Utility Machine Operator, 1st Shift

Phillips Distilling Company (PDC); Princeton (MN); On-site; USD 30,307 - 35,128; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

4-day work week

Annual bonus potential

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Development opportunities

Job summary

Phillips Distilling Company invites qualified candidates to apply for a full-time Utility Machine Operator. The role supports production lines across multiple tasks with a 4-day work week and a starting pay range of $22.00–$25.50 per hour.

Under the supervision of the Line Lead, you will operate and set up labelers, case packers, and other equipment, perform quality checks, train teammates, and contribute to Lean manufacturing efforts while maintaining safety and high-quality output.

Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year of experience in a manufacturing environment.
• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Experience leading personnel preferred.
• Strong computer skills and ability to read/write English.

Responsibilities

• Support production lines by feeding, monitoring, adjusting equipment and QC.
• Set up and operate case packers, labelers, and palletizers.
• Lead shift setup and ensure proper paperwork and supplies.
• Provide training and direction to team members.
• Perform line changes, washouts, and cleanup tasks.
• Maintain safety and quality standards on the production line.

Skills

Team leadership

Communication

English literacy

Multitasking

Technical troubleshooting

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Oracle

ACE

COLOS

Label View

Microsoft Excel

Email

Job description

Phillips Distilling Company is currently inviting candidates to apply for a full-time Utility Machine Operator opportunity. The selected candidate will enjoy a 4-day work week, competitive compensation, annual bonus potential, development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package including generous paid time off and paid holidays.

Join the Phillips’ team today and enjoy being in good spirits every day!

Work Schedule:
Tuesday - Friday, 5:45 AM to 4:00 PM

Starting Pay Range:
$22.00 - $25.50 per hour

Where a candidate falls within the pay range will vary based on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, geographic location, education, skills and experience.

Job Summary:
Under the direction of the assigned Line Lead, this role assumes responsibilities across multiple positions, (Production Level I, Level II, Labeler Operator, Line Lead, EOL, and Special Projects) and performs a range of manual, technical, and machine-oriented tasks that maintain proper functioning of the production line and contribute to meeting the Company’s mission of developing and marketing high-quality brands and running best-in-class operations. Depending on Production department business needs, Utility Operators may be required to do several different tasks within a shift, such as fill in for employees that are absent, provide extra help to complete the daily schedules, and help train other employees.

Qualification Requirements:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Essential Functions:

• Performs various tasks to support the production lines, including: supplying the line, monitoring product, adjusting equipment and machines, dumping, stacking, hand packing, and quality control.
• Sets-up and operates case packers, labelers, camera systems, case erectors, and palletizers.
• Verifies product schedule and communicates critical information to incoming shifts and other appropriate personnel.
• Leads shift set-up, which includes ensuring proper functioning of power, air, and all production line equipment. Makes sure all shift paperwork and supplies are stocked and located correctly.
• Leads running employees through break schedules.
• Performs line change CIP washout and cleans labeler parts and cap changes when the line moves to a new product.
• Assists in the Rework Area, Special Projects, Tank Room, and EOL as needed.
• Performs Line Lead’s job responsibilities when needed, which includes working closely with team members to ensure all equipment operates efficiently and in accordance with production schedule in a manner not to sacrifice quality or safety.
• Provides work direction and training to team members as assigned.
• Screens full cases at predetermined time intervals to check for defects and completes corresponding quality check paperwork to ensure quality standards are met.
• Repackages, recodes, and performs other custom casework as needed based upon orders received from the Line Lead.
• Sweeps and mops the floor in the work area, removes trash from area, and places/crushes the trash and cardboard in the compactor.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Maintains a clean production area and stocks cleaning supplies properly.
• Actively participates in Lean Manufacturing teams to improve business processes.
• Transfers skills efficiently when working in various Production areas
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Production Supervisor.
• Documents production line down time on Thin Clients.
• Generates I-Service requests.
• Leads Lean Manufacturing teams.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Must have good computer skills in Oracle, ACE, COLOS, Label View, Microsoft Excel, and Email.
• Ability to read and write English and perform basic math.
• Must have good communication skills, the ability to lead and work well with others, and the ability to be flexible and multitask to meet production goals.
• Must have basic mechanical aptitude.
• Must have the ability to work with a different group of people on a regular basis to accomplish daily workload.
• Ability to use deductive reasoning in troubleshooting to solve work-related problems and require a minimal amount of supervision.
• Must be able to lead a team by providing work direction in the Line Lead, Labeler Operator, and Special Projects roles.
• Must have persistence in completing tasks under time constraints.
• Ability to pay close attention to detail and have proper manual dexterity.

Commitment to Safety and Continuous Improvement:

• Must be able to work in a safe and courteous manner while abiding by the Company’s safety policies and procedure and assisting with eliminating and/or controlling safety hazards.
• Must have the ability to work and participate in an environment that expects all employees to support wellness, safety, quality, and environmental responsibility.
• Must have the ability to participate in and support Continuous Improvement; including process improvement and Lean Manufacturing activities.

Minimum Requirements of Training and Experience:
Must have a minimum of 1-year experience in a manufacturing environment. Previous experience leading personnel and experience operating labeler machines and other production equipment preferred. High school diploma or equivalent preferred.

Physical Requirements and Environmental Conditions:
The ability to tolerate 90°F heat. Frequently lifts materials and ability to lift up to 50 lbs. on a non-repetitive basis. Must be able to stand for long periods of time and work a flexible work schedule.

Candidates offered employment will be required to submit to a background check, drug test and physical ability exam. Phillips Distilling Company is an E-Verify participating employer.

Phillips Distilling is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workforce. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or veteran status, among other factors. If a disability prevents you from applying for a job online, contact us via e-mail or in writing.

Benefits Overview:
PDC offers a comprehensive benefits package to support the health, well-being, and financial security of our employees and their families. Our benefits package includes:

• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision plans to meet individual/family needs.
• Financial Well-being: 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match, flexible spending accounts (FSAs), and health savings accounts (HSAs).
• Income Protection: Employer-paid life insurance, accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) insurance, short-term disability, and long-term disability coverage.
• Paid Time Off: Includes 9 paid holidays, annual PTO accrual, bereavement leave, and parental leave
• Additional Voluntary Benefits: Options for supplemental life insurance, critical illness, and accident insurance.
• Wellness Program: Incentives and resources to support physical and mental well-being.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential access to counseling, financial & legal planning, estate planning, wellness resources, and more to support employees and their families.
• Bonus Potential: Annual bonus opportunities based on individual and/or company performance.

This summary provides a general overview of available benefits. Specific details, including eligibility criteria and plan options, will be provided during the recruitment/onboarding process.

Qualifications

Skills

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Education

Experience

Licenses & Certifications

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.