Production Operator I - 3rd Shift 391

Now Foods•Bloomingdale, IL

19h•Onsite

About The Position

The Production Operator I performs basic production operations and changeovers on manufacturing lines and equipment, meeting safety, quality, and efficiency standards. The position works across packaging, processing, and general utility functions, following work instructions, standard operating procedures, and batch documentation. Operators set up, run, clean, and adjust equipment; perform quality checks; complete production records; handle materials and inventory; and escalate issues to supervisors, Quality Control, R&D, or Maintenance as appropriate. Employees may also train coworkers on basic manufacturing processes and participate in safety and continuous-improvement activities. The role supports production at both the 391 and 395 Bloomingdale manufacturing facilities. Week 1 of training for all production new hires is on 1st shift. The position requires a flexible schedule, including weekends as needed. The work takes place in manufacturing areas with moving machinery, ingredients and products, airborne particles and allergens, moderately loud noise, and designated areas with strong magnetic fields.

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; conduct timely quality checks; perform minor maintenance; complete paperwork accurately; and sanitize and change over equipment, as demonstrated through certification.
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; ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment, maintain urgency, and change tasks or work centers as business needs require.
Strong teamwork and communication skills, attention to detail, and a demonstrated high standard of work.
Ability to train employees on basic 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 and safety policies and procedures and support company core values.
Ability to safely operate Powered Industrial Trucks and other equipment and maintain required certifications.
Professional verbal and written communication skills; ability to read and understand safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals; ability to complete sanitation paperwork and written or electronic reports accurately and legibly.
Basic arithmetic skills, including working with weights and measures, digital and balancing scales, rates, ratios, and percentages.
Ability to understand and carry out written, oral, or diagrammed instructions using sound judgment and 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.
Basic computer and data-entry skills.
Ability to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, to support the business.
Ability to meet the position's physical demands, including standing and walking; using hands; reaching; crouching or half-kneeling; climbing stairs and ladders; lifting up to 50 pounds; carrying up to 35 pounds on stairs; pushing and pulling pallet jacks; and reaching up to 78 inches.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Perform basic operations and changeovers on production lines and equipment within required timelines while meeting safety, quality, and efficiency goals.
Follow equipment setup, changeover, cleaning, sanitation, and operating instructions, including SOPs and work instructions.
Prepare the work area at the beginning of the shift and clean it at the end of the shift or production run; 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 production equipment in accordance with established standards; diagnose and perform minor machine maintenance and involve Maintenance when needed.
Conduct regular quality checks and inspect ingredients, filled containers, and finished products for compliance with specifications.
Perform pre-flight checklists and reduce downtime by completing work promptly, safely, and efficiently.
Train employees on basic departmental manufacturing processes, including machine setup and operation, paperwork, GMPs, and safety, as needed.
Submit daily reports and complete production tickets, mix tickets, logbooks, and computer records 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; comply with safety requirements, GMPs, SOPs, work instructions, and PPE requirements.
In packaging, inspect filled containers and finished products, assist coworkers with 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 processing equipment; record lot and item information; label bulk containers; and communicate concerns or improvement ideas to supervisors, leads, Quality Control, and R&D.
Track production inventory, help order and deliver materials where needed, inspect materials for damage, and escalate issues to supervisors and Quality Control.
Track and verify orders and quantities moved; use handheld scanners to record inventory movements; store materials appropriately; transport materials and products between departments; and report transfers accurately.
Determine appropriate storage and stock locations with regard to temperature, humidity, size, weight, turnover, floor-loading limits, and available space.
Support a safe-production culture, report incidents and hazards promptly, participate in safety activities, and give and accept constructive safety feedback.