VACATION RELIEF OPERATOR - Multiple Shifts Available

Lifeway Foods Inc; Wisconsin; On-site; USD 19,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

9 paid holidays annually

Benefits package

Job summary

Lifeway Foods Inc. is seeking a packagingOperations associate to support vacations across filling, packaging, and shipping functions at our Wisconsin facility.

The role involves following SQF standards, inspecting fill weights, and ensuring product integrity through weight checks and proper packaging material application. You will assist in maintaining clean areas and reporting machine status to supervisors.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent, with basic math and reading proficiency.
• Ability to read reports, follow SOPs and work instructions accurately.
• Familiarity with manufacturing software and Microsoft Office tools.

Responsibilities

• Follow SQF requirements and clean filling machines per procedures.
• Perform pre-operational sanitation inspections of processing areas.
• Inspect bottles, conduct random weight tests, ensure correct fill amounts.
• Monitor weight, lot numbers, and packaging materials for accuracy.
• Operate and maintain filling and sleeving equipment; report issues.
• Ensure inbound/outbound shipments are accurate and undamaged.

Skills

Reading reports

Math skills

Leadership

Self-efficacy

Excel/Outlook

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Manufacturing software

Inventory software

Excel/Outlook

Job description

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.

Summary

This position is primarily responsible for covering vacations for the packaging, filling, and shipping departments. Following SQF standards along with Lifeway Wisconsin policies and procedures by performing the following duties.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Follows SQF Requirements along with the company’s procedures to operate and clean filling machines
• Conducts pre-operational sanitation inspections to ensure food processing areas, product contact surfaces and equipment are clean before processing begins
• Monitor Lifeway Wisconsin Critical Control Point (Metal Detection)
• Inspects bottles being filled and conduct random weight tests to ensure proper fill amounts
• Ensure product weight within defined specification and provide corrective action when weights cannot be met
• Communicates machine status and unacceptable bottle quality to supervisor and/or Plant Manager
• Inspect product for color, flavor, texture
• Follow work instructions to ensure correct packaging materials are used
• Performs basic troubleshooting and routine maintenance on filling machines
• Comply with safety regulation and maintains a clean and orderly work area
• Ensures that inbound and outbound shipments are accurate, free of damage and follow SQF system along with company’s policies and procedures for such materials
• Pull and prepare product for shipping, ensuring the exact number and type of product is loaded and shipped
• Move product to storage locations, efficiently stacks and stores product in appropriate areas
• Wrap order on pallet for shipment
• Follow company’s procedures to operate and clean sleeving and packaging machine
• Follow work instructions to ensure correct sleeves are applied to bottles
• Inspect sleeves are being put on properly by machine
• Ensure lot number is correctly applied to containers
• Communicate machine status and unacceptable bottle quality to supervisor and/or Plant Manager
• Report to workstation on time; Wear proper work attire; Assist in setting up work area
• Conduct behavior in compliance with Lifeway Employee Policy
• 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
• 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

Why Lifeway?

• Explore exciting career growth opportunities in a thriving company
• Enjoy 9 paid holidays annually to rest and recharge
• Access comprehensive benefits, including Medical, Vision, Dental, Life, and Disability coverage - and more!
• Choose from flexible FSA and HSA options to meet your financial and healthcare needs
• Benefit from our Employee Assistance Program, offering support for new parents, legal and financial advice, mental health resources, and much more
• Plan for your future with our 401(k) Prof