Senior Chef – Maintenance and Engineering

Do you read failure codes as naturally as performance reports? Do you have a passion for equipment, a sense of leadership, and a desire to build a culture of reliability? This role is for you.

We are seeking a Senior Chef – Maintenance and Engineering to optimize the maintenance and upkeep activities of our agricultural machinery fleet across our various sites in Quebec, Florida, and ... This role requires recognized expertise: the selected individual will be the technical reference for the team, capable of validating diagnostics, guiding sound decisions, and challenging vendor recommendations. They will also be responsible for training and developing maintenance supervisors to elevate the skill level of the entire organization, as well as participating in the design of specialized agricultural machinery for the company's operations.

Key Responsibilities

Expertise and Technical Reference Role

• Validate mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, and electronic diagnostics on fleet equipment (tractors, harvest equipment, specialized agricultural vehicles) — and challenge diagnostics submitted by vendors
• Guide and direct teams in complex situations to determine the best approach — internal repair, specialized subcontracting, or replacement — considering labor costs, parts, downtime delays, and seasonal operational requirements
• Serve as a top-tier technical resource for mechanics and supervisors; take on complex issues in escalation and guide teams to resolution
• Bring experience with embedded diagnostic electronic tools (fault code reading, manufacturer software)

Innovation and Equipment Improvement

• Actively participate in the design and adaptation of specialized agricultural machinery for company operations, in collaboration with agronomic and operational teams
• Propose innovative solutions to improve equipment performance, durability, and efficiency
• Stay informed about cutting-edge agricultural equipment and maintenance practices in the industry

Team Training and Development

• Train and coach maintenance supervisors on diagnostic best practices, preventive maintenance procedures, and technical decision-making
• Identify training needs for all sites and develop tailored recommendations
• Standardize diagnostic and maintenance procedures and integrate them into a continuous training program
• Foster a harmonious, safe, and skills-focused work environment

Maintenance Management and Continuous Improvement

• Design and implement a comprehensive preventive and corrective maintenance program for all farm and Vegpro vegetable packaging division equipment, ensuring it meets performance goals, and deploy it across all sites in a continuous improvement framework
• Facilitate the extraction of reliability and maintenance cost data to guide future equipment selection
• Audit the quality of work performed and the work order management process within the system
• Manage the maintenance budget

Vendor and Partnership Management

• Negotiate and optimize contractual terms with key vendors, ensuring the management of specific cases
• Manage vendor programs to ensure the profitability of service and maintenance contracts

General Competencies

• Engineering degree (mechanical, industrial, or related field) — a profile combining engineering expertise and significant operational experience will be highly valued
• Minimum 8 years of experience in heavy equipment maintenance, with a significant portion in management
• Experience in one or more related sectors with a strong mechanical content: agricultural machinery, construction, forestry, mining, diesel fleet transport, or off-road equipment
• Any recognized technical certification (heavy vehicle mechanics DEP, Red Seal, or equivalent) is considered a significant asset
• Demonstrated experience in personnel management, team leadership, and supervisor coaching

Technical Competencies

• Strong expertise in diesel mechanics, hydraulics, and pneumatics applied to heavy or agricultural equipment
• Demonstrated ability to validate and challenge complex diagnostics, and determine the optimal solution based on operational context
• Knowledge of embedded electronic systems: computer-based diagnostics, fault code reading and interpretation
• Experience in fleet management including equipment lifecycle planning
• Proficiency in maintenance management tools (GMAO / work order management software)
• Strong interest in agriculture and agricultural machinery technologies

Personal Attributes and Qualities

• Pedagogical leadership: ability to elevate team skills and grow supervisors
• Expertise in priority management and cost optimization
• Strong negotiation skills
• Proficiency in French and English, both spoken and written — Spanish is an asset
• Availability for occasional travel to various sites

Benefits and Perks

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Collaborative work environment
• Competitive compensation
• Competitive pay and benefits
• Group insurance
• Telemedicine