Press Operator

At Winland Foods, we believe great food starts with great people—people who live our values of Excellence, Quality, Integrity, Respect, and Collaboration every day. As a Processing Team Member, you’ll play a vital role in keeping our production process running safely, smoothly, and efficiently.

About the role

This role is more than just keeping production moving—it’s about working with a team that supports one another, takes pride in doing things the right way, and is committed to continuous improvement. By bringing your energy, attention to detail, and respect for safety, you’ll help us deliver food experiences that consumers can trust and enjoy.

Employee Type: Full time
Location: 611 E Marceau St. St. Louis, MO 63111
Schedule: 3rd shift: 11:00pm - 7:00am
Pay: $24.30 per hour plus $1.50 shift differential per hour

Responsibilities

• Safe Equipment Operation & Maintenance:
  • Perform and oversee equipment operations and maintenance activities, including forklift driving, die changes, troubleshooting, repairs, and preventive upkeep for manufacturing systems and processing systems.
  • Complete equipment changeovers and address operational issues quickly.
  • Use SAP, IQS, MII, and Weaver to keep Processing flowing.
  • Monitor equipment performance and ensure efficient, safe, and continuous operation across all systems.
  • 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 Processing.
  • Perform manual packing and palletizing.
  • Follow FIFO inventory methods, manage materials, and record shipments in SAP.
  • Conduct quality checks on products and Processing.
• 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 act as 5S champion for area.
  • Assist in reviewing production paperwork and work with supervisors and team to develop solutions to issues.

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.
  • Advanced levels require proficiency in MII, WE systems, and interpreting line huddle measures to resolve issues.
• 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:
  • Communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.
  • 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.
• 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 (up to 90% of shift).
• Frequent climbing, pulling, pushing, carrying, grasping, reaching, twisting, turning, and stooping.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs frequently.
• Good hand-eye coordination and motor skills.
• 20/20 corrected vision, normal hearing, and ability to distinguish colors for color-coded containers.
• Wear all required PPE according to the specific manufacturing environment.
• 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 the area assigned.
• Maintain a clean and safe work environment and report any food safety or quality issues immediately to management.

Benefits

• Union coverage plus accrued vacation after 90 days of employment.