Press Operator

Winland Foods • St Louis, MO

7d • Onsite

About The Position

At Winland Foods, the Press Operator is part of the production team and helps keep manufacturing processes safe, smooth, and efficient. The role operates, monitors, and maintains processing machinery and equipment, monitors product flow, and ensures batches meet quality and food-safety standards. The position is located at 611 E Marceau St., St. Louis, MO 63111, with a scheduled shift from 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., Monday through Sunday, with two consecutive days off during the week. Compensation is $25.05 per hour based on experience and other qualifications, plus a $1,000 sign-on bonus paid in increments after completion of 90 days of employment.

The Press Operator performs equipment operation and maintenance, including forklift driving, die changes, troubleshooting, repairs, preventive upkeep, routine checks, inspections, and equipment changeovers. The role handles and inspects products, performs manual packing and palletizing, manages inventory and shipments, and conducts quality checks. It also requires compliance with food-safety and sanitation requirements, accurate production and inventory records, teamwork and support for training, and participation in 5S and continuous-improvement activities.

The position requires the ability to operate and troubleshoot production equipment, use relevant production systems, follow safety and food-safety procedures, and work independently and collaboratively. Employees must wear required PPE and maintain a clean, safe work environment. The role may involve exposure to wet or humid conditions, moving mechanical parts, high areas, fumes, airborne particles, extreme temperatures, electrical risks, and vibrations, depending on the assigned area.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• At least 1 year of work experience; manufacturing or food-production experience preferred.
• At least 18 years of age.
• Ability to operate, troubleshoot, and perform minor repairs on production-line equipment, including cartoners, baggers, case packers, sealers, depalletizers, and palletizers.
• Mechanical aptitude and ability to identify and resolve equipment irregularities.
• Proficiency in SAP, hand scanners, and basic math.
• Computer literacy in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Knowledge of GMPs, SQF, HACCP, FSMA, and other food-safety regulations, and commitment to following company safety policies and procedures.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English, verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment, with a team-first mindset.
• Positive attitude, dependability, self-motivation, problem-solving skills, attention to detail, multitasking ability, and flexibility in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work overtime or weekends as needed.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds, push heavy loads, stand or walk for up to 90% of a shift, and climb as needed.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods and frequently climb, pull, push, carry, grasp, reach, twist, turn, and stoop.
• Good hand-eye coordination and motor skills; near and far visual acuity, color perception, and full range of hand and arm movement; normal hearing and vision with correction if needed.
• Ability to distinguish colors used for color-coded production containers.
• Ability to wear required PPE and comply with lock-out/tag-out, safe lifting, and other safety requirements.

Nice To Haves

• Forklift certification is preferred; willingness to obtain certification if not already held. Certification is required for the Advanced Level.
• Manufacturing or food-production experience.
• For higher levels, expert troubleshooting of high-speed processing equipment and a strong understanding of theory of operation.
• For advanced levels, proficiency in MII and WE systems and ability to interpret line-huddle measures to resolve issues.
• For advanced levels, ability to lead projects, identify skill gaps, support multiple initiatives with minimal supervision, and provide progressively greater training, guidance, and feedback.

Responsibilities

• Operate, oversee, monitor, and maintain manufacturing and processing equipment and systems safely and efficiently.
• Drive forklifts; perform die changes, troubleshooting, minor repairs, preventive upkeep, equipment changeovers, and routine operation checks.
• Perform daily inspections and preventive maintenance, address operational issues promptly, and ensure proper sanitation after changeovers.
• Use SAP, IQS, MII, and Weaver to support processing operations.
• Inspect products for correct labeling, alignment, and processing; conduct quality checks.
• Perform manual packing and palletizing.
• Follow FIFO inventory methods, manage materials, record inventory transactions and shipments in SAP, and document quality results.
• Follow GMP, HACCP, SQF, FSMA, and company food-safety policies; maintain cleanliness, sanitation, and compliance documentation.
• Assist team members, provide backup coverage for multiple roles, share knowledge, and support training.
• Complete production paperwork accurately and report issues to supervisors.
• Participate in 5S efforts, act as the area's 5S champion, assist in reviewing production paperwork, and work with supervisors and teammates to develop solutions.
• Perform Winland Excellence CIL, centerlining, and line-huddle activities to improve efficiency.
• Maintain a clean and safe work environment, wear required PPE, follow safety procedures, and promptly report food-safety or quality issues.

Benefits

• Medical coverage
• Dental coverage
• Vision coverage
• Short-term disability coverage
• Long-term disability coverage
• Life coverage
• 401(k) with match
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• $1,000 sign-on bonus paid in increments after completion of 90 days of employment

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED