Packaging Machine Operator- A Shift

Position Summary:

The Packaging Machine Operator (PMO) is responsible for overseeing Packaging Room operations, ensuring production schedules are met while maintaining product quality and efficiency. This role involves operating, troubleshooting, and performing routine maintenance on packaging machinery. The PMO also leads and supports food safety programs and collaborates with cross-functional teams to optimize production processes.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Operations & Production Support

Operate, troubleshoot, and perform routine maintenance on packaging machines, scales, tape machines, and date code machines.

Ensure the correct film is loaded for each product based on the production schedule.

Maintain machine settings and adjust as needed to ensure production efficiency and product quality.

Monitor and regulate all packaging-related materials, following FIFO procedures.

Identify and resolve issues that impact production flow, coordinating with cross-functional teams as needed.

Maintain accurate records of production and quality checks.

Quality & Food Safety

Perform Critical Control Point (CCP) monitoring to prevent allergen cross-contamination in the packaging area.

Conduct routine quality control (QC) checks (e.g., bag seal, weight, date code, and appearance).

Collaborate with Quality Control (QC), Maintenance, and Warehouse teams to address any issues affecting product integrity.

Follow all GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices), HACCP, and SQF guidelines.

Ensure compliance with preventive control measures (PCPs) and critical control points (CCPs).

Leadership & Communication

Assist in training and mentoring new packers and operators, ensuring they meet performance and safety standards.

Communicate effectively with Shift Managers, Leads, Packers, Stackers, QC, Warehouse, and Maintenance to coordinate production needs.

Provide shift changeover updates, including production order status, overflow levels, and machine issues.

Maintain a positive and professional attitude while leading and supporting a team-oriented work environment.

Safety & Compliance

Follow all lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures and ensure compliance with safety regulations.

Wear all required PPE (personal protective equipment), including safety eyewear, hearing protection, gloves, and hairnets.

Maintain a clean and organized work environment, adhering to sanitation and housekeeping standards.

Identify and report any safety concerns or hazards to management.

Equipment & Machinery Expertise

PMOs must be proficient in operating, troubleshooting, and maintaining the following packaging equipment:

Bagging Equipment: Hayssen, Ishida, and Matrix baggers - adjusting settings, troubleshooting faults, and performing basic maintenance.

Bag printers - adjusting date codes, replacing ink ribbons, and ensuring legibility.

Metal detectors - assisting with routine checks & following proper rejection procedures.

Conveyors & Packaging Support Equipment

Distribution and cross-feed conveyors - monitoring product flow and preventing jams.

Case stands & tape machines - adjusting height/position and troubleshooting as needed.

Rework Process - managing overflow and ensuring accurate documentation for traceability.

Qualifications & Requirements

Physical Requirements

Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs occasionally.

Ability to stand for extended periods (up to 2 hours at a time).

Frequent bending, reaching, pulling, stooping, kneeling, and climbing.

Comfortable working in environments that may be hot, cold, dusty, or noisy.

Technical & Leadership Skills

Experience operating and troubleshooting high-speed packaging machinery.

Basic computer skills (Excel, Word, Outlook) are required.

Ability to train and lead a team effectively.

Forklift certification or ability to obtain one.

Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure.

Communication & Documentation

Ability to communicate clearly and professionally in English (verbal and written).

Ability to document production data accurately and follow best practices in record-keeping.

Ability to relay important information at shift changeovers and collaborate with various teams.

Prior experience in food packaging or manufacturing preferred.

Knowledge of SQF, HACCP, and GMP standards preferred.

Experience with preventative maintenance or machine calibration preferred.

Calbee North America is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in employment on the basis of race, color, age, sex, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, citizenship, ancestry, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital or familial status or any other legally protected status.