Operations Lead (Mixing - Nights)

SunOpta Inc.; Midlothian (TX); On-site; USD 36,595 - 52,121; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) with employer match

Paid holidays

Tuition assistance

Job summary

SunOpta Inc. Midlothian facility is seeking an Operations Lead to support site leadership and production. You will supervise the department, provide technical knowledge, and help implement SOPs while ensuring safe, aseptic food manufacturing processes on a night shift.

The role requires strong problem-solving, top-notch communication, and the ability to train staff and handle multiple tasks. Join a team focused on quality, safety, and continuous improvement in a food manufacturing setting.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required.
• Two to five years of related experience.
• Associate degree or higher preferred.
• Experience in a food manufacturing environment is a plus.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and own the department, including job responsibilities and function within the team.
• Serve as a source of technical knowledge for the production line.
• Develop SOPs, train employees, and drive project development.
• Cover breaks, PTO, and training by performing all relevant jobs.
• Fill in as shift supervisor in their absence.
• Monitor and fix faults and clear jams in equipment.
• Perform quality and food safety checks and maintain records.
• Maintain clean and organized area around equipment.

Skills

Detail oriented

Problem solving

Oral & written communication

Team player

Adaptability

Stamina for 12+ hour shifts

Education

High School diploma or GED

Associate degree or higher

Job description

Midlothian Facility, 4126 Power Way, Midlothian, Texas, United States of America

Overview

SunOpta delivers customized supply chain solutions and innovation for top brands, retailers, and foodservice providers across a broad portfolio of beverages, broths, and better-for-you snacks. With over 50 years of expertise, SunOpta fuels customers’ growth with high-quality, sustainability-forward solutions distributed through retail, club, foodservice, and e-commerce channels across North America.

Job Description

Location: SunOpta Plant, Midlothian, TX

Job Summary

The Operations Lead provides support to the site leadership and employees. Responsibilities include filling in for team coverage and operating production equipment used to manufacture aseptically packaged food products in a safe, clean work environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and own the department, including job responsibilities and function within the team.
• Serve as a source of technical knowledge and expertise for the production line.
• Assist in developing standard operating procedures, train employees, and drive project development.
• Cover breaks, PTO, and training by performing all jobs in the area as necessary.
• Assume the responsibilities of shift supervisor in their absence.
• Monitor and fix faults and clear any material jams in equipment.
• Conduct required quality checks to ensure standards are met.
• Maintain a clean and organized area around equipment.
• Troubleshoot and resolve operating difficulties with area equipment.
• Perform routine and corrective maintenance on all machines; support mechanics as needed.
• Accurately prepare and maintain area paperwork; proficient with computers.
• Perform quality and food safety checks to ensure standards and specifications are met.
• Prepare, distribute, and maintain records related to assigned tasks.
• Audit quality and safety processes; work with management to ensure roles are well organized and communicated.
• Communicate delays or problems to all facility personnel that could hinder production.
• Follow safety, food safety, quality procedures and GMPs.
• Ensure proper shift handoff with incoming/outgoing operators.
• Wear PPE when required.
• All other duties as assigned.

Key Accountabilities

• Safety
• Adhere to all plant safety rules.
• Report near misses and accidents to the production supervisor or HR representative.
• Participate in monthly safety inspections and report potential hazards to the safety committee or management.

• Quality
• Adhere to Quality Assurance System guidelines; follow SOPs and SSOPs when making processing adjustments.
• Ensure compliance with GMPs, HACCP, and SQF programs.
• Identify critical control points (CCP) and understand their functions in the process.
• Prepare and maintain processing area documentation; ensure legible and complete records with operator signatures.

• Maintenance
• Assist maintenance technicians to expedite repairs as needed.
• Report any equipment disrepair promptly to prevent breakdowns.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area and assist with general housekeeping.

• Communications
• Ensure effective shift communication and teamwork with other operators on each shift.
• Maintain effective communication with support group members.
• Communicate professionally when using handheld radios.

• Teamwork and Training
• Promote and contribute to a strong team environment.
• Collaborate with coworkers and coach/train employees as requested by management.

• Personal Development
• Continuously improve knowledge of the aseptic filling process.
• Familiarize with SunOpta 360 and the Annual Alchemy Schedule.

• Supervisory Responsibilities
• Fill in as needed in the absence of the shift supervisor.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED.
• Two to five years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate degree or higher.
• Experience in a food manufacturing environment.
• Working knowledge of business, computers, and math.

Knowledge and Skills

• Ability to work with minimal supervision and make independent decisions.
• Attention to detail and strong problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• High energy, flexible, self-starter, hands-on, with minimal administrative support.
• Team player with a sense of urgency and accountability.
• Willingness to cover other shifts and weekends as needed.
• Understand procedures for allergens and cross-contamination prevention.
• Ability to prepare and maintain accurate paperwork; troubleshoot equipment issues.
• Adhere to GMPs and safety procedures; understand process terminology and surge equipment.
• Able to stand for long periods (12 hours) and lift 30-50 pounds frequently; push/pull pallet jacks and heavy loads.

Additional Considerations

• Location: SunOpta Plant, Midlothian, TX.
• Shift: Night shift (C-Shift / Mixing) on a 2-2-3 pattern; 6:00 PM – 6:30 AM.
• Pay Rate: $32.20 per hour.
• Night Shift Differential: $2.00 per hour for night shift on a 12-hour 2-2-3 pattern.
• Work Environment: Primarily a food manufacturing environment.

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Vision insurance
• Paid family leave and maternity leave
• 401(k) with employer match
• Voluntary life, accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity
• Paid holidays
• Tuition assistance
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties or responsibilities. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.

EOE M/W/VET/DISABLED. This is an equal opportunity employer statement.