Packaging Operator - Whey Pack

Operator II - Whey

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At Lactalis in the USA, we're committed to providing meaningful opportunities for our people to learn, grow, and thrive—whether you're just starting your journey with us or looking to take the next step in your career. From day one, we offer the tools and support to help you succeed.

As the world leader in dairy, Lactalis is a family-owned company with over 85,000 pragmatic and ambitious professionals across the globe. Each day, we're proud to produce award-winning dairy products that bring people together.

In the US, we proudly offer an unrivaled house of beloved brands, including Galbani® Italian cheeses and ricotta, Président® specialty cheeses and butters, Kraft® natural and grated cheeses, Breakstone's® cottage cheese, Cracker Barrel®, Black Diamond® cheddar, and Parmalat® milk. Our yogurt portfolio includes siggi's®, Stonyfield Organic®, Brown Cow™, Oui®, Yoplait®, Go-Gurt®, :ratio®, Green Mountain Creamery®, and Mountain High®, along with a growing family of ethnic favorites like Karoun®, Gopi®, and Arz®.

At Lactalis, we live by our core values—Ambition, Engagement, and Simplicity. We foster a workplace where innovation thrives, diverse perspectives are celebrated, and everyone's unique background and ideas are valued.

Even if you don't meet every qualification, we encourage you to apply. We want to hear about your PASSION, your STORY, and how your EXPERTISE can help us shape the future of dairy.

Operator II – Whey

The Operator II – Whey role is responsible for operating and monitoring whey processing and packaging equipment to support safe, consistent, and efficient production. This position plays a key role in maintaining product quality, following standard operating procedures, and responding to routine operational issues within the Whey department.

Operators in this role work independently on assigned equipment and escalate issues appropriately to support continuous production flow.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate assigned whey processing and packaging equipment, including systems such as Permeate Packaging, WPC Dryer, Membrane, Evaporator, Dryer, and Line CIP
• Perform equipment start-ups, shutdowns, and routine operational checks
• Monitor processes to ensure product quality, accuracy of product identification, and compliance with specifications
• Identify and troubleshoot routine operational or mechanical issues and escalate concerns as needed
• Complete required production, quality, and food safety documentation accurately and timely
• Follow all Food Safety Management System, GMP, and safety requirements
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work area
• Participate in department meetings, trainings, and continuous improvement activities
• Other duties as assigned based on operational needs

Qualified Applicants Will Contribute The Following:

Education

• High School Diploma or GED required

Experience

• Previous experience in a food manufacturing or production environment preferred
• Experience operating industrial processing or packaging equipment is a plus

Specialized Knowledge

• Familiarity with whey or cheese processes is beneficial but not required
• Ability to follow standard operating procedures and quality requirements

Skills / Abilities

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to safety and quality
• Ability to work 12-hour shifts in a production setting

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, and move throughout a manufacturing facility for extended periods
• Ability to lift up to 55 lbs unassisted, repeatedly
• Ability to climb stairs and ladders as required by the process
• Ability to work in warm processing areas, cool rooms, and around operating equipment
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE)

At Lactalis, we offer a comprehensive Total Rewards Program with a variety of affordable benefits and coverage options. We support insurance costs significantly, contribute generously to retirement plans, and offer Paid Time Off from day one. We are committed to your professional growth, providing training and development opportunities, including Education Reimbursement. Join us and grow your career.

Lactalis is an equal employment opportunity employer. We will not discriminate against applicants with regard to any legally-recognized basis including, but not limited to: veteran status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, and physical or mental disabilities. Further, any division of the Company that is an Affirmative Action Employer will comply with all related legal obligations.