Production Operator I - 2nd Shift 391

Now Foods•Bloomingdale, IL

21h•Onsite

About The Position

Operates packaging and processing equipment and production lines according to established standards. Sets up, runs, and adjusts machines; performs sanitation and equipment changeovers; and carries out general utility responsibilities. The position requires certification as a Machine Operator in one to three packaging and/or processing areas and the ability to work in both Packaging and Processing at the 391 and 395 Bloomingdale manufacturing facilities. The role supports safe, timely, and efficient production by following work instructions, standards, and SOPs; preparing and cleaning work areas; sanitizing food-contact surfaces between product changes; ensuring materials are available; operating and troubleshooting equipment; conducting quality checks; and completing production records. The operator may train employees on basic manufacturing processes, perform minor maintenance, work with Maintenance when mechanical issues require escalation, and participate in continuous-improvement and root-cause-analysis activities. Packaging duties include inspecting filled containers and finished products, assisting with machine setup and cleaning, and stacking, marking, packing, and transporting finished product. Processing duties include examining and weighing ingredients, mixing ingredients according to batch instructions, operating processing equipment, recording production and lot information, entering information into computer systems, labeling bulk containers and mixes, and coordinating with Quality Control and R&D. General utility duties include tracking and moving inventory and materials, checking materials for damage, using scanners and material-handling equipment, and storing and transporting products between departments. The role requires a high school diploma or GED and six months of related experience or training, or an equivalent combination. Prior experience with blending, processing, or packaging equipment and manufacturing experience—preferably in food or pharmaceuticals—are preferred. The position involves physical work, including standing, walking, climbing, lifting and moving materials, and working around machinery, powders, liquids, allergens, and noise. Week one of training is on first shift for all production new hires; the role may require a flexible schedule, including weekends, to support the business.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED and six months of related experience and/or training, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Certification as a Machine Operator in one to three Packaging and/or Processing areas, in any combination.
Ability to work in Packaging and Processing at both the 391 and 395 Bloomingdale manufacturing facilities.
Ability to operate packaging and processing equipment according to standards; set up, run, and adjust machines; conduct timely quality checks; perform minor maintenance; complete paperwork accurately; and perform sanitation and changeovers.
Knowledge of machine capabilities and manufacturing processes, with the ability to troubleshoot and adjust machines.
Ability to consistently meet quality, safety, and efficiency goals.
Problem-solving skills, time-management skills, attention to detail, and the ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to demonstrate urgency, adapt to frequent task changes, and work in different work centers as business needs require.
Teamwork and effective verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to train employees on basic manufacturing processes, including machine setup and operation, paperwork, GMPs, and safety.
Ability to follow company policies and procedures, including safety policies, and support company core values.
Ability to safely operate powered industrial trucks and equipment and maintain necessary certifications.
Ability to communicate professionally and read and comprehend instructions, correspondence, safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
Ability to truthfully and legibly complete sanitation paperwork and written and electronic reports; basic computer and data-entry skills are required.
Ability to perform basic arithmetic and use digital and balancing scales to understand weights and measures; ability to calculate rates, ratios, and percentages.
Ability to apply common-sense reasoning to written, oral, or diagrammed instructions.
Basic understanding of mechanical principles and ability to troubleshoot and adjust machines.
Ability to operate hand-operated electronic lifting equipment (Interthor).
Ability to obtain required certification to operate powered pallet jacks and Interthor stackers.
Ability to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, to support the business.
Ability to meet the physical demands of the position, including regularly standing, walking, climbing stairs and ladders, crouching or half-kneeling, reaching, and handling materials and equipment.
Ability to ascend and descend steps while carrying up to 35 pounds; lift up to 50 pounds from floor to waist and from waist to shoulder; push and pull with the stated forces of 42 and 65 pounds at 36 inches; grasp with 60 pounds of force; and reach up to 78 inches.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience operating blending, processing, and/or packaging machines or equipment.
Experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably food or pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Responsibilities

Operate packaging and processing equipment and production lines; set up, run, adjust, troubleshoot, clean, and assemble equipment according to established standards and SOPs.
Perform equipment changeovers and sanitation, including cleaning food-contact surfaces between product changes.
Prepare work areas at the beginning of shifts and clean them at the end of shifts or production runs.
Ensure required materials and supplies are available, using lift trucks, hand jacks, and other equipment when certified.
Conduct regular quality checks and inspect ingredients, filled containers, and finished products against specifications.
Perform pre-flight checklists and help reduce downtime by completing tasks promptly, safely, and efficiently.
Train employees as needed on basic manufacturing processes, machine setup and operation, paperwork, GMPs, and safety.
Diagnose and perform minor machine maintenance; make needed adjustments and escalate mechanical issues to Maintenance when necessary.
Submit daily reports and accurately complete production tickets, mix tickets, logbooks, sanitation paperwork, and electronic tracking records.
Identify and recommend improvements to efficiency, quality, and safety; participate in root-cause analysis and continuous-improvement initiatives.
Attend pre-shift huddles and comply with safety requirements, GMPs, SOPs, work instructions, and company policies.
In Packaging, inspect filled containers and finished products, assist coworkers with machine setup and cleaning, and stack, mark, pack, and transport finished products.
In Processing, examine and weigh ingredients, mix them according to batch instructions, operate processing equipment, label bulk containers and mixes, and notify supervisors, leads, or R&D of concerns with instructions.
Coordinate with Quality Control and R&D regarding raw-material quantities and potential product improvements.
Track inventory and orders, inspect materials for damage, accurately verify product movements, and report issues to supervisors or Quality Control.
Use handheld scanners and material-handling equipment to move and store products and materials; ensure accurate transitions between areas.
Determine appropriate storage locations and methods based on product identification, environmental conditions, limits, turnover, floor loading, and available space.
Support a safe production culture, report incidents and hazards, use required personal protective equipment, and participate in safety activities.
Work in Packaging and Processing at both the 391 and 395 Bloomingdale manufacturing facilities.
Safely operate powered industrial trucks and other equipment and maintain required certifications.