Packaging Specialist

Packaging SpecialistThe Packaging Specialist is a key operational role within the Cayuga Milk Ingredients manufacturing facilities and serves as a critical link between Operators and Shift Supervisors. The Packaging Specialist is an experienced, highly skilled subject matter expert (SME) who provides day-to-day operational support, technical guidance, training, troubleshooting, and leadership within assigned areas of the facility.Working closely with the Shift Supervisor and Production Manager, the Packaging Specialist helps ensure that production activities are conducted safely, efficiently, and in accordance with established SOPs, SSOPs, GMPs, food safety requirements, quality standards, and company policies.The Packaging Specialist is expected to maintain a strong presence on the production floor, serve as a resource to Operators, assist with resolving operational issues, and help coordinate activities within assigned areas. When the Shift Supervisor is absent, the Packaging Specialist may be designated to provide shift leadership and maintain continuity of operations until the supervisor returns.This position represents an important step in the Cayuga Milk operations career path and is intended to provide qualified employees with the experience, knowledge, and leadership skills necessary for future advancement opportunities into a Shift Supervisor role.Key ResponsibilitiesOperational Leadership & SupportSupport the Shift Supervisor and Production Manager in the safe, efficient, and effective operation of assigned areas of the facility.Serve as a primary operational resource and subject matter expert for assigned processes, equipment, and procedures.Maintain an active presence on the production floor and provide direction, assistance, and technical support to Operators.Help coordinate daily activities within assigned areas to support production schedules, staffing requirements, product quality, and operational priorities.Monitor operating conditions, equipment performance, process parameters, and production activities and communicate concerns promptly to the Shift Supervisor.Assist with employee coverage and work assignments when operational needs or employee absences require adjustments.Help ensure smooth communication and coordination between Operators, Shift Supervisors, Quality Assurance, Maintenance, Engineering, Warehouse, and other support functions.Support start-up, shutdown, changeover, cleaning, sanitation, and other operational activities as required.Step-Up Shift LeadershipProvide operational leadership during periods when the Shift Supervisor is unavailable or as specifically assigned.Maintain continuity of shift operations by coordinating priorities, communicating expectations, and escalating significant issues to the Production Manager or appropriate leadership.Assist in monitoring employee adherence to safety, food safety, quality, sanitation, and operational requirements.Serve as a point of contact for Operators and support functions during supervisor absences.Recognize and appropriately escalate safety, quality, personnel, equipment, production, or compliance concerns.Document and communicate significant events, process deviations, downtime, production issues, and other shift information to ensure an effective handoff to the Shift Supervisor.This role provides operational leadership when assigned but does not have independent authority to make employment decisions reserved for management.Subject Matter Expertise & TrainingMaintain expert-level knowledge of assigned processes, equipment, SOPs, SSOPs, GMPs, sanitation requirements, and operational standards.Train, coach, and mentor Operators in safe and effective equipment operation and established work procedures.Assist with onboarding and qualification of new employees.Provide hands-on instruction and demonstrate proper operating procedures, troubleshooting techniques, safety practices, and quality requirements.Assist the Shift Supervisor and Production Manager in identifying training needs and employee development opportunities.Maintain required training and qualification sign-offs and ensure assigned employees understand applicable SOPs and SSOPs.Serve as a resource to employees when questions arise regarding equipment, process conditions, procedures, or operational standards.Troubleshooting & Problem SolvingUse technical knowledge, sound judgment, and established procedures to identify and resolve routine equipment and process issues.Troubleshoot operating problems and assist Operators in returning equipment and processes to normal operating conditions.Recognize conditions that could result in safety risks, product loss, quality concerns, equipment damage, or production interruptions and escalate appropriately.Assist Maintenance, Engineering, and Quality Assurance in identifying the root causes of recurring operational issues.Investigate process deviations, product loss, equipment issues, and other operational events and assist with corrective actions.Support efforts to prevent recurring problems through improved procedures, training, communication, and operational practices.Safety, Quality & Food SafetyPromote a strong safety culture and ensure work is performed in accordance with company safety policies and applicable OSHA requirements.Follow and reinforce GMPs, HACCP, food safety, allergen control, sanitation, and quality requirements.Ensure employees follow established SOPs, SSOPs, work instructions, and facility procedures.Identify unsafe conditions, food safety risks, quality concerns, and environmental hazards and promptly communicate them to the appropriate leadership.Assist with inspections, investigations, corrective actions, and continuous improvement activities.Maintain appropriate documentation associated with production, quality, sanitation, safety, and operational activities.Support compliance with applicable FDA, USDA, OSHA, and other regulatory requirements.Continuous ImprovementIdentify opportunities to improve safety, quality, productivity, efficiency, sanitation, employee capability, and equipment reliability.Participate in continuous improvement initiatives and assist with implementation of approved process improvements.Promote organization, cleanliness, and Five S principles within assigned areas.Provide feedback to the Shift Supervisor and Production Manager regarding recurring operational challenges and opportunities for improvement.Assist in developing and improving SOPs, SSOPs, training materials, and operational practices based on practical experience and observed needs.Support efforts to reduce product loss, downtime, waste, and other operational inefficiencies.Communication & DocumentationCommunicate clearly and professionally with employees at all levels of the organization.Maintain effective shift-to-shift communication and provide accurate information regarding operational conditions, equipment status, production issues, and outstanding activities.Complete required production and operational documentation accurately and in a timely manner.Participate in shift meetings, production meetings, training activities, and other operational discussions as assigned.Communicate significant events or deviations promptly to the Shift Supervisor or Production Manager.QualificationsEducation & ExperienceHigh school diploma or equivalent required.Technical or Associate degree in dairy science, food technology, engineering, manufacturing, or a related field preferred.Demonstrated experience in a food, dairy, pharmaceutical, chemical, or other regulated manufacturing environment preferred.Demonstrated proficiency in the operation of assigned equipment and processes.Must have successfully completed required training and qualification on applicable SOPs and SSOPs.Prior experience serving as a lead operator, trainer, Process Specialist, or similar technical/leadership role preferred.Demonstrated ability to function effectively as a technical resource and informal leader within a team.Skills & CompetenciesStrong understanding of manufacturing processes, equipment, and operational procedures.Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot equipment and process issues.Strong communication and interpersonal skills.Ability to train, coach, and mentor employees effectively.Demonstrated leadership ability and sound judgment.Ability to prioritize competing operational demands and remain calm under pressure.Ability to work independently while recognizing when issues require escalation.Strong commitment to safety, quality, food safety, sanitation, and operational excellence.Ability to read and understand SOPs, SSOPs, equipment documentation, production records, and other technical information.Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.Willingness and ability to learn and assume increasing levels of operational leadership responsibility.Career Development ExpectationsThe Operations Specialist is a designated developmental position within the CMI Operations career path:Operator - Packaging Specialist - Shift Supervisor - Production ManagerSuccessful Operations Specialists are expected to demonstrate increasing proficiency in technical operations, troubleshooting, employee training, communication, decision-making, and leadership.Progression to Shift Supervisor is not automatic and will be based on demonstrated