Packaging Coordinator

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Pack Team Specialist

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Job Type: Full Time

Position Level: Hourly

Department: Plant

Reports to: Operations Manager

Division: Packaging

Date Updated: 03/27/2025

POSITION SUMMARY: The Packaging Team Member plays a critical role in the cheese manufacturing process, with a primary focus on ensuring the quality, safety, and efficiency of cheese handling and packaging operations. This is a hands-on position responsible for cutting, wrapping, labeling, and preparing cheese products for shipment in accordance with production schedules, quality standards, and food safety regulations. The role also includes general cleaning, sanitation, and support duties across the plant to maintain a safe and organized work environment.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS, RESPONSIBILITIES, AND DUTIES:

Cheese Packaging and Handling – 70%

• Read and interpret daily production schedules to prioritize packaging tasks.
• Produce products according to detailed recipe and instruction to ensure quality and consistency standards.
• Wrap and seal cheese portions using approved packaging materials and techniques to ensure freshness and compliance with food safety standards.
• Cut whole cheese wheels into retail or foodservice portions using manual or mechanical equipment.
• Label packaged cheese accurately, ensuring product codes, expiration dates, and other required information are correct and legible.
• Conduct in-process quality checks to ensure proper weight, appearance, and packaging integrity.
• Maintain clean and organized workstations, packaging tools, and surrounding areas throughout the shift.
• Monitor cheese handling processes to minimize product loss and ensure product quality.
• Collaborate with the Production and Quality Assurance teams to identify and resolve any packaging or product issues.
• Support traceability and product accountability through accurate paperwork and interaction with the traceability software (Wherefour).

Cleaning and Sanitation – 30%

• Clean and sanitize production equipment, utensils, and work surfaces in accordance with company protocols and regulatory standards.
• Clean cheese wheels prior to cutting, as needed.
• Perform deep cleaning tasks in production areas, including floors, drains, walls, and cooler storage areas.
• Follow daily and weekly sanitation schedules, completing logs and documentation as required.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Support other production departments as needed, including assisting with cheese aging or storage tasks.
• Participate in team meetings and training related to food safety, quality assurance, and operational efficiency.
• Perform any other duties assigned by management to support plant operations.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES:

Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.

Certifications (Preferred but not required):

• HACCP certification.
• ServSafe or other food safety certification.

Skills and Experience:

• Prior experience in food manufacturing, packaging, or warehouse environments preferred.
• Familiarity with food safety and sanitation protocols, especially in dairy or cheese processing.
• Basic math skills, including weight measurements, fractions, and percentages.
• Basic computer skills for reviewing schedules and documenting production data.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Detail-oriented with the ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent problem-solving and time-management abilities.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to stand for long periods on concrete (up to 8–10 hours/day).
• Frequent walking, bending, twisting, and reaching.
• Ability to lift, carry, and move items up to 50 lbs.
• Manual dexterity to operate cutting tools and packaging equipment.
• Visual acuity to inspect product quality and read labels.
• Comfortable working in varying temperatures, including refrigerated environments (34–45°F) and warm areas.
• Flexibility to work extended hours, evenings, or weekends as needed.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Primarily in a food manufacturing and warehouse environment.
• Exposure to extreme temperatures with interactions with coolers, freezers, and warm production areas.
• Moderate noise levels from equipment and machinery.
• Fast-paced, team-oriented setting with frequent task changes.

Disclaimer: The work environment characteristics described above are intended to reflect those typically encountered while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

The duties and responsibilities outlined are not all-inclusive and may be subject to change. The omission of specific tasks does not preclude management from assigning responsibilities that are similar, related, or a logical extension of the position. The company reserves the right to modify or add to job duties as needed to meet business objectives. This job description does not constitute a contract of employment and may be updated as business needs evolve.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $15.00 - $18.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person

Salary : $15 - $18