Grinding Utility Operator - Nights

Mars•Fremont, NE

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Royal Canin is hiring a Grinding Utility to work at its Fremont, Nebraska manufacturing plant, producing pet food focused on the nutritional needs of cats and dogs. The role is part of an area team responsible for efficient production of quality products in required quantities. It is a high-autonomy, leadership-oriented position involving machinery operation and changeovers, shift coordination, and daily crewing needs, often without direct supervision. The position emphasizes operational leadership, technical troubleshooting, scheduling, peer training, and teamwork. The operator coordinates production resources, supports shift handoffs, monitors equipment and production lines, and ensures process and quality documentation is completed. The role works nights from 6:00 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. on a 223 schedule at the Fremont plant.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years old.
High school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
Willingness and ability to work varying shifts and schedules, with a focus on night shifts.
Ability to understand and communicate effectively in English.
One year of experience operating machinery or managing technical systems is preferred.
One year of experience in manufacturing, mechanical repair, a trade discipline, or tactical equipment maintenance is preferred.
Familiarity with inventory control principles is preferred.
Ability to operate or learn to operate a forklift and scissor lift is preferred.
Computer proficiency, including MS Office, email, and spreadsheets, is preferred.
Able to stand on a concrete floor for extended periods; wear required PPE; bend, stoop, twist, turn, reach, and climb stairs; and regularly lift up to 55 pounds.
Able to adapt to hot or cold conditions and exposure to dust, dirt, and food-safe chemicals.
Vision correctable to 20/20.

Nice To Haves

Military leadership, technical troubleshooting, shift coordination, and peer-training experience, including experience managing crew assignments, equipment maintenance, or training junior service members.
One year of experience operating machinery or managing technical systems.
One year of experience in manufacturing, mechanical repair, a trade discipline, or tactical equipment maintenance.
Familiarity with inventory control principles.
Ability to operate or learn to operate a forklift and scissor lift.
Computer competency with MS Office, email, and spreadsheets.

Responsibilities

Provide operational leadership and coordinate shifts for full shifts or multiple process areas, often without an assigned production supervisor.
Address daily crewing needs and shift schedule changes using planning and staffing tools.
Meet or exceed plant productivity goals by directing operational needs, staffing, and inventories.
Safely and efficiently operate pet food manufacturing equipment and perform specified machinery changeovers.
Monitor production lines, identify equipment faults, and promptly escalate complex downtime to Maintenance or QA.
Coordinate communication and planning with other leads and operators to support shift changeovers, minimize downtime and waste, and prepare ingredients and supplies.
Train and guide new associates on safety requirements, equipment operation, quality systems, and sanitation.
Resolve operational challenges and conflicts by listening, sharing information, and fostering a positive, high-performing team climate.
Complete process logs, quality reports, and shift documentation accurately, legibly, and on time.