Palletizer Operator

Saputo Cheese USA, Inc.; Newington (CT); On-site; USD 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Saputo Cheese USA Inc. is seeking a hands-on Equipment Operator for our 24/7 Newington, CT manufacturing facility. You will safely operate production equipment, assist with palletizing, perform line changes, and maintain accurate production records.

The role requires a high school diploma, 2 years in food manufacturing, basic GMP/HACCP knowledge, and the ability to work days, swing, or night shifts, including weekends. Forklift certification and strong teamwork are a plus.

Qualifications

• Must be able to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong math skills and ability to read measurements.
• Familiarity with GMP, HACCP and food-safety practices preferred.
• Ability to obtain forklift certification (Class I-V).
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Operate production equipment safely in a 24/7 manufacturing setting.
• Perform palletizing, labeling, and line-change tasks.
• Verify product codes, quantities, and production dates; enter data into SAP.
• Assist with troubleshooting equipment and process changes.
• Coordinate with packaging and warehouse teams to maintain inventory accuracy.

Skills

Team player

Strong work ethic

Multi-tasking

Self-motivated

Attention to detail

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

SAP ERP

Forklift operation

Job description

At Saputo, we bring good to the table by making high-quality products, investing in our people, and supporting communities around the world. As a top 10 global dairy processor, we value contributions that matter and strive to foster an inclusive, growth-driven work environment. Ready to bring your best?

Key Attributes

• Must possess a strong work character and have the ability to work in a team environment.
• Must possess a strong work ethic and passion for the job.
• Ability to multi-task and follow instructions.
• Must be self-motivated and self-directed to support complex operations.
• Critical thinking and ability to analyze data and situations is a must. This involves being detail oriented with strong emphasis on accuracy and organization.

Physical Demands

• Ability to work in manufacturing environment which includes but not limited to: noise, changing temperatures (hot, wet, cold, humid), standing/walking/bending/stooping/climbing stairs, maneuvering around manufacturing equipment consistently throughout the shift.
• Working with chemicals, wearing personal protective equipment and following approved chemical handling procedures.
• Physical lifting up to 45-lbs frequently throughout the shift unassisted.
• Good visual acuity with the ability to distinguish colors.
• Wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), to include bump cap, hearing and eye protection. This also include additional PPE requirements as defined for the position activities.

This is a hands-on role for a 24/7 manufacturing facility. Our equipment operators are assigned to a shift, in support of a 24/7 manufacturing operation. This can either be days, swing or night shift and also includes working weekends. Work days and shifts may change to help cover vacations/absences, during plant downtime or related events such as audits.

Position Responsibilities

• Safe and efficient operation of production equipment to include: Automated case packing and palletizing equipment.
• Perform physical product hand-stacking (palletizing) operations in accordance with defined product pallet patterns.
• Ability to follow standard operating procedures (SOP's) in detail without deviation.
• Generate pallet identification labels in accordance to the production run schedule and customer specifications.
• This includes the verification of case quantity, product, product ID and production dates.
• Accurate data entry into ERP system (SAP).
• Validate product codes in accordance with code specifications.
• Verify and record accurate product case quantities.
• Identify and effectively communicate any out-of-specification product conditions.
• Follow the established notification protocol.
• Operating a forklift, transfer product from the product palletizing operations to the finished goods warehouse.
• Effective coordination with the packaging and warehouse operation teams to ensure finished good inventory accuracy.
• Perform routine equipment adjustments.
• Safe operation of a forklift, safe material handling operations.
• Accurately and neatly complete production records and documents.
• Perform equipment change-overs, clean-up operations and equipment set-up.
• Perform environmental controls.
• Perform product reclaim and rework operations in accordance with reclaim guidelines.
• Support internal and external audits.
• Follow all established occupational health and safety procedures.
• Follow all established GMP's and Food Safety requirements.
• Cross-train with other departments.
• Perform good housekeeping within established housekeeping guidelines.
• Comply with federal, state and local dairy food regulations.
• Adhere to the Saputo Code of Ethics, actively apply the Saputo Company Values and Workplace Climate Policy.
• Work together with co-workers and other department personnel.
• Other duties as required by management.

Job requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum of (2)-two years of demonstrated work experience in food manufacturing, dairy food manufacturing experience preferred.
• Advanced quality/food safety training and/or certifications is a plus, but not required.
• A working understanding of food manufacturing acronyms (SQF, HACCP, SOP, 5S, GMP)
• Strong math skills.
• Strong technical skills, ability to operate and understand equipment controls, touch panels and mechanical operations.
• Ability to obtain a forklift certification, classes I-V to include pallet trucks.
• Successful completion of drug screen and background check.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated work history.
• Good attendance is a must.

In the USA, Saputo ranks among the top three cheese producers and is one of the top producers of extended shelf-life and cultured dairy products, with a portfolio of well-loved brands such as Stella, Frigo Cheese, Montchevre, Stella, and Treasure Cave. We also boast a strong foodservice presence, partnering with reputable chain restaurants and broadline distributors. Whether your expertise lies in manufacturing, operations, supply chain, sales, quality assurance, or in any other function, your role is integral to our success. You will make contributions that matter, all while working alongside colleagues who genuinely care about your success and who will roll up their sleeves to help.

Accessibility

Saputo Cheese USA Inc. endeavors to make Saputo.com/careers accessible to all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact Human Resources at 214-863-2300 or email [e-mail]. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.

EEO

Saputo Cheese USA Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you'd like more information on your EEO rights under law, please visit www.EEOC.gov.California Applicant Privacy Notice (CCPA)To review the Saputo Cheese USA Inc. Privacy Notice for California applicants, please visit our Corporate website associated section by clicking here (English) or here (Spanish).