Extrusion Press Operator

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. You’ll operate, monitor, and maintain processing machinery and equipment, monitor product flow, and ensure every batch meets our rigorous quality and food‑safety standards.

Location: 1000 Italian Way, Excelsior Springs, MO 64024. Employee type: Full‑time Production Group.

Schedule

12‑hour shifts on a 2/2/3 rotation (work 2 days, off 2 days, work 3 days; then the opposite the next week). Training hours are 6:00 am – 6:30 pm (days). When fully trained, day shift is 6:00 am – 6:30 am and night shift is 6:00 pm – 6:30 am.

Pay

$24.25 per hour for day shift, plus a $1.50 shift differential for night shift.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision
• 401(k) with match
• Short‑Term Disability / Long‑Term Disability / AD&D / Life insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Hospital indemnity and Accident Insurance
• Identity and Fraud Protection Plan
• Legal coverage
• Critical Illness coverage

Responsibilities

• Perform and oversee equipment operations and maintenance, including forklift driving, die changes, troubleshooting, repairs, and preventive upkeep for manufacturing and processing systems.
• Complete equipment changeovers and address operational issues quickly.
• Use SAP, IQS, MII, and Weaver systems to keep processing flowing.
• Monitor equipment performance to ensure efficient, safe, and continuous operation; perform routine operation checks.
• Inspect products for correct labeling, alignment, and processing; perform manual packing and palletizing.
• Follow FIFO inventory methods, manage materials, and record shipments in SAP.
• Follow GMP, HACCP, SQF, FSMA, and company food‑safety policies; maintain cleanliness and sanitation.
• Assist team members, adapt to operational changes, and contribute to productivity, safety, and quality goals.
• Accurately complete basic production paperwork, report issues to supervisors, and record inventory transactions, shipments, and quality results in SAP.
• Participate in 5S efforts and continuous‑improvement activities such as Winland Excellence CIL, centerlining, and line‑huddle activities.

Qualifications

• 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.
• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lb, push heavy loads, stand or walk up to 90 % of the shift, and climb as needed.
• Near and far visual acuity, some color perception, and full range of hand/arm movement.
• Proficiency in SAP, hand scanners, and basic math; computer literacy in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Knowledge of GMPs, SQF, HACCP, FSMA, and other food‑safety regulations.
• Ability to operate, troubleshoot, and perform minor repairs on production line equipment such as cartoners, baggers, case packers, sealers, depalletizers, and palletizers.
• Advanced levels require expertise in high‑speed processing equipment, MII, WE systems, and interpreting line‑huddle measures.
• Effective communication in English, both verbal and written; ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Positive attitude, dependability, self‑motivation, and willingness to work overtime or weekends as needed.
• Strong problem‑solving skills, attention to detail, multitasking ability, and flexibility in a fast‑paced environment.

Physical Demands

• Stand and walk for extended periods; frequent climbing, pulling, pushing, carrying, grasping, reaching, twisting, turning, and stooping.
• Lift up to 50 lb frequently.
• Good hand‑eye coordination and motor skills; 20/20 corrected vision.
• Normal hearing and ability to distinguish colors for color‑coded containers.
• Wear required PPE and follow lock‑out/tag‑out, safe lifting, and other safety policies.
• Exposure to wet, humid conditions, moving mechanical parts, high areas, fumes, airborne particles, extreme temperatures, electrical risks, and vibrations depending on the area assigned.