PRODUCTION WORKER

About the role

Lifeway Foods (NASDAQ: LWAY), recognized as one of Forbes’ Best Small Companies, is America’s leading supplier of the probiotic beverage Kefir. The Production Worker in HTST ensures all products are produced to Pasteurized Milk Ordinance (PMO) and SQF standards while following Lifeway Wisconsin policies and procedures. This role involves operating and maintaining blender and related equipment within a dairy production environment.

Responsibilities

• Run and maintain blender and other related equipment within dairy production.
• Monitor the Kefir flavoring/coloring process and follow the SOP for flavoring and coloring.
• Ensure quality, food safety, and product specifications are met.
• Closely monitor the dairy production process and follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for batching and processing products.
• Prepare and maintain all area paperwork.
• Conduct pre-operational sanitation inspections to ensure food processing areas, product contact surfaces, and equipment are clean before processing begins.
• Monitor fats, total solids, pH, temperature, viscosity, and other related items associated with processing dairy products.
• Blend dry and wet ingredients for Kefir production.
• Troubleshoot and resolve basic to moderate operating difficulties.
• Handle and maintain the preventative maintenance schedule for the department area.
• Operate equipment at recommended speeds and temperatures and communicate mechanical and operational defects as they arise.
• Operate and clean equipment with a sense of urgency to minimize downtime.
• Report to workstation on time and wear proper work attire.
• Assist in setting up the work area.
• Perform duties according to SOP and Sanitization Standard Operating Procedures (SSOP) that meet quality and safety standards for HACCP, FDA, EPA, OSHA, USDA, WDA, and customer requirements.
• Conduct behavior in compliance with Lifeway Employee Policy.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma required; or three to six months of related experience; or equivalent.
• Demonstrate intellectual and interpersonal skills through leadership, organization, and self-efficacy.
• Ability to read and write comprehensive reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals, and effectively present them to groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
• Basic mathematical skills and understanding of algebra and geometry.
• Knowledge of Manufacturing Software, Inventory Software, and Microsoft Office including Excel and Outlook.
• Must be able to lift 50 lbs.
• Ability to be on your feet for the entirety of an 8-hour shift.
• Ability to climb ladders and maneuver through equipment.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities.

Benefits

• 9 paid holidays annually.
• Comprehensive benefits including Medical, Vision, Dental, Life, and Disability coverage.
• Flexible FSA and HSA options.
• Employee Assistance Program offering support for new parents, legal and financial advice, mental health resources, and more.
• 401(k) Profit Sharing contribution match.