Machine Operator, WDS 2nd Shift

Russell Stover•Abilene, KS

9d•Onsite

About The Position

At Russell Stover, we are looking for a Machine Operator to join our team. As a leading manufacturer of boxed, seasonal, and sugar-free chocolates, we pride ourselves on our values of excellence, innovation, entrepreneurship, responsibility, and collaboration. You will be responsible for operating and maintaining machinery with precision, conducting quality inspections, performing changeovers, and keeping detailed records to uphold production excellence. This role requires the ability to troubleshoot issues, maintain a clean and organized work environment, and work effectively in a fast-paced setting as a team player with flexibility across various areas.

Requirements

Must be 18 years of age or older
Excellent communication skills and the ability to speak, read, and write English fluently, with or without an accommodation.
Able to read and understand recipes
Possess basic math skills
Able to lift up to 50 lbs.
Able to routinely and frequently stand, stoop, bend and lift overhead.
Able to stand on hard surfaces for the duration.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a food manufacturing environment.
1 year of experience utilizing SAP.
Strong commitment to punctuality and dependability.

Responsibilities

Setting up and pre-running equipment to ensure proper production start-up.
Controlling line speeds, batch formula production rates, equipment start/stop, and ensuring overall product quality and safety.
Performing required quality checks and completing all associated documentation (e.g., downtime, HACCP, Quality 302, SAP/SOP forms).
Completing 5S, AM, and other LPW functions.
Performing WDS setup, including machine adjustments at startup and during changeovers to minimize downtime.
Assisting leads with efficient WDS production operations, including coordinating staff, identifying shortages or production gaps, and supporting changeovers and cleans.
Working directly with supervisors, management, and contractors.
Training operators and backup operators as needed.
Accurately reporting downtime to support OEE/TE accountability.
Operating and maintaining machinery, equipment, and tools safely and proficiently.
Performing basic machine changeovers, startups, and shutdowns.
Ensuring materials are loaded correctly and replenishing supplies as needed.
Maintaining clean and organized workstations in compliance with sanitation standards.
Reporting mechanical or process issues to supervision or maintenance.
Supporting team goals through cross-training and flexible task assignments.
Completing and following FSQA training and programs to comply with regulatory requirements, ensure consumer safety, and support the plant’s food safety and quality objectives.
Promptly reporting and taking appropriate action on any observed or potential food safety hazards, process deviations, or non-conformities by notifying the designated plant supervisor, in accordance with your role and responsibilities.
Actively contributing to the continuous improvement of the company’s Food Safety Culture through engagement and actions aligned with your role.