Press Operator

Winland Foods•St Louis, MO

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Press Operator works as a Processing Team Member at Winland Foods, helping keep production safe, smooth, and efficient. The role involves operating, monitoring, and maintaining processing machinery and equipment, monitoring product flow, and ensuring batches meet quality and food-safety standards. The position is located at 611 E Marceau St., St. Louis, MO 63111. The schedule is 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., Monday through Sunday, with two consecutive days off during the week. The operator performs equipment operations and maintenance, including forklift driving, die changes, troubleshooting, repairs, preventive upkeep, equipment changeovers, and routine operating checks. The role also includes product inspection, manual packing and palletizing, inventory and shipment recording, quality checks, sanitation, compliance documentation, completing production paperwork, and participating in 5S and continuous-improvement activities. Team members assist and train peers, provide backup coverage for multiple roles, communicate issues to supervisors, and help develop solutions to production problems. The work 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. Employees must wear required PPE and follow safety procedures, including lock-out/tag-out and safe lifting practices.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
At least 1 year of work experience; manufacturing or food production experience is 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 with 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, and work independently and collaboratively with a team-first mindset.
Positive, dependable, self-motivated work ethic; problem-solving skills; attention to detail; ability to multitask and adapt in a fast-paced environment; and accountability for work quality and attendance.
Willingness to work overtime or weekends as needed.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds frequently, push heavy loads, stand and walk for up to 90% of a shift, and climb as needed.
Ability to perform physical activities that may include frequent climbing, pulling, pushing, carrying, grasping, reaching, twisting, turning, and stooping.
Good hand-eye coordination and motor skills; near and far visual acuity, color perception, and corrected vision; and normal hearing and vision with correction if needed.
Ability to wear required PPE and adhere to safety policies, including lock-out/tag-out and safe lifting techniques.

Nice To Haves

Forklift certification is preferred; willingness to obtain certification if not already held. Forklift certification is required for the Advanced Level.
Manufacturing or food-production work experience.
For higher levels, expert troubleshooting of high-speed processing equipment and strong understanding of theory of operation.
Experience with Winland Excellence CIL, centerlining, and line huddle activities.
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 training, guidance, and feedback to team members.

Responsibilities

Operate, monitor, and maintain manufacturing and processing equipment, including performing forklift driving, die changes, troubleshooting, minor repairs, and preventive upkeep.
Complete equipment changeovers, resolve operational issues promptly, perform routine operating checks and daily inspections, and ensure proper sanitation after changeovers.
Monitor equipment performance to support efficient, safe, and continuous operation.
Use SAP, IQS, MII, and Weaver to support processing operations and record information.
Inspect products for correct labeling, alignment, and processing; conduct quality checks; and perform manual packing and palletizing.
Follow FIFO inventory methods, manage materials, and record inventory transactions and shipments in SAP.
Follow GMP, HACCP, SQF, FSMA, and company food-safety policies; maintain sanitation and compliance documentation.
Assist team members, provide backup coverage for multiple roles, share knowledge, and support training.
Complete production paperwork accurately, report issues to supervisors, and assist in reviewing production paperwork.
Participate in 5S efforts, act as the area 5S champion, and work with supervisors and teammates to develop solutions and improve production.
Follow company safety policies, use required PPE, maintain a clean and safe work environment, 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 employer match
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
$1.50 shift differential
$1,000 sign-on bonus paid in increments after completion of 90 days of employment