Packaging Operator - Graveyard

About the role

The Packaging Machine Operator (PMO) is responsible for overseeing Packaging Room operations, ensuring production schedules are met while maintaining product quality and efficiency. This role involves operating, troubleshooting, and performing routine maintenance on packaging machinery. The PMO also leads and supports food safety programs and collaborates with cross-functional teams to optimize production processes.

Schedule

Graveyard position — 6:45 pm to 7:00 am, Monday through Thursday (occasional other days due to business needs).

Responsibilities

• Operations & Production Support
  • Operate, troubleshoot, and perform routine maintenance on packaging machines, scales, tape machines, and date code machines.
  • Ensure the correct film is loaded for each product based on the production schedule.
  • Maintain machine settings and adjust as needed to ensure production efficiency and product quality.
  • Monitor and regulate all packaging-related materials, following FIFO procedures.
  • Identify and resolve issues that impact production flow, coordinating with cross-functional teams as needed.
  • Maintain accurate records of production and quality checks.
• Quality & Food Safety
  • Perform Critical Control Point (CCP) monitoring to prevent allergen cross-contamination in the packaging area.
  • Conduct routine quality control (QC) checks (e.g., bag seal, weight, date code, and appearance).
  • Collaborate with Quality Control (QC), Maintenance, and Warehouse teams to address any issues affecting product integrity.
  • Follow all GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices), HACCP, and SQF guidelines.
  • Ensure compliance with preventive control measures (PCPs) and critical control points (CCPs).
• Leadership & Communication
  • Assist in training and mentoring new packers and operators, ensuring they meet performance and safety standards.
  • Communicate effectively with Shift Managers, Leads, Packers, Stackers, QC, Warehouse, and Maintenance to coordinate production needs.
  • Provide shift changeover updates, including production order status, overflow levels, and machine issues.
  • Maintain a positive and professional attitude while leading and supporting a team-oriented work environment.
• Safety & Compliance
  • Follow all lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures and ensure compliance with safety regulations.
  • Wear all required PPE (personal protective equipment), including safety eyewear, hearing protection, gloves, and hairnets.
  • Maintain a clean and organized work environment, adhering to sanitation and housekeeping standards.
  • Identify and report any safety concerns or hazards to management.

Equipment Proficiency

PMOs must be proficient in operating, troubleshooting, and maintaining packaging equipment including packaging machines, scales, tape machines, and date code machines.

Requirements

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs occasionally.
• Ability to stand for extended periods (up to 12 hours a day).
• Frequent bending, reaching, pulling, stooping, kneeling, and climbing.
• Comfortable working in environments that may be hot, cold, dusty, or noisy.
• Experience operating and troubleshooting high-speed packaging machinery.
• Basic computer skills (Excel, Word, Outlook).
• Ability to train and lead a team effectively.
• Forklift certification or ability to obtain one.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure.
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally in English (verbal and written).
• Ability to document production data accurately and follow best practices in record-keeping.
• Ability to relay important information at shift changeovers and collaborate with various teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience in food packaging or manufacturing.
• Knowledge of SQF, HACCP, and GMP standards.
• Experience with preventative maintenance or machine calibration.