Packaging Operator - Days (Biospringer)

Biospringer by Lesaffre; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 51,577,000 - 68,770,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401K plan

Benefits from day 1

12 paid holidays

Growth opportunities

Job summary

Biospringer, part of Lesaffre, seeks a Packaging Operator in Cedar Rapids to run packaging lines, ensure product quality, and support multiple departments as needed. The role emphasizes safety, teamwork, and adherence to GMP and food safety standards.

The position involves operating packing lines, performing sanitation, and cross-training across departments. A 6 AM–6 PM rotating schedule is expected, with potential forklift duties and physical requirements as listed in the qualifications.

Qualifications

• Must have a high school diploma or 3 years of experience in a similar role.
• Ability to follow instructions, learn quickly and ask questions.
• Mechanical aptitude and ability to troubleshoot equipment.
• Good people skills and ability to work in a team.
• Strong time management and planning abilities.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Forklift certification is required.
• Physical ability to stand, lift up to 60 pounds, and operate machinery.

Responsibilities

• Follow safety, GMP, and food safety procedures.
• Sanitize equipment, facilities, and related areas.
• Monitor quality controls during production and document results.
• Operate packing lines safely and efficiently.
• Inspect and monitor dryer infrastructure and notify maintenance.
• Troubleshoot equipment and process issues.
• Report major problems to Lead or Supervisor.
• Collaborate with teammates and communicate performance.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Forklift certified

Teamwork

Safety awareness

Basic math & reading

Education

High school diploma or 3 years experience

Tools

Forklift operation

Job description

Who We Are

Lesaffre is a key global player in the fermentation of microorganisms (yeasts and bacteria) for baking, taste, healthcare and industrial biotechnology. This story began more than 170 years ago in northern France, and, thanks to our pioneer spirit and our innovative approach, we are constantly developing.

Who We Are

Lesaffre is a key global player in the fermentation of microorganisms (yeasts and bacteria) for baking, taste, healthcare and industrial biotechnology. This story began more than 170 years ago in northern France, and, thanks to our pioneer spirit and our innovative approach, we are constantly developing. Lesaffre's global presence includes 11,000 employees from 96 nationalities and a 3-billion euro turnover. We work with customers, partners and researchers to develop essential nutrients and bio actives that strengthen human health, optimize animal well-being and improve plant nutrition. This role is within our Biospringer team. Biospringer offers our customers a range of yeast extracts and fermentation-based products designed to improve the taste and organoleptic properties of food. Our natural ingredients make food tastier and healthier.

Our Core Values:

Passion, respect, trust, entrepreneurship, and humility

What We Offer

• The opportunity to represent a passionate organization focused on innovation and sustainability
• A competitive 401K plan, affordable benefits starting on day 1 of employment, and12 paid holidays
• The ability to utilize your experience and knowledge to make a real impact
• Opportunities for continuous growth within your role and across business units

What You Bring To The Table

The Packaging Operator ensures that dried product coming out of the spray dryers are meeting all specifications set on the finished product, and following all Safety, Quality and Food Safety procedures of the company. The Operator is in charge of managing and monitoring up to 2 packaging equipment. The position reports directly to the Supervisor, but may also receive direction from the Superintendent or other management personnel as required.

What You’ll Do As a Packaging Operator

The packaging of food products requires flexibility on the part of all personnel as operations change depending upon the needs of the customer. This will require a Packaging Operator to train and work in other departments on a periodic basis in order to ensure customer requirements are met in a timely manner.

6 AM - 6 PM rotational schedule.

• Understand and follow safety, GMP, food safety, and other rules or policies
• Perform sanitation on equipment, infrastructure, grounds, and other assigned areas.
• Monitor quality assurance controls during the production process. For example, product analysis, and code date verifications are performed on a routine basis to ensure the customer receives a quality product. Record and maintain accurate written and electronic information.
• Operate packing line safely and efficiently.
• Inspect dryer infrastructure, monitor dryer equipment and notify management when maintenance is required.
• Assist in trouble‑shooting of equipment and process problems.
• Notify Lead or Supervisor of equipment failures and when major process problems or variations in the process are detected.
• Communicate and interact with other employees in a teamwork environment and work together in a respectful and manner.
• Communicate with management personnel in a constructive manner about team members' performance.
• Learn all equipment in Packaging. Cover shifts as scheduled and give breaks when needed.
• Train and work in other departments in the facility as needed. This may include, cleaning and filling in for various absences throughout the facility, and assigned tasks depending upon operational needs.
• Drive a stand-up, sit-down, or walkie stacker forklift on a regular basis.
• Other duties as assigned based upon operational needs.

Required qualifications:

• High school diploma or 3 years minimum or experience in similar position.
• Ability to follow instructions, learn and ask questions.
• Mechanical aptitude and trouble‑shouting skills.
• Good people skills.
• Ability to manage time and plan ahead.
• Ability to work as part of a team and independently.
• Read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Write simple correspondence. Effectively present information in one‑on‑one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization.
• Add and subtract two digit numbers and to multiply and divide with 10's and 100's. Perform simple mathematical analysis using the units of money, weight, volume, and distance.
• Apply common sense understanding to carry out simple one‑or two‑step instructions. Solve standardized problems with few or no variables. Use learned experience to solve more detailed and complex problems.
• Ability to be forklift certified required.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms; occasionally required to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee is occasionally required to sit and talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 60 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and ability to adjust focus.

Preferred qualifications:

• Knowledge of manufacturing and packaging processes preferred.

Lesaffre provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.