracking of purchase orders-supporting cross-plant needs when appropriate.</p> </li><li> <p>Source, bid, and negotiate with vendors to secure competitive pricing, lead times, and quality service.</p> </li><li> <p>Review proposals, negotiate contracts, and manage plant-specific purchasing within budget authority.</p> </li><li> <p>Ensure accurate coding of parts and materials while maintaining strong documentation in the CMMS.</p> </li><li> <p>Track deliveries, expedite orders, resolve invoicing discrepancies, and maintain vendor relationships.</p> </li><li> <p>Represent the Lawton plant on Welch's MRO Purchasing Team.</p> </li></ul> <p>Reliability, Compliance & Operational Support</p> <ul> <li> <p>Ensure all planning and procurement activities support Safety, Food Safety, Quality, and regulatory standards.</p> </li><li> <p>Recommend and implement improvements that boost equipment reliability and plant performance.</p> </li><li> <p>Support creation of maintenance budgets, forecasts, and standards.</p> </li><li> <p>Maintain accurate asset records, job plans, purchase histories, and vendor data within the CMMS.</p> </li><li> <p>Perform additional duties to support plant operations as needed.</p> </li></ul> <p>Who You Are</p> <ul> <li> <p>A strong communicator who collaborates well across functions and shares information clearly.</p> </li><li> <p>Experienced in maintenance planning with solid technical knowledge (mechanical, electrical, controls, pneumatics, hydraulics).</p> </li><li> <p>Skilled in purchasing, negotiation, and vendor management.</p> </li><li> <p>Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, 24/7 environment.</p> </li><li> <p>A proactive problem solver with a continuous improvement mindset.</p> </li><li> <p>Proficient in CMMS systems and advanced Excel.</p> </li><li> <p>Comfortable working safely around automated, industrial equipment.</p> </li></ul> <p>What You'll Need</p> <p>Preferred qualifications:</p> <ul> <li> <p>Bachelor's degree OR</p> </li><li> <p>3-5 years of experience in food & beverage manufacturing maintenance OR</p> </li><li> <p>5+ years of hands-on equipment maintenance with technical training or an Associate's degree</p> </li></ul> <p>Additional requirements:</p> <ul> <li> <p>Strong safety record and experience with CI methodologies (RCM, PM optimization, Lean, TPM, Six Sigma preferred)</p> </li><li> <p>Ability to work flexible hours in support of a 24/7 operation</p> </li></ul> <p>What You'll Enjoy</p> <ul> <li> <p>A purpose-driven organization with a bold vision for the future</p> </li><li> <p>An inclusive culture where you belong and can bring your best</p> </li><li> <p>A collaborative, flexible work environment</p> </li><li> <p>Generous Paid Time Off and company holidays</p> </li><li> <p>40 hours of paid volunteer time for all non-union employees</p> </li><li> <p>Development and advancement opportunities, including LinkedIn Learning</p> </li><li> <p>Competitive base salary + annual incentive plan</p> </li><li> <p>401(k) with generous company match</p> </li><li> <p>Comprehensive benefits from day one:</p> </li><li> <p>Health, dental, and vision insurance</p> </li><li> <p>Health Savings Account options</p> </li><li> <p>Life and accident insurance</p> </li><li> <p>Employee Assistance Program</p> </li><li> <p>Tuition reimbursement</p> </li><li> <p>Additional savings and discounts through Perks at Work</p> </li><li> <p>Paid parental and adoption leave (after 12 months)</p> </li><li> <p></p> </li><li>The anticipated hiring base salary range for this position is $85,000 to $95,000 annually for US-based employees. This range reflects the minimum and maximum for the position across all US locations, is based on a full-time work schedule, and is Welch's good faith estimate as of the date of this posting. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. In addition to base salary, this role is eligible for participation in a bonus plan. <p></p> </li></ul> <p>Welch's is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.  We are committed to the prevention of employment discrimination based on race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, disability and/or military or veteran status, sexual orientation or any other action covered by federal or applicable state/local laws.</p> <p>Welch's offers more than just a job - it's an opportunity to grow, innovate, and make a global impact with a passionate community.</p>