Packaging Machine Operator Lead

Company Overview:

Culture Fresh Foods, Inc is a Dairy and Non-Dairy processing facility headquartered in Naugatuck, CT.  The facility produces a wide range of dairy and plant-based spoonable and spreadable cultured and ESL (extended shelf life) products for private label, co-pack and under its own brand.

Position Summary:  

The Packaging Machine Operator Lead is a working Lead responsible for operating assigned packaging equipment while providing day-to-day leadership and direction to the Packaging Machine Operators, Palletizers, and temporary employees. This position supports the Production Supervisor by coordinating workflow, monitoring production activities, ensuring compliance with Company policies, food safety standards, GMPs, SQF requirements, and safety regulations, and assisting with new hire and temporary employee trainings. In the absence of the Production Supervisor, this position serves as the Senior Production Leader for the packaging department and is responsible for escalating operational issues as appropriate. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Operate packaging equipment according to safety, quality, and productivity standards. 
• Assemble, disassemble, clean and sanitize equipment per manufacturer and Company guidelines. 
• Palletize finished goods for storage and distribution. 
• Accurately complete production documentation. 
• Provide day-to-day leadership and direction to Packaging Machine Operators, Palletizers, and temporary employees to ensure production goals are achieved. 
• Organize daily work assignments and manage temporary employees to ensure efficient staffing and workflow. 
• Monitor packaging and palletizing operations to ensure products are manufactured safely, efficiently, and in compliance with quality standards. 
• Train, onboard, and mentor new employees on packaging equipment, palletizing procedures, GMPs, food safety requirements, and safe work practices. 
• Ensure all Company policies, GMP, SQF requirements, food safety standards, sanitation procedures, and safety rules are followed. Address performance or compliance concerns promptly and escalate issues to the Production Supervisor when appropriate. 
• In the absence of the Production Supervisor, serve as the Senior Production Leader for production by coordinating production activities, making routine operational decisions, and escalating significant issues to Management. 
• Perform any other tasks assigned by the Production Supervisor.

SQF Requirements:

• Maintain good safety and food quality through completing job tasks and maintaining the work area in a sanitary manner.
• Required to wear food safety and sanitation clothing and PPE. 
• This position necessitates conformance to personal hygiene regulations. 
• Report food safety problems to personnel with authority to initiate action.
• Ensure all programs are being upheld and documentation is current.

Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• High school diploma or GED.
• 2-3 years of experience in a production or manufacturing environment strongly preferred.
• Previous lead or supervisory experience preferred. 
• Demonstrated ability to train, coach, and direct employees. 
• Strong communication, organizational, and problem solving skills. 
• Ability to read, comprehend, and follow instructions and complete written documentation accurately. 
• Basic math skills, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and the ability to compute rates.
• Effective verbal communication skills and ability to work cooperatively in a team environment. 
• Forklift experience is a plus. 
• Team-oriented with a positive, professional attitude. 
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish is preferred to support effective communication, training, and direction of employees and temporary staff. 
• Must pass a company pre-employment background, physical, and drug screen prior to commencing work.

Physical Requirements

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, use hands and stretch and reach with hands and arms.  The employee frequently is required to walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear.  The employee is occasionally required to climb ladders and work at heights of up to 100 feet, or balance and smell.  The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision. Must have full range of body motion. 

Working Environment

• While performing in this role the individual is regularly exposed to work near moving mechanical parts and is frequently exposed to wet and /or humid conditions and risk of electrical shock.  
• Exposure to cold storage, loud machinery, dust, and variable outdoor conditions. 
• Employee may come in contact with cleaning chemicals and industrial equipment. 
• The employee will be required to use all personal protective equipment provided by the Company in compliance with OSHA regulations.
• The employee must obey all safety rules.

Why Join Us? Culture Fresh Foods Inc. offers a collaborative and innovative workplace with opportunities for professional growth and development. Join our team to make a meaningful impact in the food manufacturing industry.