Packaging Operator

Job Title: Packaging Operator (PO)

Department: Packaging

Classification: On-site, hourly position

Reports to: Production Supervisor/Production Manager

Shift Responsibilities: Nightshift

Overview:

The Packaging Operator (PO) is responsible for operating and maintaining packaging equipment ensuring products are packaged correctly, efficiently, accurately, and sanitary packaging of ESL and UHT dairy products in compliance with company and regulatory standards. The PO involves monitoring equipment, inspecting product quality, and maintaining a clean and safe work environment. This role plays a key part in upholding product quality and food safety standards while maintaining optimal production flow in a high-speed manufacturing environment. This position shares responsibility for maintaining Suntado's food safety, quality and legality program under the BRC/GFSI/PCQI guidelines.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Set up, operate, monitor, and troubleshoot packaging lines.
• Monitor the production line for quality control, ensuring products meet specifications.
• Load materials into machines and be a second set of eyes for errors in finished products.
• Conduct routine equipment checks and report any issues to maintenance or supervisors.
• Perform minor troubleshooting and adjustments to keep equipment running smoothly.
• Maintain accurate production records and documentation.
• Correctly follow safety guidelines, company policies, HACCP protocols, SQF requirements, and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs).
• Perform startup, operational checks, initial run testing, and equipment cleanliness verification. Conduct start-up and shutdown procedures for packaging equipment following SOPs.
• Follow production guidelines, document deviations, and ensure accuracy via ERP systems.
• Perform visual and physical inspections of packaged products to ensure proper labeling, sealing, coding, and overall quality.
• Accurately record production and downtime data in ERP and batch records.
• Maintain accurate and timely production records, including materials usage, staging and cleaning logs.
• Adhere to all company safety procedures including PPE usage, chemical handling, and lock-out/tag-out protocols.
• Ensure work area and equipment are clean, sanitized, and audit-ready at all times.
• Immediately report any food safety or quality issues to leadership.
• Work cross-functionally with all departments to resolve issues in real-time.
• Assist with the training of new team members.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives by participating in root cause analysis (RCA), downtime tracking, and performance improvement efforts.
• Assist with equipment changeovers, preventive maintenance tasks, and documentation updates.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education & Experience:

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Prior experience in a packaging or manufacturing environment preferred, preferably in dairy, food, or beverage industry.

Skills & Abilities:

• Willingness to learn and follow food safety and regulatory systems including HACCP, GMPs, SQF, and PMO
• Strong attention to detail and a high degree of accuracy
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

• Familiarity with automated packaging equipment and basic mechanical troubleshooting.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions in English.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, and physically demanding environment.
• Strong attention to detail, teamwork skills, and a proactive attitude.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and ability to troubleshoot machinery.
• Able to follow detailed procedures and maintain precise, legible records.
• Excellent communication skills-verbal and written.
• Ability to multitask and work effectively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• Basic math and reading comprehension skills required.
• Ability to read, write and speak English proficiently.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to speak and listen. The employee frequently is required to walk within the site. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, bend and climb; use hands feel; and reach with hands and arms. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and ability to adjust focus. Lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 lbs. repeatedly for periods of up to one hour. Stand, walk, bend, and move continuously throughout a 12-hour shift in a fast-paced production environment.


COMMITMENT TO ETHICS AND EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY:

Our Company is firmly committed to conducting business in compliance with the letter and spirit of the law and other accepted standards of business conduct as reflected in the company's policies. Our Company is proud to be an equal employment opportunity employer. Our Company is committed to selecting, developing, and rewarding the best person for the job based on the requirements of the work to be performed and without regard to race, age, color, religion, sex, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability/handicap, marital status, protected veteran status, uniform status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, genetic information, gender identity and expression, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law. EEO.

DISCLAIMER:

The preceding position description has been designed to indicate the general nature of work performed; the level of knowledge and skills typically required; and usual working conditions of this position. It is not designed to contain, or be interpreted as, a comprehensive listing of all requirements or responsibilities that may be required by employees in this position.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel as classified.


Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for their job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.