Machine Operator

Winland Foods; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 23,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Union managed coverage (Medical, Dental, Vision)

401(k) with match

Accrued vacation and paid holidays

Job summary

Winland Foods in St. Louis is looking for a full-time Packaging Team Member who will operate and maintain packaging equipment. The role involves ensuring products are packaged safely and efficiently while adhering to quality and food safety standards.

The ideal candidate should have a High School Diploma or GED, at least one year of experience in food production, and demonstrate strong mechanical skills and teamwork. This position offers a starting pay of $22.80 per hour plus a $1,000 sign-on bonus.

Qualifications

• Minimum one year of experience in manufacturing or food production.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and stand for extended periods.
• Willingness to obtain forklift certification.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain packaging equipment.
• Inspect products for correct labeling and packaging.
• Follow food safety policies and maintain cleanliness.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Problem-solving skills

Team collaboration

Effective communication

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

SAP

Forklift certification

Microsoft Word, Excel

Job description

At Winland Foods, our success starts with people who live our values of Excellence, Quality, Integrity, Respect, and Collaboration every day.

As a Packaging Team Member, you’ll be at the center of our operation, helping ensure products are packaged safely, efficiently, and to the highest quality standards. You’ll operate, monitor, and maintain packaging equipment, monitor processes, and take pride in knowing your work directly impacts the food experiences we deliver to millions of consumers.

This role is more than keeping lines moving—it’s about working as part of a team that respects one another, values safety, and strives for continuous improvement. By upholding our commitment to excellence, you’ll play a vital role in making mealtime easier, safer, and more enjoyable for families everywhere.

Employee Type: Full time

Location: MO St Louis

Job Type: Production Group

Job Posting Title: Machine Operator

Schedule: 7:00am - 3:00pm; 3:00pm-11:00pm and 11:00pm-7:00am (must be available to work weekends)

Work Location: 611 E Marceau St. St. Louis, MO 63111

Salary: $22.80 per hour with a $1,000 sign‑on bonus paid after 90 days of employment.

Benefits: Union managed coverage (Medical, Dental, Vision, STD, LTD). 401(k) with match, accrued vacation and paid holidays after 90 days of employment.

Duties and Responsibilities

This list of duties and responsibilities is not all inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities as management may deem necessary from time to time.

Safe Equipment Operation & Maintenance

• Operate basic packaging machinery (depalletizers, palletizers, conveyors, forklifts).
• Complete equipment changeovers and address operational issues quickly.
• Use technical skills in SAP, IQS, MII, and Weaver to keep packaging flowing.
• Perform routine operation checks.

Product Handling, Quality Control & Inventory Management

• Inspect products for correct labeling, alignment, and packaging.
• Perform manual packing and palletizing.
• Follow FIFO inventory methods, manage materials, and record shipments in SAP.

Food Safety & Sanitation Compliance

• Follow GMP, HACCP, SQF, FSMA, and company food safety policies.
• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation.

Team Collaboration, Leadership & Training

• Assist team members, adapt to operational changes, and contribute to productivity, safety, and quality goals.

Documentation, Communication & Continuous Improvement

• Accurately complete basic production paperwork and report issues to supervisors.
• Record inventory transactions, shipments, and quality results in SAP.
• Participate in 5S efforts.

Education & Experience

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Minimum one year of work experience, preferably in manufacturing or food production.
• Forklift certification preferred (required for advanced level); willingness to obtain certification if not already held.
• 18+ years of age.

Technical & Mechanical Skills

• Operate, troubleshoot, and perform minor repairs on production line equipment, including cartoners, baggers, case packers, sealers, depalletizers, and palletizers.
• For higher levels, demonstrate expert troubleshooting of high-speed packaging equipment and strong understanding of theory of operation.
• Perform Winland Excellence CIL, centerlining, and line huddle activities to improve efficiency.
• Mechanical aptitude with the ability to identify and resolve equipment irregularities.
• Proficiency in SAP, hand scanners, and basic math skills.
• Advanced levels require proficiency in MII, WE systems, and interpreting line huddle measures to resolve issues.
• Computer literacy in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook.

Safety & Compliance

• Knowledge of GMPs, SQF, HACCP, FSMA, and other food safety regulations.
• Commitment to following all company safety policies and procedures.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.; push heavy loads, stand/walk up to 90% of shift, and climb as needed.
• Must have near and far visual acuity, some color perception, and full range of hand/arm movement.

Teamwork, Communication & Leadership

• Communicate effectively with co‑workers, supervisors and others at the worksite regarding work matters, which are mostly conducted in English.
• Work independently and collaboratively in a team environment, with a team‑first mindset.
• Provide training, guidance, and feedback to team members.
• Advanced levels lead projects, identify skill gaps, and support multiple initiatives with minimal supervision.

Personal Attributes & Work Ethic

• Positive attitude, dependable, self‑motivated, and willing to work overtime or weekends as needed.
• Strong problem‑solving skills, attention to detail, ability to multitask, and flexibility to adapt to changing needs in a fast‑paced environment.
• Demonstrated accountability for work quality, attendance, and continuous improvement.

Physical Demands

• Stand and walk for extended periods; frequent climbing, pulling, pushing, carrying, grasping, reaching, twisting, turning, stooping.
• Lift up to 50 lbs. frequently.
• Good hand‑eye coordination, motor skills, corrected vision 20/20.
• Normal hearing and vision; ability to distinguish colors for color‑coded containers.
• Wear all required PPE as outlined in Employee Handbook or as directed by leadership.
• Adhere to all safety policies, including lock‑out/tag‑out, safe lifting techniques, and others as instructed.
• Exposure to wet, humid conditions, moving mechanical parts, high areas, fumes, airborne particles, extreme temperatures, electrical risks, and vibrations depending on area.
• Maintain a clean and safe work environment and report any food safety or quality issues immediately to management.

EEO Statement: Winland Foods seeks to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool, and as a global company we believe our success is enhanced by fostering equity and inclusion in the workplace. Therefore, Winland Foods is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military or veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law.