Operations Material Handler I

SunOpta Inc.; Allentown (Lehigh County); On-site; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking company dedicated to sustainable food production as an Operations Material Handler. In this dynamic role, you will operate essential equipment, ensuring the seamless packaging of organic beverages and snacks. Your attention to detail and problem-solving skills will be vital as you maintain high standards of quality and safety in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a healthier future while working alongside a passionate team. If you have a strong work ethic and thrive in hands-on roles, this is the perfect chance to make a meaningful impact in the food industry.

Qualifications

• Must pass background and drug screens.
• High energy, flexible, self-starter with good work ethics.
• Ability to read manuals and keep operating logs.

Responsibilities

• Operate forklifts and palletizing equipment for packaging.
• Monitor and resolve equipment faults and jams.
• Perform quality and food safety checks.

Skills

Forklift Operation

Problem Solving

Communication Skills

Attention to Detail

Teamwork

Education

High School Diploma

Associate's Degree

Tools

Palletizing Equipment

Forklift

Computer

Job description

Allentown Facility, Allentown, Pennsylvania, United States of America

Job Description

SunOpta Overview:

SunOpta (Nasdaq:STKL) (TSX:SOY) is an innovative and sustainable manufacturer fueling the future of food. With roots tracing back over 50 years, SunOpta drives growth for today’s leading brands by serving as a trusted innovation partner and value-added manufacturer, crafting organic, plant-based beverages, fruit snacks, nutritional beverages, broths and tea products sold through retail, club, foodservice and e-commerce channels. Alongside the company’s commitment to top brands, retailers and coffee shops, SunOpta also proudly produces its own brands, including SOWN, Dream, and West Life. For more information, visit SunOpta and LinkedIn.

SunOpta is looking for talented individuals that demonstrate our most valued behaviors: Passion, Dedication, Speed, Entrepreneurship, Customer-Centricity, and Problem-Solver, to help create a brighter, healthier, and sustainable future of food!

Operations Material Handler I - Team D

Pay Rate: $23.25 + Shift Differential $2.00
Schedule: 5:30AM – 6:00PM 12-hour shifts 2-2-3

Summary:

This position is responsible for all functions relating to operating the palletizing equipment and forklift used to package aseptic beverage finished products as well as cleaning (CIP) and sanitizing.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Operate all energized and non-energized forklift and palletizing equipment.
• Monitor and fix faults as well as clear any material jams in palletizing robot.
• Pick and load outbound trucks as per paperwork.
• Unload and put away inbound trucks.
• Monitor raw packaging material and supplies to ensure efficient supply to support production.
• Maintain ingredients and material on a First In First Out basis (FIFO).
• Perform routine maintenance as directed on all forklift and palletizing equipment. Document in written form parts needed to be ordered.
• Relieve other production team members for breaks and absences as required.
• Maintain a clean and organized area around equipment.
• Troubleshoot and resolve basic to moderate operating difficulties involving area equipment.
• Complete inspections of all critical parameters.
• Work independently as well as professionally with all other team members.
• Complete all required paperwork in a neat & professional manner.
• Be proficient and comfortable using a computer.
• Perform a variety of quality and food safety checks to ensure standards and specifications are met.
• Communicate with all other facility personnel regarding any delays or problems that would hinder production.
• Follow all employee safety, food safety and quality procedures and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs).
• Responsible for proper shift handoff with incoming/outgoing operators.
• Wear all required PPE; such as protective gloves, aprons, face shields and safety glasses.
• Show leadership and ownership of the department, job responsibilities and job function.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Passing of background and drug screens.
• Able to keep operating logs and records.
• Able to read manuals and problem solve.
• Able to climb off and on forklifts on a regular basis.
• A desire to succeed and good work ethics are required.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• High energy, flexible, self-starter, hands-on, comfortable with little or no administrative support.
• Attention to detail is a must.
• Team player with a sense of urgency and a self-accountability mentality.

Education:

High school diploma or equivalent required. Associates degree or higher preferred; or two years related experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience:

Preferably at least one year experience in food manufacturing.

Knowledge and Skills:

Candidate must possess the knowledge and understanding of basic math skills including weight calculations, averages and percentages. Must be able to read and write in English.

Work Environment/Physical Demands:

Approximately 100% of work is performed in a manufacturing facility which is not climate controlled and may contain allergens. Must be able to lift a minimum of 50 pounds, climb stairs and stand for long periods of time.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Allentown Facility, Allentown, Pennsylvania, United States of America