PACKAGING OPERATOR (6PM TO 2AM)

Lifeway Foods, Inc.; Waukesha (WI); On-site; USD 21,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Lifeway Foods, Inc. is seeking a Packaging Operator to run sleeving and packaging equipment, ensuring safe, efficient and high‑quality packaging of Kefir products at our Wisconsin facility.

The role requires following SOPs/SSOPs, maintaining line efficiency, loading/unloading trailers, and basic machine troubleshooting. A high school diploma or equivalent is required; ability to lift 50 lbs and stand for 8 hours is expected. Experience with manufacturing software and MS Office is a plus.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Ability to read and write reports and procedures.
• Basic math and geometry knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Follow procedures to operate and clean sleeving and packaging machines.
• Ensure sleeves are applied correctly and bottles do not back up.
• Put away sleeves when necessary and verify date codes for runs.
• Communicate machine status and quality concerns to supervisor/Plant Manager.
• Relieve other machine operators during downtime to maintain efficiency.
• Assist with unloading and loading trailers; refill empty cap totes.
• Perform basic troubleshooting and routine maintenance on machines.
• Follow SOP/SSOP to meet HACCP, FDA, EPA, OSHA and USDA requirements.

Skills

Leadership

Organization

Self-efficacy

Math skills

Reading reports

Education

High school diploma

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 40 years of experience. We are an industry leader in the production of high-quality Kefir. We are anequal-opportunityemployer and offer a competitive benefits package. Visit us atwww.lifewaykefir.com.