Packaging Line Lead - 1st Shift

Who WE Are

We are a leader in the specialty cheese industry serving our consumers by crafting and importing the best cheeses in the world while caring for our employees and our communities.

Who YOU Are  

You take pride in the products you produce. You value safety, quality, and consistency. You enjoy a predictable schedule in a climate-controlled manufacturing environment. You don’t mind learning new things and always strive to do your very best at work.

If this sounds like you, we want you to consider joining Emmi Roth!

Summary

The Packaging Line Lead plays a critical role in overseeing and coordinating the activities of the packaging line to ensure efficient and smooth operations. This position requires strong leadership skills, attention to detail, and the ability to troubleshoot and resolve issues in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. This position is the point person for a team of packaging machine operators and production associates, ensuring smooth operations, maintaining quality standards, and promoting a culture of safety and teamwork. Additionally, this position will involve working hands-on on the packaging line and performing sanitation duties to ensure cleanliness and compliance with sanitation standards. This position is the Subject Matter Expert (SME) for their assigned area and serves as a backup shift leader in the absence of the Production Supervisor.

Duties and Responsibilities

·       Leads a team of packaging machine operators and production associates, providing guidance, training, and support to ensure optimal productivity and performance.

·       Provides feedback on team member performance and identify opportunities for development and training.

·       Foster a positive work environment, promote teamwork, and resolve conflicts as necessary.

·       Operates and monitor packaging machinery, including filling, sealing, labeling, and wrapping machines, ensuring proper setup, adjustments, and troubleshooting.

·       Performs routine machine setup, changeovers, and maintenance to ensure uninterrupted production and adherence to quality standards.

·       Monitors the packaging process to maintain product quality, including accurate weights, seals, labels, and overall appearance of packaged cheese products.

·       Calibrates and adjusts equipment settings as needed to maintain efficiency and meet production goals.

·       Conducts regular quality checks and completes quality documentation to ensure compliance with specifications and standards.

·       Collaborate with team members, such as quality control personnel and production supervisors, to ensure seamless operations and adherence to production schedules.

·       Document production data, machine performance, and any operational issues or deviations.

·       Perform sanitation duties, including cleaning and sanitizing equipment, work surfaces, and production areas according to established schedules and procedures.

·       Adhere to safety protocols and standard operating procedures (SOPs) to maintain a safe working environment and comply with food safety regulations.

·       Assist in general labor tasks, including moving products within the facility, loading and unloading materials, and utilizing electric pallet jacks.

·       Maintain cleanliness and organization of the packaging area and general production areas.

·       Follow proper handling and disposal procedures for waste materials, including packaging waste and byproducts.

·       Report any equipment malfunctions, safety concerns, or operational issues promptly.

·       Maintain cleanliness and organization of the packaging area and general production areas.

·       Follow proper handling and disposal procedures for waste materials, including packaging waste and byproducts.

·       Adhere to ERU food safety policies and all government food safety and sanitation regulations (ex. FDA, HACCP, GMP, OSHA)  

·       Adheres to safety guidelines and complies with all safety protocols, including the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

·       Attends safety and department meetings and completes all required training in a timely manner.

·       Identifies and reports any equipment malfunctions, safety concerns, or operational issues promptly to ensure a safe working environment.

·       Performs all other duties as assigned.

Qualifications, Skills, Education and/or Experience

• Previous experience operating packaging machinery in a manufacturing or food processing environment is preferred.
• The ability to safely operate electric pallet jacks.
• Ability to read and interpret work instructions.
• Attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality products.
• Physical stamina to perform physically demanding tasks, including lifting heavy objects and standing for extended periods.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and as part of a team.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and adaptable to change.
• Ability to work overtime or extended shifts as needed.

Physical Requirements

The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

·       While performing the duties of this job, the employee is constantly required to use hands and fingers to handle or feel objects and controls.

·       Occasionally required to carry up to 40 pounds

·       Incidentally required to climb

·       Constantly lift and/or move up to 30 pounds

·       Occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds

·       Occasionally pushing/pulling max force of 40 pounds

·       Constantly reaching

·       Constantly required to stand

·       Frequently required to walk, bend, twist, and squat

·       Constantly required to talk and hear

·       Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus naturally or with correction.

Please note that these physical requirements are representative but not exhaustive. The actual physical demands may vary depending on the specific tasks and work conditions within the facility.

(Occasionally = 1-33% of the time; Frequently = 33-66% of the time; Constantly = 66-100% of the time)

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

·       Constantly exposed to a moderate level of noise that may make it difficult to concentrate.

·       Constantly exposed to wet, humid with slippery conditions, cold environment.

·       Occasionally exposed to food grade chemicals required for proper sanitation.

·       Frequently exposed to mold, ammonia, dust, and cellulose (starch powder).

(Occasionally = 1-25% of the time; Frequently = 26-75% of the time; Constantly = 76-100% of the time)