Extrusion Press Operator

About the role

At Winland Foods, we believe great food starts with great people—people who live our values of Excellence, Quality, Integrity, Respect, and Collaboration every day. As a Processing Team Member, you’ll play a vital role in keeping our production process running safely, smoothly, and efficiently.

Responsibilities

• Safe Equipment Operation & Maintenance: Perform and oversee equipment operations and maintenance activities, including forklift driving, die changes, troubleshooting, repairs, and preventive upkeep for manufacturing systems, and processing systems. Complete equipment changeovers and address operational issues quickly. Use your technical skills in SAP, IQS, MII, and Weaver to keep Processing flowing. Monitor equipment performance and ensure efficient, safe, and continuous operation across all systems. Perform routine operation checks.
• Product Handling, Quality Control & Inventory Management: Inspect products for correct labeling, alignment, and processing. Perform manual packing and palletizing. Follow FIFO inventory methods, manage materials, and record shipments in SAP.
• Food Safety & Sanitation Compliance: Follow GMP, HACCP, SQF, FSMA, and company food safety policies. Maintain cleanliness and sanitation.
• Team Collaboration, Leadership & Training: Assist team members, adapt to operational changes, and contribute to productivity, safety, and quality goals. Documentation, Communication & Continuous Improvement: Accurately complete basic production paperwork and report issues to supervisors. Record inventory transactions, shipments, and quality results in SAP. Participate in 5S efforts.

Requirements

• Education & Experience: High School Diploma or GED required. Minimum 1 year of work experience, preferably in manufacturing or food production. Forklift certification preferred (required for Advanced Level); willingness to obtain certification if not already held. 18+ years of age.
• Technical & Mechanical Skills: Ability to operate, troubleshoot, and perform minor repairs on production line equipment, including cartoners, baggers, case packers, sealers, depalletizers, and palletizers. For higher levels, demonstrate expert troubleshooting of high-speed processing equipment and strong understanding of theory of operation. Perform Winland Excellence CIL, centerlining, and line huddle activities to improve efficiency. Mechanical aptitude with the ability to identify and resolve equipment irregularities. Proficiency in SAP, hand scanners, and basic math skills. Advanced levels require proficiency in MII, WE systems, and interpreting line huddle measures to resolve issues. Computer literacy in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of GMPs, SQF, HACCP, FSMA, and other food safety regulations. Commitment to following all company safety policies and procedures. Ability to lift up to 50 lbs., push heavy loads, stand/walk up to 90% of shift, and climb as needed. Must have near and far visual acuity, some color perception, and full range of hand/arm movement.

Skills

• Positive attitude, dependable, self-motivated, and willing to work overtime or weekends as needed. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, ability to multitask, and flexibility to adapt to changing needs in a fast-paced environment. Demonstrated accountability for work quality, attendance, and continuous improvement.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision
• 401(k) with match
• STD/LTD/AD&D/Life
• HSA, FSA, EAP, Hospital indemnity, Accident Insurance, Identity and Fraud Protection Plan, Legal, and Critical Illness.