Production Operator I - 2nd Shift 395

Now Foods•Bloomingdale, IL

18h•Onsite

About The Position

The Production Operator I performs operations and changeovers on production lines and equipment, following work instructions, standard operating procedures, and safety and quality standards. The role supports production in packaging, processing, and general utility areas, with duties that may include preparing and cleaning work areas, operating and troubleshooting equipment, conducting quality checks, documenting production activity, maintaining inventory flow, and assisting with minor machine maintenance. Operators may train coworkers on basic manufacturing processes and contribute to root-cause analysis and continuous improvement initiatives. The position requires certification as a Machine Operator in one to three Packaging and/or Processing areas and the ability to work across Packaging and Processing at both the 391 and 395 Bloomingdale manufacturing facilities. The work involves operating manufacturing equipment and powered industrial trucks, handling ingredients and finished goods, and working in production areas with exposure to moving machinery, powders, liquids, allergens, and moderately loud noise. Hearing protection is required in some areas.

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.
Demonstrated ability through certification to operate Packaging and Processing equipment to standards; set up, run, and adjust machines; conduct timely quality checks; perform minor maintenance; complete paperwork accurately; and sanitize and change over equipment.
Solid knowledge of machine capabilities and manufacturing processes, with troubleshooting ability and basic understanding of mechanical principles.
Demonstrated ability to consistently meet quality, safety, and efficiency goals.
Good problem-solving and time-management skills; ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment, show urgency, and change tasks or work centers as business needs require.
Strong teamwork and communication skills, attention to detail, and demonstrated high-quality work.
Ability to train employees on basic department manufacturing processes, machine setup and operation, paperwork, GMPs, and safety.
Ability to work in Packaging and Processing at both the 391 and 395 Bloomingdale manufacturing facilities.
Ability to follow company policies and procedures, including safety policies, and ensure conduct supports company core values.
Ability to safely operate Powered Industrial Trucks and equipment and maintain required certifications.
Ability to communicate professionally and effectively verbally and in writing; read and comprehend instructions, correspondence, safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
Ability to complete sanitation paperwork and written and electronic reports truthfully and legibly, including using Excel, Word, PCDA, and Oracle.
Ability to perform basic arithmetic with whole numbers, fractions, and decimals; understand weights and measures; use digital and balancing scales; and compute rates, ratios, and percentages.
Ability to understand and carry out written, oral, or diagrammed instructions using common sense and sound problem-solving.
Ability to operate hand-operated electronic lifting equipment (Interthor) and obtain certification to operate powered pallet jacks and Interthor stackers.
Basic computer and data-entry skills.
Ability to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, to support the business.
Ability to meet the physical demands of the role, including standing, walking, climbing stairs and ladders, handling and lifting product, moving pallet jacks, crouching or half-kneeling, and reaching.
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 force requirements; grasp 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 pharmaceuticals.

Responsibilities

Perform basic production operations and equipment changeovers within required timelines while meeting safety, quality, and efficiency goals.
Follow work instructions, standards, and SOPs for equipment setup and changeover; identify and resolve setup and changeover issues.
Prepare work areas at the beginning of shifts and clean them at the end of shifts or production runs; clean or sanitize food-contact surfaces between product changes.
Ensure materials and supplies are available, using lift trucks, hand jacks, and other equipment after obtaining required certifications.
Operate, troubleshoot, and adjust equipment according to established work standards; clean and assemble equipment according to SOPs.
Conduct regular quality checks and inspect ingredients, containers, and finished products to verify specifications.
Reduce downtime by performing tasks promptly, safely, and efficiently, and complete pre-flight checklists.
Train employees on basic manufacturing processes, including machine setup and operation, paperwork, GMPs, and safety.
Diagnose and perform minor machine maintenance, make necessary adjustments, and work with Maintenance when issues require escalation.
Submit daily reports and accurately complete production tickets, mix tickets, logbooks, sanitation paperwork, and electronic records.
Identify and recommend improvements to efficiency, quality, and safety; participate in root-cause analysis and continuous improvement initiatives.
Attend and participate in pre-shift huddles and comply with safety requirements, including stretching, GMPs, and area SOPs and work instructions.
In Packaging, inspect filled containers and finished products, assist coworkers with machine setup and cleaning, and stack, mark, pack, and transport finished goods.
In Processing, examine products for identity and impurities; weigh and mix ingredients according to instructions; operate processing equipment; and notify a supervisor, lead, or R&D of concerns with batch instructions.
Record item and lot numbers, update mix tickets and logbooks truthfully and legibly, and enter accurate information into computer systems.
Lift and place raw materials into appropriate equipment; label bulk containers and mixes; and keep Quality Control and R&D informed about ingredient quantities and potential product improvements.
Track inventory and production materials, help order and deliver inventory where needed, inspect materials for damage, and escalate issues to a supervisor and Quality Control.
Track and verify orders and product quantities, use handheld scanners to move inventory electronically, and store products according to identifying and storage requirements.
Transport materials, supplies, and finished products between departments; support smooth product transitions and report movement accurately.
Determine storage and stock locations while considering temperature, humidity, size, weight, turnover, floor-loading limits, and available space.
Support a culture of safe production, follow safety policies and procedures, report incidents and hazards promptly, use required PPE, and participate in safety activities.