Machine Operator Lead US

Refresco; Wilson (NC); On-site; USD 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/dental/vision insurance

Life insurance

401(k) savings plan with company match

Paid holidays and vacation

Well-being benefits

Discount programs

Job summary

Refresco, located in Wilson, North Carolina, is seeking dedicated production staff to monitor beverage production lines and ensure adherence to safety and quality standards. Candidates should have experience in a fast-paced environment and be comfortable performing minor maintenance while coordinating with various departments to improve processes.

This role emphasizes teamwork and the importance of adhering to health protocols while maintaining a safe work environment and may require overtime and flexible hours.

Qualifications

• Experience operating and troubleshooting required manufacturing equipment.
• Solid understanding of machinery in production environments.
• Ability to communicate production-related issues effectively.

Responsibilities

• Adhere to health and safety policies and Good Manufacturing Practices.
• Monitor the production line for defects and ensure quality control.
• Perform changeovers efficiently ensuring correct settings are installed.

Skills

Experience in a high‑speed beverage production environment

Understanding of production machinery and forklifts

Ability to work quickly and accurately under pressure

Forklift certification may be required

Education

High School Certification or equivalent (GED)

3‑5 years of relevant work experience in a manufacturing environment

Job description

Make a Difference in YOUR Career!

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

Overview

Refresco is a leading global independent beverage solutions provider. We serve national and international retailers and brands, distributing our products worldwide from production sites in Europe, North America, and Australia.

Responsibilities

• Adhere to health and safety policies/procedures, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), and wear required PPE while in warehouse or production areas.
• Maintain food quality and safety in accordance with corporate, customer, and governing body standards (e.g., SQF).
• Acquire in‑depth operational knowledge of assigned line’s equipment and ancillary equipment.
• Follow the production schedule and communicate with the Supervisor about problems or changes.
• Monitor the production line for defects such as downed bottles/cans, low fills, faulty packaging, damage, and misaligned labels, and identify raw material issues that affect quality or efficiency.
• Monitor finished product and cases for proper closures, seams, date and product codes, and packaging integrity.
• Perform changeovers efficiently, ensuring correct settings and parts are installed and no mechanical defects exist.
• 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.
• Promote a positive team environment to encourage cooperation and teamwork.
• Apply practical understanding of SQF and HACCP and address inquiries related to both.
• Read, comprehend, and adhere to a production manufacturing schedule and communicate issues or deviations.
• Maintain production flow by monitoring downstream and upstream issues, supplying raw materials, and performing minor servicing when needed.
• Follow all Quality Control and Production line standard operating procedures.
• Understand visual and auditory cues to identify production or machine related issues.
• Assist in training new employees.
• Perform minor machine maintenance and daily/weekly preventive maintenance.

Required Skills

• Experience in a high‑speed beverage production environment; ability to operate and troubleshoot required manufacturing equipment.
• Solid understanding of production machinery and forklifts, including technical issue awareness.
• Ability to work quickly and accurately under pressure.
• Forklift certification may be required.

Competencies

• Problem‑Solving Skills: troubleshoot machinery and production issues efficiently and collaborate with others.
• Continuous Improvement: commitment to improving production efficiency and product quality.
• Troubleshooting: proficiency in minimizing downtime and waste.
• Documentation Skills: accurate recording of production data, completing paperwork and maintaining organized records.
• Safety and Compliance: knowledge of safety regulations and procedures; train team members and enforce safety protocols.
• Communication Skills: effective verbal and written communication with team members and supervisors, reporting issues accurately.
• Training and Development: ability to train new hires and provide ongoing training for existing team members.

Education and Experience

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

Working Conditions

• Work Schedule: Weekdays, weekends, afternoons, evenings, overnight, and holidays may be required. Overtime scheduled as needed.
• Environment: Fast‑paced production plant with moving parts. Noise levels require hearing protection; temperatures can be hot or cold. Structured and supervised with clear production targets and schedules.

Travel Requirements

• Travel anticipated: Rarely.

Physical Requirements

R = Rarely (0‑15%) O = Occasionally (16‑45%) F = Frequently (46‑100%)

• Stand or Sit – Rarely
• Stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl – Occasionally
• Lifting 50 lbs. (minimum 5 lbs.) – Frequently
• Carry weight, lift – Frequently
• Walking – Frequently
• Driving – Frequently
• Climb (stairs/ladders) or balance – Frequently
• Visual/Sensory – attention to detail with one or two senses at a time.
• Coordination and Dexterity – excellent hand‑eye coordination and manual dexterity for precise control of equipment.
• Mental Stress – pronounced pressure from deadlines, production quotas, accuracy, or similar demands.

Other Duties

• This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Refresco is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national orientation, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity, gender expression, Veteran status, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law.

Benefits

• Medical/dental/vision insurance
• Life insurance
• 401(k) savings plan with company match
• Paid holidays and vacation
• Well‑being benefits
• Discount programs

Agency Policy

Any employment agency, person, or entity that submits a résumé to this career site or a hiring manager does so with the understanding that the applicant’s résumé will become the property of Refresco Beverages, Inc. Refresco Beverages, Inc. will have the right to hire that applicant at its discretion without any fee owed to the submitting employment agency. Employment agencies that have agreements with Refresco Beverages, Inc. and have been engaged in a search shall submit résumé to the designated Refresco recruiter or, upon authorization, submit résumé to this career site to be eligible for placement fees.