Production Operator I - Weekend D Shift 6am-630pm Fri-Sun (395)

Now Foods•Bloomingdale, IL

17h

About The Position

The Production Operator I performs basic production operations and equipment changeovers while meeting safety, quality, and efficiency goals. The role follows work instructions, standards, and standard operating procedures for setup, operation, cleaning, and changeover; conducts routine quality checks; troubleshoots equipment; performs minor maintenance; and escalates mechanical issues to maintenance when needed. Operators prepare and clean work areas, sanitize food-contact surfaces between products, ensure materials and supplies are available, complete production records, and contribute to continuous improvement and root-cause analysis. The position may include packaging, processing, and general utility duties, including moving and tracking inventory and finished goods. Employees may train coworkers on basic manufacturing processes and must work across Packaging and Processing at both the 391 and 395 Bloomingdale manufacturing facilities. The scheduled role is Weekend D Shift, 6:00 a.m.–6:30 p.m., Friday through Sunday. The first week of training for all new production hires is on first shift, Monday through Friday. The position works in manufacturing areas with moving mechanical parts, ingredients and products in powder and liquid forms, dust and airborne particles, herbal aromas, and exposure to designated major food allergens. Some areas require hearing protection, and designated areas have strong magnetic fields that may pose a danger to people with certain pacemakers, prostheses, or implants.

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 operate, set up, run, and adjust packaging and processing equipment according to standards; conduct quality checks; perform minor maintenance; complete paperwork accurately; 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 and to solve problems.
Good time management and prioritization skills; ability to handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment, maintain urgency, and change tasks or work centers as business needs require.
Strong teamwork, communication, and attention-to-detail skills, with a demonstrated ability to produce high-quality work.
Ability to train other employees on basic departmental 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 to support 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 understand instructions, correspondence, safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and SOP manuals.
Ability to complete sanitation paperwork and written and electronic reports truthfully and legibly, including use of Excel, Word, PCDA, and Oracle.
Basic math skills, including arithmetic with whole numbers, fractions, and decimals; ability to understand weights and measures, use digital and balancing scales, and compute rate, ratio, and percent.
Ability to understand and carry out written, oral, or diagrammed 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 meet the physical demands of the position, including standing and walking; using hands; reaching; crouching or half-kneeling; ascending and descending stairs and ladders; lifting up to 50 pounds from floor to waist and waist to shoulder; carrying up to 35 pounds on steps; pushing and pulling pallet jacks with the stated force requirements; grasping 60 pounds of force; and reaching up to 78 inches.
Prior experience operating blending/processing and/or packaging machines or equipment is preferred.
Manufacturing experience, preferably in food or pharmaceuticals, is preferred.

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 required materials and supplies are available, using lift trucks, hand jacks, and other equipment after obtaining required certifications.
Operate equipment, troubleshoot and adjust machines according to work standards, and clean and assemble equipment according to SOPs.
Conduct regular quality checks and inspect ingredients, containers, and finished products to confirm they meet specifications.
Perform pre-flight checklists and work promptly, safely, and efficiently to reduce downtime.
Train employees as needed on basic manufacturing processes, including machine setup and operation, paperwork, GMPs, and safety.
Diagnose and perform minor machine maintenance and adjustments; work with maintenance when a mechanical issue requires escalation.
Submit daily reports and 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 plant continuous-improvement initiatives and help implement improvement ideas.
Attend and participate in pre-shift huddles and comply with safety requirements, pre-shift stretching, GMPs, 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 products.
In Processing, examine products for identity and impurities; weigh and mix ingredients according to batch instructions; operate relevant processing equipment; notify a supervisor, lead, or R&D of concerns with batch instructions; record item and lot numbers; and keep Quality Control and R&D informed about material amounts and product improvements.
In General Utility duties, monitor inventory and production supply needs; examine materials for damage and report issues; track and verify orders and product movements; use handheld scanners to move inventory electronically; store products in appropriate locations; transport materials and products between departments; and report transfers accurately.
Safely operate powered industrial trucks and equipment and maintain required certifications.
Report workplace incidents immediately, communicate hazards and safety concerns, use required PPE, and participate in safety activities and teams.