Machine Operator Lead US

About the Role

Our vision is both simple and ambitious: to put our drinks on every table. We are the world's largest independent bottler for retailers and A-brands, distributing products worldwide from production sites in Europe and North America. Our ambition is to continually improve, driving innovation and solving challenges. At Refresco, we thrive on passionate people pushing boundaries in a fast-moving industry.

Responsibilities

• Adhere to all health and safety policies/procedures, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), and wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) in warehouse or production areas (e.g., hairnets/beard nets, safety glasses, hearing protection, hard-toe shoes, gloves, seatbelts while operating forklifts).
• Ensure compliance with food quality and food safety standards as defined by corporate, customer, or governing bodies (e.g., SQF).
• Develop in-depth operational knowledge of assigned line equipment and related ancillary or offline equipment.
• Follow the production schedule and communicate issues or necessary changes to the Supervisor.
• Monitor the production line for defects (e.g., downed bottles/cans, low fills, faulty packaging, damage, misaligned labels) and identify raw material issues impacting quality, efficiency, or waste.
• Inspect finished product/cases for proper closures/seams, date/product codes, and packaging specifications.
• Perform changeovers efficiently using standard operating procedures, ensuring correct settings, parts, and no mechanical defects that could damage equipment or product.
• Record production and quality data, maintain accurate downtime reports, and complete required documentation.
• Complete end-of-shift duties to ensure a smooth transition for the incoming shift.
• Collaborate with all departments to improve quality, increase efficiencies, reduce waste, and eliminate out-of-specification or damaged product.
• Foster a positive team environment to promote cooperation and teamwork.
• Demonstrate practical understanding of SQF and HACCP, addressing related inquiries.
• Read, comprehend, and adhere to production schedules, communicating deviations effectively.
• Maintain production flow by monitoring upstream/downstream issues, supplying raw materials, and performing minor servicing.
• Follow all Quality Control and Production line standard operating procedures.
• Identify production or machine-related issues using visual and auditory cues.
• Assist in training new employees.
• Perform minor machine maintenance and preventive maintenance (daily/weekly).

Requirements

• High School Certification or equivalent (GED).
• 3-5 years of relevant work experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience in a high-speed beverage production environment.
• Ability to independently operate and troubleshoot manufacturing equipment.
• Solid understanding of production machinery/forklifts, including technical awareness.
• Forklift certification may be required.

Skills

• Problem-Solving: Troubleshoot machinery and production issues efficiently, collaborate to resolve complex problems, and adapt to changing circumstances.
• Continuous Improvement: Commitment to enhancing production efficiency and product quality.
• Troubleshooting: Proficiency in addressing process and equipment issues to minimize downtime and waste.
• Documentation: Accurate recording of production data, completion of paperwork/electronic documentation, and organized record-keeping.
• Safety and Compliance: Knowledge of safety regulations, enforcement of protocols, and training team members on safety measures. Timely completion of monthly Alchemy training.
• Communication: Effective verbal/written communication with team members and supervisors, accurate issue reporting, and collaboration for smooth workflow. Follows equipment downtime escalation processes.
• Training and Development: Ability to train new hires on production processes and provide ongoing development opportunities for existing team members.

Working Conditions

Operates in a fast-paced production plant with moving parts, requiring hearing protection due to noise levels. Temperatures may vary from hot to cold. The environment is structured and supervised, with clear production targets and schedules.

Schedule

Weekdays, weekends, afternoons, evenings, overnights, and holidays may be required. Overtime scheduled as needed.

Physical Requirements

• Standing/Sitting: Frequently (46-100%).
• Stooping/Kneeling/Crouching/Crawling: Occasionally (16-45%).
• Lifting: Up to 50 lbs. (minimum 5 lbs.).
• Carrying/Walking: Frequently (46-100%).
• Climbing (stairs/ladders): Occasionally (16-45%).
• Visual/Sensory: Attention to detail, often requiring focus on one or two senses at a time.
• Coordination/Dexterity: Excellent hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity for precise equipment control.
• Mental Stress: Pronounced pressure from deadlines, production quotas, and accuracy demands.

Other Duties

This job description is not comprehensive. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.