PACKAGING OPERATOR

Lifeway Foods, Inc.; Waukesha (WI); On-site; USD 22,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

9 paid holidays annually

Medical, Vision, Dental, Life, and Dis

Flexible FSA/HSA options

401(k) Profit Sharing match

Job summary

Lifeway Foods, Inc. is seeking a Packaging Operator to operate sleeving and packaging machines, ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality packaging processes. You will monitor machine performance, adjust settings, and coordinate with the Plant Manager to maintain production deadlines.

The role requires a high school diploma or related experience, ability to lift 50 lbs, pass forklift exam, and proficiency with manufacturing software and Microsoft Office; multiple shifts available.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required; or 3–6 months related experience; or equivalent
• Demonstrate leadership, organization, and self-efficacy
• Ability to read and write reports and present them to managers, clients, customers, and the general public
• Basic mathematical skills and understanding of algebra and geometry
• Knowledge of Manufacturing Software, Inventory Software, and Microsoft Office, including Excel and Outlook
• Must be able to lift 50 lbs.; Ability to be on your feet for entirety of 8-hour shift; Ability to climb ladders and maneuver through equipment; Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities

Responsibilities

• Follow procedures to operate and clean sleeving and packaging machines
• Ensure sleeves are being put on bottles properly by machine; Ensure bottles are not backing up
• Put away sleeves when necessary
• Ensure date codes are correct for the days run
• Communicate machine status and unacceptable bottle quality to supervisor or Plant Manager
• Relieve other Machine Operators in occurrence of machine down time or job re-assignment in pursuit of maintaining departmental efficiency and quality of production
• Assist with unloading and loading trailers
• Refill empty cap totes
• Perform basic troubleshooting and routine maintenance on machines immediately
• Report to workstation on time; Wear proper work attire; Assist in setting up work area
• Must pass forktruck exam
• Perform duties according to SOP and SSOP that meet HACCP, FDA, EPA, OSHA, USDA, WDA, and customer requirements
• Conduct behavior in compliance with Lifeway Employee Policy
• Perform additional duties as assigned

Skills

Machine operation

Forklift operation

Reading/writing reports

Mathematical skills

Teamwork & communication

Education

High school diploma

3–6 months related experience

Equivalent

Tools

Manufacturing Software

Inventory Software

Microsoft Office

Excel

Outlook

Job description

Lifeway Foods (NASDAQ: LWAY), which has been recognized as one of Forbes’ Best Small Companies, is America’s leading supplier of the probiotic beverage known as Kefir. In addition to its line of drinkable Kefir, the company also produces cheese, drinkable yogurt, and a ProBugs line of Kefir for kids. Lifeway’s tart and tangy fermented dairy products are sold across the United States, Mexico, Ireland, and the United Kingdom.

The Packaging Operator works with the sleeving and packaging machines and makes necessary adjustments to ensure packaging is done in a safe, efficient, and high-quality manner.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Follow procedures to operate and clean sleeving and packaging machines
• Ensure sleeves are being put on bottles properly by machine; Ensure bottles are not backing up
• Put away sleeves when necessary
• Ensure date codes are correct for the days run
• Communicate machine status and unacceptable bottle quality to supervisor or Plant Manager
• Relieve other Machine Operators in occurrence of machine down time or job re-assignment in pursuit of maintaining departmental efficiency and quality of production
• Assist with unloading and loading trailers
• Refill empty cap totes
• Perform basic troubleshooting and routine maintenance on machines immediately
• Report to workstation on time; Wear proper work attire; Assist in setting up work area
• Must pass forktruck exam
• Perform duties according to Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and Sanitization Standard Operating Procedures (SSOP) that meet quality and safety standards pertaining to: Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Points (HACCP), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Wisconsin Department of Agriculture (WDA), and customer requirements
• Conduct behavior in compliance with Lifeway Employee Policy
• Perform additional duties as assigned

Qualification and Education Requirements

• High school diploma required; Or three to six months related experience; Or equivalent
• Demonstrate intellectual and interpersonal skills through leadership, organization, and self-efficacy
• Ability to read and write comprehensive reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals and effectively present them to groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public
• Basic mathematical skills and understanding of algebra and geometry
• Knowledge of Manufacturing Software, Inventory Software, and Microsoft Office, including Excel and Outlook
• Must be able to lift 50 lbs.; Ability to be on your feet for entirety of 8-hour shift; Ability to climb ladders and maneuver through equipment; Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities

Why Lifeway?

• Explore exciting career growth opportunities in a thriving company
• Enjoy 9 paid holidays annually to rest and recharge
• Access comprehensive benefits, including Medical, Vision, Dental, Life, and Disability coverage—and more!
• Choose from flexible FSA and HSA options to meet your financial and healthcare needs
• Benefit from our Employee Assistance Program, offering support for new parents, legal and financial advice, mental health resources, and much more
• Plan for your future with our 401(k) Profit Sharing contribution match

Lifeway Foods, Inc is a growing Chicago-based beverage manufacturer with over 40 years of experience. We are an industry leader in the production of high-quality Kefir. We are an equal opportunity employer and offer a competitive benefits package. Visit us atwww.lifewaykefir.com

Available Shifts: Multiple shifts available - 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and weekend shifts!