Bakery Packaging Specialist – 1st Shift

The Bakery Co; Dickson (TN); On-site; USD 19,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

The Packaging Associate role at Crown Bakeries reports to the Packaging Supervisor and performs manual and semi-automated packaging tasks to ensure accurate, safe, and quality packaging of finished bakery products. Tasks include line startup support, allergen changeovers, labeling, and adherence to GMP/HACCP standards.

Ideal candidates have a high school diploma, 0-2 years in packaging or food production, strong attention to detail, and the ability to lift up to 25 pounds.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• 0-2 years of packaging, production, or food manufacturing experience preferred; training provided.
• Basic understanding of packaging processes, quality inspection, and GMP requirements preferred; training provided.
• Knowledge of food safety standards including GMP, HACCP, FSMA, and Food Defense policies preferred; training provided.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to identify product quality and packaging defects quickly and accurately.
• Ability to perform repetitive tasks at a consistent pace for the duration of an extended shift.
• Ability to work safely in a fast-paced, noisy production and packaging environment.
• Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds; able to stand, bend, twist, push/pull, and reach for the duration of a shift.
• Ability to work flexible schedules including evenings, weekends, and holidays as production needs require.
• Team-oriented with a strong work ethic and genuine commitment to food safety, quality, and operational excellence.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) is a plus for effective communication in a diverse plant environment.

Responsibilities

• Perform manual and semi-automated packaging tasks on packaging lines including placing, folding, inserting, and sealing finished bakery products into designated packaging materials.
• Monitor product flow on the packaging line; ensure products are properly oriented, positioned, and counted prior to packaging; report defects.
• Verify package weights, counts, and labels against established product specifications; document results and report out-of-spec conditions.
• Assist with packaging line startup, changeover, and shutdown activities; ensure materials, labels, and supplies are staged and ready.
• Maintain cleanliness, organization, and sanitation of packaging line areas in accordance with GMP, HACCP, and sanitation schedule.
• Follow allergen management protocols during changeovers; complete required allergen changeover documentation.
• Inspect incoming packaging materials for quality and integrity; report defects or shortages.
• Apply labels, stickers, date codes, and lot codes to packaging materials; verify label accuracy against schedule.
• Wear and maintain PPE; comply with safety policies and OSHA regulations.
• Communicate with Packaging Operator, CCP Monitor, and Packaging Supervisor about quality, equipment issues, and shortages.
• Assist with inventory counts of packaging materials and finished goods; train new Packaging Associates on procedures.
• Other duties as assigned by the Packaging Supervisor.

Skills

Attention to detail

Repetitive tasks

Teamwork

Bilingual (English/Spanish)

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

The Packaging Associate role at Crown Bakeries reports to the Packaging Supervisor and performs manual and semi-automated packaging tasks to ensure accurate, safe, and quality packaging of finished bakery products. Tasks include line startup support, allergen changeovers, labeling, and adherence to GMP/HACCP standards.

Ideal candidates have a high school diploma, 0-2 years in packaging or food production, strong attention to detail, and the ability to lift up to 25 pounds.