Machine Operator Lead

Essential Job Functions Adhere to all health and safety policies/procedures, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), and wear the required personal protective equipment (PPE) while in the warehouse or production areas (e.g., hairnets, safety glasses, hearing protection, hard‑toe and slip‑/oil‑resistant shoes, safety gloves, seatbelts while operating forklifts). Ensure food quality and food safety adhere to corporate, customer, and governing body standards (e.g., SQF). Acquire in‑depth, operational knowledge of the assigned line’s equipment and ancillary/off‑line equipment. Follow the production schedule and communicate issues or required changes to the supervisor. Monitor the production line for defects such as downed bottles/cans, low fills, faulty packaging, damage, and misaligned labels, while accurately identifying raw material issues that may impact quality, efficiency, or waste. Inspect finished product and/or cases for proper closures/seams, dates and product codes, and damaged or out‑of‑specification packaging. Perform changeovers efficiently, following standard operating procedures and reading imperial/metric measurements, ensuring correct settings, parts install, and no mechanical defects. Record all necessary information for production and quality records, keeping accurate downtime reports and documentation. Execute end‑of‑shift duties to ensure smooth transition for the incoming shift. Collaborate with all departments to improve quality, increase efficiencies and yields, eliminate out‑of‑specification or damaged product, and foster a positive team environment. Possess practical understanding of SQF and HACCP and address inquiries related to both. Read, comprehend, and adhere to the production manufacturing schedule, communicate issues or deviations, and respond to inquiries. Maintain production flow by monitoring downstream/upstream issues, supplying raw materials to equipment, and performing minor servicing when needed. Follow all quality control and production line standard operating procedures. Understand visual and auditory cues to identify production or machine‑related issues. Assist in training new employees. Perform minor machine maintenance as well as daily and weekly preventive maintenance. Required Skills Experience in a high‑speed beverage production environment, with the ability to independently and efficiently operate and troubleshoot required manufacturing equipment. Solid understanding of production machinery and forklifts, including awareness of technical issues. Ability to work quickly and accurately under pressure. Forklift certification may be required. Competencies Problem‑solving: troubleshoot machinery and production issues efficiently and collaborate with others to resolve complex problems. Continuous improvement: commitment to practices that enhance production efficiency and product quality. Troubleshooting: proficiency in minimizing downtime and waste by addressing process and equipment issues. Documentation: accurate recording of production data, completion of required paperwork or electronic documentation, and maintenance of organized records. Safety and compliance: knowledge of safety regulations and procedures, enforcement of safety protocols, and timely completion of monthly Alchemy training. Communication: effective verbal and written communication with team members and supervisors, reporting issues accurately, and following equipment downtime escalation procedures. Training and development: ability to train new hires on production processes, provide ongoing training, and foster skill development and career growth. Education and Experience High school diploma or equivalent (GED). 3–5 years of relevant work experience in a manufacturing environment. Working Conditions Work schedule: weekdays, weekends, afternoons, evenings, overnight, and holidays; overtime scheduled as needed. Environment: fast‑paced production plant with many moving parts. Noise requires hearing protection; temperature may be very hot or relatively cold. The environment is structured and supervised with clear production targets and schedules. Travel Requirements Rare travel anticipated. Physical Requirements Stand or sit; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; lift and carry weight up to 50 lbs.; walk; drive; climb stairs/ladders or balance. Requires attention to detail, coordination, and hand‑eye dexterity. Mental stress includes pressure from deadlines, quotas, and accuracy demands. Other Duties This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice. Refresco is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national orientation, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity, gender expression, Veteran status, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law. #J-18808-Ljbffr Refresco