Production Operator I - 3rd shift 395

Now Foods•Bloomingdale, IL

14h•Onsite

About The Position

The Production Operator I operates packaging and processing equipment and production lines according to established standards. The role includes setting up, running, adjusting, cleaning, and sanitizing equipment; completing product changeovers; conducting quality checks; performing minor machine maintenance; and carrying out general utility and inventory responsibilities. The operator must be certified in one to three Packaging and/or Processing areas and be able to work in both Packaging and Processing at the 391 and 395 Bloomingdale manufacturing facilities. The position supports safe, timely, and efficient production by following work instructions, standard operating procedures, batch records, and good manufacturing practices. Duties vary across Packaging, Processing, and General Utility work, and may include handling ingredients and finished goods, operating material-handling equipment, completing production records and computer entries, training coworkers on basic manufacturing processes, and participating in safety and continuous-improvement activities. The role requires flexibility to work different work centers and a flexible schedule, including weekends. Week one of training for production new hires is on first shift, Monday through Friday.

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 both Packaging and Processing at the 391 and 395 Bloomingdale manufacturing facilities.
Ability, demonstrated 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; and sanitize and change over equipment.
Knowledge of machine capabilities and manufacturing processes, with the ability to troubleshoot and adjust machines.
Ability to consistently meet quality, safety, and efficiency goals; good problem-solving and time-management skills; and the ability to prioritize, handle multiple tasks, work with 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 other employees in basic departmental manufacturing processes, including machine setup, operation, paperwork, GMPs, and safety.
Ability to follow company policies and procedures, including safety policies, and conduct work in accordance with company core values.
Ability to safely operate powered industrial trucks and equipment and maintain necessary certifications.
Professional verbal and written communication skills; ability to read and comprehend safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, correspondence, and SOP manuals.
Ability to complete required sanitation paperwork and written and electronic reports truthfully and legibly; basic computer and data-entry skills, including familiarity with tools such as Excel, Word, PCDA, and Oracle.
Ability to perform 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 diagrammatic instructions using common sense and good problem-solving skills.
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.
Ability to perform the physical demands of the job, including regularly standing and walking; climbing stairs and ladders; handling and feeling objects; crouching or half-kneeling; reaching; and moving, dragging, sliding, lifting, loading, and placing materials. The stated demands include carrying up to 35 pounds on stairs; lifting up to 50 pounds from floor to waist and waist to shoulder; pushing or pulling with forces of 42 and 65 pounds at a 36-inch height; grasping with 60 pounds of force; and reaching up to 78 inches.
Ability to work near moving mechanical parts and in manufacturing areas with powders, liquids, herbal aromas, dust, airborne particles, and designated food allergens; comply with hearing-protection requirements in some areas and observe the safety restrictions for designated areas with strong magnetic fields.

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, sanitize, and change over equipment according to established standards and procedures.
Perform basic line and equipment operations and changeovers within required timelines while meeting safety, quality, and efficiency goals.
Follow work instructions, standards, SOPs, batch instructions, and applicable GMP and safety requirements.
Prepare the work area at the start of a shift and clean it at the end of a shift or production run; sanitize food-contact surfaces between product changes.
Ensure required materials and supplies are available and use appropriate 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 take steps to reduce downtime by completing tasks promptly, safely, and efficiently.
Clean and assemble equipment according to SOPs; diagnose and perform minor machine maintenance and escalate mechanical issues to Maintenance when needed.
Train employees, as needed, on basic departmental manufacturing processes, machine setup and operation, paperwork, GMPs, and safety.
Submit daily reports; complete production tickets, mix tickets, logbooks, sanitation paperwork, and computer entries accurately and legibly.
Identify and submit suggestions to improve 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, PPE, GMP requirements, and area procedures.
In Packaging, inspect containers and finished products, assist coworkers with setup and cleaning, and stack, mark, pack, and transport finished product.
In Processing, inspect product for identity and impurities; weigh and mix ingredients; follow batch instructions using processing equipment; report concerns with batch instructions; record item and lot numbers; and keep Quality Control and R&D informed about material amounts and potential product improvements.
Track inventory needed for production, help arrange timely ordering and delivery, examine materials for damage, and escalate issues to a supervisor and Quality Control.
Track and verify orders and product quantities; use a handheld scanner to move inventory electronically; store materials in appropriate locations; and transport materials, supplies, or finished products between departments.
Determine appropriate storage and stock locations while considering temperature, humidity, height and weight limits, turnover, floor-loading capabilities, and space requirements.
Support a culture of safe production, report incidents and hazards promptly, communicate safety concerns, give and accept peer feedback, and participate in safety activities or teams.
Safely operate powered industrial trucks and equipment and maintain required certifications.