Machine Operator

Refresco Brand; Calgary; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Refresco Brand in Calgary is seeking a Machine Operator to run automated beverage filling and packaging lines, ensuring quality and compliance with SOPs, GMPs, and safety standards in a fast-paced facility.

The role requires monitoring equipment, completing changeovers, and accurately documenting production and downtime while collaborating with the Lead Hand and Supervisor to meet targets. Growth opportunities exist to advance to a Lead Hand role after training and demonstrated performance.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required; 3–5 years in beverage manufacturing preferred.
• Experience operating automated packaging equipment.
• Knowledge of GMPs and HACCP is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor beverage filling and packaging equipment per SOPs.
• Follow safety policies, wear PPE, and maintain clean work area.
• Coordinate with Lead Hand and Supervisor on schedule changes.
• Document production, quality, and downtime accurately.
• Support continuous improvement and safety initiatives.
• Perform changeovers and troubleshoot basic equipment issues.

Skills

Strong communication

Mechanical aptitude

Safety awareness

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Education

High School Diploma

Tools

Depalletizers & Fillers

Labelers & Carton Packers

Palletizers & Conveyors

Forklift operation

Job description

Our vision is both simple and ambitious: to put our drinks on every table.

We are the world’s largest bottler for retailers and A-brands. Our products are distributed worldwide from our production sites in Europe and North America. Although our own branding may not appear on the labels of the beverages we produce, there is a good chance you are reading this while sipping one of our drinks.

Our ambition is to continually improve and it’s what keeps us at the top of our game. We are solutions-based. We are innovative. We seek out new challenges and conquer them. This is our company ethos, but it’s our people’s too: Refresco is at the cutting edge of a fast-moving industry because we have passionate people pushing the boundaries of what’s best.

Stop and think: how wouldYOUput our drinks on every table?

Reporting to the Production Supervisor the machine operator is committed to providing the customer with the highest quality product in an efficient and cost-effective manner. The Machine Operator is responsible for monitoring and operating machinery on the production lines to comply with the established standard operating practices for each customer.

Summary Requirements

• Reporting to the Production Supervisor, the Machine Operator is responsible for producing high-quality products in an efficient and cost-effective manner. This role involves operating, monitoring, and maintaining beverage filling and packaging equipment while ensuring compliance with established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), food safety requirements, quality standards, and production targets in a fast-paced, automated manufacturing environment.
• This position offers the opportunity for career advancement to a Production Lead Hand role. Employees who successfully complete training and demonstrate proficiency in operating all production equipment, consistently meet performance expectations, and exhibit strong leadership, teamwork, safety, and communication skills may be considered for promotion. Advancement is based on successful completion of the Machine Operator training program, demonstrated high performance, operational competency, and business needs.

Key Responsibilities

• The Machine Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of assigned production equipment (e.g.,Depalletizer, Filler, Labeler, Carton Packer, Case Packer, Palletizer, etc.) in accordance with company policies and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Key responsibilities include:
  • Adhere to all Health and Safety policies, procedures, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), and food safety requirements.
  • Wear all required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including but not limited to hairnets/beard nets, safety glasses, hearing protection, steel-toe boots, and high-visibility vests.
  • Comply with food quality and food safety standards while ensuring all products meet customer and regulatory requirements.
  • Demonstrate a thorough operational knowledge of assigned production equipment and related auxiliary machinery.
  • Follow the production schedule and communicate effectively with the Lead Hand, Production Supervisor, and team members regarding operational issues, equipment concerns, or schedule changes.
  • Continuously monitor production equipment to ensure optimal operating performance, product quality, and production efficiency.
  • Identify and respond promptly to product quality issues, including but not limited to: Downed containers,
  • Underfilled products, Soft, wet, or damaged products, Coding errors, Misaligned labels, Packaging defects and Palletizing issues
  • Inspect products to verify proper closures, lid application, can seams, shelf-life coding, and packaging integrity.
  • Perform equipment, package, and product changeovers efficiently while ensuring correct machine settings, tooling, and components are installed.
  • Verify equipment is functioning properly before and during production to prevent damage to equipment or product.
  • Accurately complete all required production, quality, and downtime documentation.
  • Maintain a clean and organized work area throughout the shift, including end-of-shift housekeeping. Ensure waste and recycling containers are emptied as required.
  • Communicate effectively using radios and other communication systems to coordinate quality checks, equipment status, product changeovers, maintenance requirements, and production issues.
  • Support continuous improvement initiatives by identifying opportunities to improve safety, quality, efficiency, and productivity.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by the Lead Hand, Supervisor, or Management.

Qualifications and Skills

• Experience in a fast-paced food or beverage manufacturing and packaging environment; beverage production experience is preferred.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Working knowledge of beverage production equipment, including depalletizers, fillers, labelers, carton packers, case packers, palletizers, coders, pallet jacks, conveyors, and lifting devices.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with the ability to identify and troubleshoot basic equipment issues.
• Ability to work efficiently, accurately, and safely in a high-volume production environment. Ability to prioritize tasks and remain productive under pressure while meeting production targets.
• Knowledge of GMPs, HACCP, WHMIS, sanitation, and food safety practices is considered an asset.
• Forklift experience or certification is an asset but not required.

Education and Experience

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in a food or beverage manufacturing environment.
• Experience operating automated packaging or beverage production equipment is preferred.

Working Conditions:

• Physical-Continuously standing or walking. Regular requirements to lift/handle/carry material or equipment of moderate weight.
• Visual/Sensory-This position requires regular need to give moderate attention with one or two senses at a time.
• Work environment- Work and environment are very repetitive.
• Mental Stress- There is pronounced pressure from deadlines, production quotas, accuracy or similar demands.

A Career with Refresco

Refresco offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits, which include: