Operations Filler Operator I

SunOpta•Alexandria, MN

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is responsible for operating Aseptic Filling machines and machines associated with the fillers, with expertise and precision. They will help lead their department and help maximize efficiency to ensure the quality and efficiency standards are being met through quality packages and limited product loss in their department. Adhere to and advocate all GMP, SOPs, SSOPs, and PPE requirements for the safety of others and oneself. Effectively communicates written and verbal instructions to ensure quality and efficiency standards are being met relevant to shift and plant performance. Fill in for vacations and or cover if other employees are absent.

Requirements

Adheres to all plant safety rules and advocates oneself and co-worker’s safety
Reports all near misses and accidents to the Production Supervisor or HR representative
Serves an active role in the plant safety program by attending safety meetings, participating in monthly safety inspections and reporting any potential safety hazards to the safety committee or Management
Adheres to all Quality Assurance System guidelines
Follows SOP’s and SSOP’s (standard operating procedures and sanitation standard operating procedures) when making machine adjustments, splicing of packaging materials, and preparation of laminate to ensure the manufacturing of high-quality packages
Responsible for compliance with the HACCP, SQF, and Safety programs program
Identifies all CCP’s (critical control points) with high level understanding of their functions as it relates to the filling department
Expertly prepares and maintains all filling area documentation
Performs all Package Integrity failure tests including ink and copper testing at a high level
When Maintenance is occurring in your work area, it is the expectation to assist the Maintenance Technicians in any capacity needed to expedite the repair process.
When equipment is in a state of disrepair these items must be reported ASAP to avoid break downs.
Maintains a clean and organized work area
Assists all areas of the plant with general housekeeping
Cooperates with other shifts and the management team in housekeeping endeavors
As a member of the Production team, ensures the effective shift communication and teamwork with the other operators occurs each scheduled shift
Maintains effective communication with members of the support group
When utilizing the Handheld radios employees are expected to be professional and respectful when communicating.
Promotes and contributes to the development of teamwork among production team members
Exhibits leadership abilities and works well among co-workers as a team
Mentors, Trains, and develops other employees as requested by the management team
Continuously improve your knowledge of the Aseptic Filling process
Expand knowledge level beyond filling through cross-training and valve-maintenance. Primarily from processing to filling to downline
Achieve the best understanding of the flow of production possible from departments that correlate with your departments that correlate with your departments through-put.
Team player
Basic math skills
Detail orientated and organized
Must have a good attendance record
Good communication and interpersonal skills
Very experienced with filling equipment
Mechanical and Troubleshooting skills
Food Industry experience and knowledge of GMPs
Understands procedures for all allergens and how to prevent cross contamination
Able to fill in for Supervisor when needed
Must have accurate record keeping
Must be able to troubleshoot and resolve moderate to complex issues
Keeps supplies stocked for production runs without over stocking or understocking keeping walkways, extinguishers, eyewash’s, and exits clear for foot traffic
Ability to assess situations and make quick and accurate decisions that will aid in production
Must be able to communicate ideas for improvements for the Filling area, CIP area, and other work areas.
Minimum of a High school diploma or equivalent education and/or experience required
Minimum of 3 - 5 years’ experience in manufacturing environment.
Working knowledge of business, computer and math, preferred.
The candidate must be able to work effectively in a team-based environment, set priorities to meet deadlines, handle multiple tasks, and make decisions under pressure.

Nice To Haves

All qualifications from Filler Operator II must be met to be considered for Production Support Specialist in Filling.
Safety and Quality aspects must have a 100% mastery and Operational aspects 85% or better for the Filler Assessment II.
Must have knowledge about the entire aseptic and production processes from Aseptic Mixing to Warehouse
All qualifications from Filler Operator I and Filler Operator II must be met to be considered for Filler Operator III.

Responsibilities

Will be responsible for training new operators and urged to continue to expand knowledge by assisting in other areas of the plant through cross training.
Complete Valve Maintenance Training and assist the Valve Maintenance Team when required.
Coordinates, Sets-up, CIPs, Swab Tests, Monitors, and operates Aseptic Filling Machines to maximize the quality of products produced and the efficiency of the department and surrounding areas.
Has thorough understanding the flow of the CIP system
Maintains a clean and organized working area keeping all supplies and materials stocked and set-up for success when the next shift comes in to relieve you.
Performs and trains routine maintenance on all filling machines. This includes but is not limited to: CIP, Shutdown, and Preventative maintenances.
Documents work completed by filling out Maintenance Work Order Forms.
Relieves other production team members for breaks and absences as required
Performs a variety of quality checks (weight checks, machine checks, package integrity checks) to assure standards are met and assists lower level Filler Operators making those adjustments
Troubleshoots and resolves complex operating difficulties involving area equipment.
Reports problems to supervisor and documents on the 24-hour board.
Can start-up, shut-down, and clear jams on all the equipment as it relates to the filling area. This includes but is not limited to DE cappers.
Understands the production flow as it relates to filling – process to filling – filling to downline.
Accurately prepares and completes all area paperwork with legible handwriting as required by the FDA.
Identify all critical control points with a high level of knowledge of their function as it relates to the filling area
Understands terminology of the filling equipment, process equipment, and downline equipment that relates to filling.
Communicates well with other team members including Processing, Downline, Batch Output & Supervisors on any delays or problems in the filling area that would hinder the flow of production.
Works well with the Management team to monitor the operational efficiencies, yields, scrap loss and other key indicators to actively seek ways to improve plant productivity