Machine Operator

At Winland Foods, our success starts with people who live our values of Excellence, Quality, Integrity, Respect, and Collaboration every day. As a Packaging Team Member, you’ll be at the center of our operation, helping ensure products are packaged safely, efficiently, and to the highest quality standards. You’ll operate, monitor, and maintain packaging equipment, monitor processes, and take pride in knowing your work directly impacts the food experiences we deliver to millions of consumers. This role is more than keeping lines moving—it’s about working as part of a team that respects one another, values safety, and strives for continuous improvement. By upholding our commitment to excellence, you’ll play a vital role in making mealtime easier, safer, and more enjoyable for families everywhere.

Schedule

11:00 pm – 7:00 am; must be available to work every weekend with two consecutive days off during the week.

Pay

$24.55 per hour plus $1.50 shift differential; $1,000 sign‑on bonus.

Benefits

• Union‑managed coverage: Medical, Dental, Vision, Short‑Term Disability, Long‑Term Disability
• 401(k) with company match
• Accrued vacation and paid holidays after 90 days of employment

Responsibilities

• Operate basic packaging machinery (depalletizers, palletizers, conveyors, forklifts)
• Complete equipment changeovers and address operational issues quickly
• Use technical skills in SAP, IQS, MII, and Weaver to keep packaging flowing
• Perform routine operation checks
• Inspect products for correct labeling, alignment, and packaging
• 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 and report issues to supervisors
• Record inventory transactions, shipments, and quality results in SAP
• Participate in 5S efforts
• Perform Winland Excellence CIL, centerlining, and line huddle activities to improve efficiency

Requirements

• 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
• Ability to operate, troubleshoot, and perform minor repairs on production line equipment, including cartoners, baggers, case packers, sealers, depalletizers, and palletizers
• For higher levels: expert troubleshooting of high‑speed packaging equipment and strong understanding of theory of operation
• 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
• 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
• Near and far visual acuity, some color perception, and full range of hand/arm movement
• Effective communication with co‑workers, supervisors, and others at the worksite (primarily in English), including understanding and responding to oral communications, understanding written information and safety information, and communicating in writing as needed
• Work independently and collaboratively in a team environment with a team‑first mindset
• Provide training, guidance, and feedback to team members (progressively more responsibility at higher levels)
• Advanced levels: lead projects, identify skill gaps, and support multiple initiatives with minimal supervision
• 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

Physical Demands

• Stand and walk for extended periods
• Frequent climbing, pulling, pushing, carrying, grasping, reaching, twisting, turning, and stooping
• Lift up to 50 lbs frequently
• Good hand‑eye coordination, motor skills, and 20/20 corrected vision
• Normal hearing and vision (with correction if needed), including ability to distinguish colors for color‑coded containers
• Wear all required PPE per Employee Handbook, posted policies, or leadership direction
• Adhere to all safety policies, including lock‑out/tag‑out and safe lifting techniques
• Exposure to wet, humid conditions, moving mechanical parts, high areas, fumes, airborne particles, extreme temperatures, electrical risks, and vibrations depending on assigned area
• Maintain a clean and safe work environment; report any food safety or quality issues immediately to management