VACATION RELIEF OPERATOR

Lifeway Foods (NASDAQ: LWAY), recognized as one of Forbes’ Best Small Companies, is America’s leading supplier of the probiotic beverage Kefir. In addition to drinkable Kefir, the company produces cheese, drinkable yogurt, and a ProBugs line of Kefir for kids. Lifeway’s fermented dairy products are sold across the United States, Mexico, Ireland, and the United Kingdom.

Summary

This position is primarily responsible for covering vacations for the packaging, filling, and shipping departments. The role follows SQF standards along with Lifeway Wisconsin policies and procedures while performing the duties listed below.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Follow SQF requirements and company procedures to operate and clean filling machines.
• Conduct pre‑operational sanitation inspections to ensure food processing areas, product contact surfaces, and equipment are clean before processing begins.
• Monitor Lifeway Wisconsin Critical Control Point (Metal Detection).
• Inspect bottles being filled and conduct random weight tests to ensure proper fill amounts.
• Ensure product weight is within defined specifications and provide corrective action when weights cannot be met.
• Communicate machine status and unacceptable bottle quality to the supervisor and/or Plant Manager.
• Inspect product for color, flavor, and texture.
• Follow work instructions to ensure correct packaging materials are used.
• Perform basic troubleshooting and routine maintenance on filling machines.
• Comply with safety regulations and maintain a clean, orderly work area.
• Ensure inbound and outbound shipments are accurate, free of damage, and follow SQF system and company policies.
• Pull and prepare product for shipping, ensuring the exact number and type of product is loaded and shipped.
• Move product to storage locations, efficiently stacking and storing product in appropriate areas.
• Wrap orders on pallets for shipment.
• Operate and clean sleeving and packaging machines according to company procedures.
• Ensure correct sleeves are applied to bottles and inspect that sleeves are properly placed by the machine.
• Verify lot numbers are correctly applied to containers.
• Report to workstation on time, wear proper work attire, and assist in setting up the work area.
• Conduct behavior in compliance with Lifeway Employee Policy.
• Perform duties according to SOP and SSOP that meet quality and safety standards (HACCP, FDA, EPA, OSHA, USDA, WDA, and customer requirements).
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualification and Education Requirements

• High school diploma required; or three to six months related experience; or equivalent.
• Demonstrated 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 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 lb.
• 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 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.

Schedule

• Available shift: 10 AM – 6 PM, Monday – Friday.
• Vacation Relief Operator start time varies from 4 AM to 8 AM; supervisors create the schedule at least two weeks in advance.