Packaging Operator - Skittles ($1,500 Sign-on bonus)

About the role

Operators are system experts in their assigned area and are highly functional in multiple areas. They ensure efficiency, operational conformance, product quality, and continuous improvement as part of an area team responsible for the efficient production of quality products. Operators must have the skill set to train and/or perform the tasks of other associates in the area as needed, requiring strong communication, interpersonal, and team-building skills to support site objectives.

Responsibilities

• Operate and change over specified machinery in the assigned area.
• Perform changeovers, period deep cleanings, and maintain supplies for the designated work area.
• Properly fill out all paperwork, including HACCP and military sheets.
• Perform all cleaning, inspection, and lubrication tasks (CILs).
• Adhere to and encourage the Five Principles of Mars.
• Communicate effectively with team leaders and peers.
• Follow proper escalation protocol for non-conformances and process stops.
• Encourage and support a safe working environment.
• Maintain a clean and organized manufacturing area in accordance with 5S standards.
• Perform cleanouts and changeovers according to work instructions and checklists.
• Actively participate in TPM (Total Productive Management) teams.
• Identify and implement improvement opportunities, making recommendations to team leads.

Requirements

• Minimum: Grade 12 or High School diploma, or equivalent.
• Preferred: Associate’s degree or higher in an engineering or manufacturing-related discipline.
• Preferred: Two or more years of experience in a food-related manufacturing environment with automated processes, including PLC/HMI.
• Experience in a lean manufacturing or TPM environment is preferred.

Skills

• Minimum: Medium-level math, communication, computer, and problem-solving skills.
• Preferred: Strong math, communication, computer, and problem-solving skills.

Physical Requirements

• Frequent pushing, pulling, dumping, and rolling of barrels (25–105 kg).
• Frequent cleanout of extruders, cooling tunnels, and conveyor systems using scraping tools.
• Frequent lifting and carrying of materials.
• Frequent standing, walking, reaching, pushing, and pulling.
• Frequent stooping and bending.
• Frequent use and moving of skids using a pallet jack or forklift.

Benefits

• Work with over 130,000 like-minded and talented associates, all guided by The Five Principles.
• Join a purpose-driven company striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.
• Best-in-class learning and development support, including access to Mars University.
• Industry-competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.
• Medical and dental benefits, participation in a 401k plan, and paid time off.

Pay

The base pay range for this position is USD 22.50 – USD 30.93 per hour (applicable to IL). Base pay may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package includes variable pay, medical and dental benefits, participation in a 401k plan, and paid time off.