Packaging Specialist - Berkeley

Whitsons Culinary Group•Berkeley, IL

3h•$60,000 - $70,000

About The Position

The Packaging Specialist is responsible for executing all packaging activities with precision to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality packaging of prepared food products in a USDA-regulated manufacturing environment. The role ensures accuracy in labeling, packaging integrity, compliance with food safety standards, and continuous improvement in line performance. This position supports high-volume operations, promotes operational excellence, and contributes to consistent product quality, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED required.
1–2 years of experience in food manufacturing, packaging, or CPG environments.
Experience working within USDA, FDA, GMP, or HACCP-regulated operations.
Familiarity with automated or semi-automated packaging equipment.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree in Manufacturing Technology, Industrial Operations, Food Science, Packaging Technology, or related field preferred.
Training in HACCP, Food Safety, Lean Manufacturing, or Six Sigma (White/Yellow Belt) preferred.
Bilingual fluency (English/Spanish) preferred.
2–4 years of experience in high-volume packaging or refrigerated food production.
Experience with packaging line setups, changeovers, and basic troubleshooting.
Experience supporting quality control processes, documentation, or digital production systems.
Prior involvement in continuous improvement initiatives or standard work procedures.
Experience training others or supporting line leadership is a plus.

Responsibilities

Operate, monitor, and adjust packaging equipment including tray sealers, weighing systems, form-fill-seal machines, date coders, and labelers.
Maintain expected production throughput, accuracy, and packaging efficiency.
Conduct routine quality checks including weight control, temperature verification, seal integrity, date coding, and allergen controls.
Support accurate and timely line changeovers, ensuring proper materials and specifications are in place.
Ensure packaging execution aligns with product specifications and documented requirements.
Follow all USDA, HACCP, GMP, and internal food safety standards.
Maintain a clean, organized work environment and uphold sanitation requirements.
Escalate any deviations in product, labeling, equipment, or safety immediately.
Identify opportunities to reduce waste, improve line flow, and enhance equipment efficiency.
Participate in improvement initiatives and support standardized work processes.
Follow established methodologies for problem-solving and corrective actions.
Perform basic troubleshooting and minor adjustments to maintain equipment efficiency.
Communicate equipment issues promptly to Maintenance with accurate log entries.
Complete production documentation including counts, waste logs, quality checks, and traceability records.
Support accurate material usage reporting and packaging inventory tracking.
Assist in training new team members on packaging procedures, equipment operation, and quality expectations.
Work collaboratively with Production, Culinary, Quality Assurance, and Distribution teams.
Take on additional responsibilities or interim assignments as business needs evolve.