PACKAGING OPERATOR (2 PM to 12 AM, MON-THR)

Lifeway Foods, Inc.; Waukesha (WI); On-site; USD 19,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Lifeway Foods, Inc. in Wisconsin is seeking a Packaging Operator to run sleeving and packaging machines, ensuring safe, efficient, high‑quality packaging of kefir products sold across the United States, Mexico, Ireland, and the United Kingdom.

You will follow SOPs/SO P-S, assist with loading/unloading trailers, perform basic maintenance, and prepare the workstation. The role requires forklift certification and compliance with HACCP, FDA, EPA, OSHA, USDA, and WDA standards.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required or equivalent.
• Ability to read and write reports and business correspondence.
• Strong mathematical skills including basic algebra.
• Experience with manufacturing software is a plus.
• Able to operate packaging machinery safely and efficiently.

Responsibilities

• Follow procedures to operate and clean sleeving and packaging machines.
• Ensure sleeves are applied correctly and bottles do not back up.
• Store sleeves when needed.
• Verify date codes for each run.
• Communicate machine status and any quality issues to supervisor or Plant Manager.
• Relieve other Operators during downtime to maintain efficiency and quality.
• Assist with unloading/loading trailers.
• Refill empty cap totes.
• Perform basic troubleshooting and routine maintenance on machines.
• Report on time, wear proper attire, and assist in setup.
• Pass forklift exam.
• Follow SOPs and SSOPs to meet HACCP, FDA, EPA, OSHA, USDA, WDA and customer requirements.
• Comply with Lifeway Employee Policy.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Skills

Leadership

Organization

Self-efficacy

Report writing

Math skills

Education

High school diploma or 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

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