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.

Schedule

2-2-3 rotating schedule: 6pm - 6:30am

Pay

$25.10 per hour and an additional $1 per hour for shift premium.

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
• Critical Illness

Responsibilities

• Safe Equipment Operation & Maintenance:
  • 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, daily inspections, preventive maintenance, and equipment changeovers.
  • Ensure proper sanitation after changeovers.
• Product Handling, Quality Control & Inventory Management:
  • Inspect products for correct labeling, alignment, and packaging.
  • Perform manual packing and palletizing.
  • Follow FIFO inventory methods, manage materials, and record shipments in SAP.
  • Conduct quality checks on products and packaging.
• Food Safety & Sanitation Compliance:
  • Follow GMP, HACCP, SQF, FSMA, and company food safety policies.
  • Maintain cleanliness and sanitation.
  • Maintain compliance documentation and complete sanitation steps during changeovers.
• Team Collaboration, Leadership & Training:
  • Assist team members, adapt to operational changes, and contribute to productivity, safety, and quality goals.
  • Provide backup coverage for multiple roles, share knowledge with peers, and support training.
• 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 and assist in reviewing production paperwork.
  • Work with supervisors and team to develop solutions to issues.
  • Act as 5S champion for area.

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.
  • 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.
  • Computer literacy in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Safety & Compliance:
  • 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.
• Teamwork, Communication & Leadership:
  • Ability to effectively communicate with co-workers, supervisors, and others at the worksite regarding work matters, mostly conducted in English.
  • Understand and respond to oral communications; understand written information, communications, and safety information; and communicate in writing as needed.
  • Work independently and collaboratively in a team environment, with a team-first mindset.
• Personal Attributes & Work Ethic:
  • 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 of time.
• Frequent climbing, pulling, pushing, carrying, grasping, reaching, twisting, turning, and stooping.
• Ability to 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 the ability to distinguish colors for color-coded containers in production areas.
• Wear all required PPE according to the specific manufacturing environment.
• Adhere to all safety policies, including lock-out/tag-out, safe lifting techniques, and others as instructed.
• Exposure to wet, humid conditions, moving mechanical parts, high areas, fumes, airborne particles, extreme temperatures, electrical risks, and vibrations depending on the area assigned.
• Maintain a clean and safe work environment and report any food safety or quality issues immediately to management.