Processing Operator 2nd Shift

Illinois Ag; Downers Grove (IL); On-site; USD 26,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

Illinois Ag in Downers Grove, IL is hiring for a Line 2 Packaging Bake Shop Helper/Break Lunch Relief. You will keep Line 2 running safely, efficiently, and consistently by providing break, lunch, and day-off coverage across key packaging positions.

You will operate packaging equipment, monitor quality, support food safety and traceability, and adapt to multiple roles as production needs change. Overtime and earlier starts may be required to meet schedules.

Qualifications

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
• Two years of related experience and/or training, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability to learn and safely perform multiple Line 2 Packaging functions.
• Strong decision-making, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to follow HACCP, CTS, SOP, Safety, GMP, and JSA procedures and standards.

Responsibilities

• Provide break, lunch, and day-off coverage for Line 2 Packaging positions, including Bake Shop Helper, Slicer Feeder, and Bagger Operator/Caser.
• Operate and make necessary adjustments to Bagger, Kwiklok, Wrapper, and Slicer equipment to support efficient line operation.
• Feed bread into slicers at an approximate rate of 55 loaves per minute.
• Monitor bread quality, weight, and packaging, reporting variances to supervision.
• Maintain and document required product quality checks and lot traceability.

Skills

Attention to detail

Strong communication

Multi-tasking

Flexibility

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Packaging equipment

Slicer/Wrapper/Bagger equipment

Job description

Since 1869 we've connected people through food they love. Our history was created by remarkable people, ideas, and innovations. It serves as inspiration and foundation for our future success. We’re proud to be stewards of amazing brands that people trust. Our portfolio includes the iconic Campbell’s brand, as well as Michael Angelo’s, Pace, Pacific Foods, Prego, Rao’s Homemade, Swanson, and V8. In our Snacks division, we have brands like Cape Cod, Goldfish, Kettle Brand, Lance, Late July, Pepperidge Farm, Snack Factory, and Snyder’s of Hanover. We foster a culture of belonging where people come first, and diversity is embraced. And we live our values, always, while setting the highest standards for performance. Here, you will make a difference every day. You will be part of a dynamic, collaborative, and competitive team. You will be supported to build a rewarding career with opportunities to grow, innovate and inspire. Make history with us.

Location: Downers Grove, Illinois

Pay Rate: $23.00/hour

Shift: 2nd Shift (Generally starts as early as 2:45 PM until finish. Overtime and weekend work as needed. Start times and hours may vary based on production schedules, holidays, and staffing needs.)

Requirement: Strong attendance and punctuality are essential. Employees must remain in position for a minimum of one year and successfully complete a 90-day evaluation period.

HOW YOU WILL MAKE HISTORY HERE

As a Line 2 Packaging Bake Shop Helper/Break Lunch Relief, you will help keep Line 2 running safely, efficiently, and consistently by providing break, lunch, and day-off coverage across key packaging positions. You will operate packaging equipment, monitor product and packaging quality, support food safety and traceability requirements, and step into multiple positions as production needs change.

Success in this role requires flexibility, sound judgment, strong communication, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively with minimal supervision in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Provide break, lunch, and day-off coverage for Line 2 Packaging positions, including Bake Shop Helper, Slicer Feeder, and Bagger Operator/Caser.
• Follow the established break/lunch schedule and communicate schedule changes with your supervisor.
• Operate and make necessary adjustments to Bagger, Kwiklok, Wrapper, and Slicer equipment to support efficient line operation.
• Feed bread into slicers at an approximate rate of 55 loaves per minute.
• Monitor the Hartman slicer and Wrapper infeed, identify jams, and safely address issues according to established procedures.
• Case finished products into baskets or cases while maintaining required line speed.
• Monitor bread for appropriate size, weight, quality, and correct number of slices, promptly reporting variances to supervision.
• Inspect packaging and finished products for quality, including bag clarity, wrapping, bagging, and applicable product codes.
• Perform required checks at the main metal detector and accurately document results.
• Monitor, record, and maintain established product quality standards.
• Understand and follow the code board, formula specifications, label requirements, and lot code traceability procedures.
• Rack and unrack bread as needed.
• Complete daily communication boards and promptly communicate production, quality, food safety, or equipment concerns to supervision.
• Maintain assigned work areas according to 5S cleanliness, housekeeping, and organizational standards.
• Maintain strict compliance with HACCP, CTS, SOPs, Safety, GMP, and JSA requirements, with particular attention to contamination prevention, allergen control, formula control, and product traceability.
• Assist other Line 2 positions as production and operational needs require.
• Use required personal protective equipment and follow plant safety procedures and initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Work overtime and/or an earlier start time when necessary to support operational needs.

WHO YOU WILL WORK WITH

You will work closely with Line 2 Packaging team members, production supervision, and other plant employees to maintain continuous production and provide coverage throughout the shift.

Because you will rotate among multiple responsibilities, clear communication is essential. You will coordinate with supervision regarding break/lunch schedules, production concerns, product quality, food safety, equipment issues, and other operational changes.

WHAT YOU BRING TO THE TABLE (MUST HAVE)

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
• Two years of related experience and/or training, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability to learn and safely perform multiple Line 2 Packaging functions.
• Strong decision-making, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to exercise good judgment, resolve issues quickly when appropriate, and elevate concerns to supervision.
• Ability to work successfully with minimal supervision and contribute effectively in a team environment.
• Ability to follow strict HACCP, CTS, SOP, Safety, GMP, and JSA procedures and standards.
• Strong awareness of food safety requirements, including contamination prevention, allergen control, formula/label control, and lot code traceability.
• Ability to work effectively in a changing, fast-paced, and high-pressure manufacturing environment.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and regularly walk, stoop, climb, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, and use hands, fingers, and arms to handle materials and equipment.
• Ability to regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and push/pull heavy loads on wheeled dollies.
• Ability to work around moving mechanical equipment, vibration, forklift traffic, wet conditions, fumes or airborne particles, temperature extremes, and high industrial noise levels.
• Ability and willingness to properly use required PPE, which may include safety glasses, shields, gloves, hearing protection, respirators, and approved footwear.
• Flexibility to work overtime and earlier start times when operationally necessary.

IT WOULD BE GREAT IF YOU HAVE (NICE TO HAVE)

• Previous experience in a food manufacturing, bakery, packaging, or high-speed production environment.
• Experience operating packaging, bagging, slicing, wrapping, or case-packing equipment.
• Familiarity with HACCP, GMP, 5S, allergen controls, metal detection, lot traceability, and food-quality documentation.
• Previous experience performing multiple production-line functions or providing break/lunch relief coverage.

Individual base pay depends on work location and additional factors such as experience, job-related skills, and relevant education or training. Total pay may include other forms of compensation. In addition, we offer competitive health, dental, 401k and wellness benefits beginning on the first day of employment. Please ask your Talent Acquisition Partner for more information about our total rewards package.

The Company is committed to providing equal opportunity for employees and qualified applicants in all aspects of the employment relationship, including consideration for employment, without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, marital status, protected veteran status, disability, age, religion, or any other classification protected by law.