Machine Operator Lead US

Refresco; Modesto (CA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Refresco is a leading beverage solutions provider seeking a dedicated production team member to join our on-site facility. You will monitor the production line, ensure quality, and adhere to SQF/HACCP practices while supporting forklift operations and equipment maintenance as needed.

This role focuses on sustaining a clean, safe, and efficient workspace in a fast-paced environment, with strong emphasis on teamwork, accuracy, and adherence to GMPs.

Qualifications

• Experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience in high-speed beverage production preferred.
• Forklift certification may be required.

Skills

High-speed production

Forklift certification

Problem-solving

Continuous improvement

Documentation

Safety compliance

Communication

Training

Work under pressure

Education

High School Certification or equivalent (GED)

Job description

Make a Difference in YOUR Career!

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

Make a Difference in YOUR Career!

Our vision is both simple and ambitious: to put our drinks on every table.
We are the leading global independent beverage solutions provider. We serve a broad range of national and international retailers as well as Global, National and Emerging (GNE) brands. Our products are distributed worldwide from our production sites in Europe, North America, and Australia. 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 would YOU put our drinks on every table?

Essential Job Functions:

• Adhere to all health and safety policies/procedures, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and wear the required personal protective equipment (PPE) while in the warehouse or production areas (including but not limited to hairnets/beard nets, safety glasses, hearing protection, hard toe and slip/oil resistant shoes, appropriate safety gloves, and seatbelts while operating forklifts)
• Responsible to adhere to food quality and food safety as per the standard(s) provided by corporate, customer, and/or governing bodies (ex. SQF).
• Ability to acquire an in-depth, operational knowledge of the assigned line’s operating equipment as well as other ancillary or offline related equipment.
• Adhere to the production schedule and communicate with the Supervisor, regarding problems or changes that may be necessary.
• Monitor the production line for defects such as downed bottles/cans, low fills, faulty packaging, damage, and misaligned labels, while accurately identifying raw material issues that could impact production quality, reduce efficiency, or increase waste.
• Monitor finished product and/or cases for proper closures/seams, date and product codes and damaged or out of specification packaging.
• Following standard operating procedures and reading both imperial and metric measurements, perform changeovers efficiently and carefully, ensuring the correct settings and parts are installed and that no mechanical defects exist that could damage equipment or product.
• Record all necessary information for production and quality records. Keep accurate downtime reports and documentation.
• Perform all end of shift duties to ensure smooth transition for incoming shift.
• Work closely with all departments to improve quality, increase efficiencies, increase yields and eliminate out of specification or damaged product. Foster a positive team environment to promote cooperation and teamwork.
• Possesses a practical understanding of SQF and HACCP and can address inquiries related to both.
• Ability to read, comprehend, and adhere to a production manufacturing schedule, effectively communicate issues or deviations with the appropriate parties and respond to inquiries.
• Maintain production flow machine(s) by monitoring downstream and upstream issues, supplying raw materials to the equipment, and performing minor servicing when needed.
• Follow all Quality Control and Production line standard operating procedures.
• Ability to understand visual and auditory cues to identify production or machine related issues.
• Will assist in training new employees.
• Perform minor machine maintenance as well as daily and weekly preventive maintenance.
  

Required Skills:

• Experience in a high-speed beverage production environment required. Ability to independently and efficiently operate and troubleshoot required manufacturing equipment.
• Solid understanding of production machinery/forklifts, including an awareness of technical issues
• Ability to work quickly and accurately under pressure
• Forklift certification may be required
  

Competencies:

• Problem-Solving Skills – ability to troubleshoot machinery and production issues efficiently, collaborating with others to resolve complex issues, adaptability to changing circumstances and willingness to implement new procedures.
• Continuous Improvement – Commitment to continuous improvement practices to enhance production efficiency and product quality.
• Troubleshooting – Proficiency in troubleshooting process and equipment issues to minimize downtime and waste.
• Documentation Skills – accurate recording of production data, completion of required paperwork or electronic documentation, and maintenance of organized records.
• Safety and Compliance: Knowledge of safety regulations and procedures to ensure a safe working environment, enforcement of safety protocols and training of team members on safety measures. Timely and accurately completes monthly Alchemy training.
• Communication Skills – Effective verbal and written communication with team members and supervisors, reporting issues accurately, and collaborating to ensure smooth workflow. Follows equipment down-time escalation process schedule.
• Training and Development: Ability to train new hires on production processes and procedures and provide ongoing training and development opportunities for existing team members. Foster skill development and career growth.
  

Education and Experience:

• High School Certification or equivalent (GED)
• 3-5 years relevant work experience in a manufacturing environment
  

Working Conditions